Diagnosis and prognosis of acute cervical spinal cord injury.

The diagnosis of complete or incomplete quadriplegia and designation of functional levels can be accurately determined during the first 24 hours after injury in virtually all cases of severe traumatic quadriplegia. The prognosis for recovery depends upon an understanding of regeneration of nerve roots following injury and the significance of return of involuntary reflex activity. A realistic prognosis and accurate evaluation of various forms of treatment depend upon accurate documentation of the pattern of sensory and motor deficits.