What classification does ASIA A signify?

ASIA A designates a complete spinal cord injury, where there is no motor or sensory function preserved in the sacral segments (S4-S5). This means that the individual cannot feel or move below the level of the injury, indicating a total loss of spinal cord function. In cases classified as ASIA A, all neurological functions are absent in the affected segments, which aligns with the criteria for a complete injury.

In contrast, the other classifications indicate varying degrees of preserved function. Incomplete injuries would show some level of motor or sensory preservation, while ASIA A’s designation specifically reflects the absence of all function in the affected areas. This distinction is crucial in understanding the impacts of spinal injuries on patient treatment and prognosis.