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Frequently Asked Questions
We often get asked many questions from those unaware of what a Spinal Cord Injury is about both the injury itself and our organisation.
To help lighten the burden of answering each person individually, we have here the answers to the most common questions.
- What does SCI mean?
- SCI stands for 'spinal cord injury'. It can happen due to trauma or illness and means that the spinal cord has been severed or damaged, either completely or incompletely, resulting in paralysis from the point of injury/damage down.
- What's the difference between paraplegia and tetraplegia?
- Paraplegia means that a person is paralysed from the chest or waist down. Tetraplegia involves the upper trunk and arms too.
- Why do some people say 'quadriplegic' instead of 'tetraplegic'?
- In the UK and Europe, it's more usual for tetraplegic (from the Greek 'tetra' meaning 'four') to be used, while in the States, the Latin word for four ('quad') is the norm. Both quadriplegic and tetraplegic mean the same thing; that a person is paralysed in all four limbs.
- Can you recover from a spinal cord injury?
- Those experiencing partial injury or damage to the spinal cord may recover some feeling or movement following the wearing off of the initial 'spinal shock'. However, there is currently no treatment that can repair a complete spinal lesion and so the effects are permanent.
- How does SIA support people with spinal cord injury?
- By offering support services which have been identified as necessary by spinal cord injured people themselves. These services include an SIA Peer Support Service available at the Spinal Cord Injury Centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a freephone Advice Line, a Health Information Service, an Ageing Service, Workwise - a service to support people back into work or volunteering, Roadshows with varied programmes of interest to the spinal cord injured community around the country, a wide range of publications, bi-monthly magazine FORWARD, an online bulletin e-clips, and much more.
- How can I get involved with SIA?
- You can get involved in a number of ways. If you're not already a member, why not join us? Membership is open to all, not just spinal cord injured people. Or you may like to become a volunteer and get involved in our Peer Support Service (for this you must be spinal cord injured yourself). Volunteers are also needed to help with fundraising so see the relevant sections on this website to see how you can get involved. If you’re looking for paid working or volunteering, have a look at our Job Vacancies section to see what’s currently available. Or perhaps you’re interested in becoming a Trustee and putting your skills to good use by helping formulate policy and direction for the organisation? Each year, the SCI membership of SIA elects its new Board of Trustees (all full Trustees must be spinal cord injured). The Board of Trustees, also known as the Governing Council, sets SIA policy, monitors activities and ensures that the Association acts at all times within the terms of current legislation. Contact the SIA Office for further information on becoming a Trustee.
- Can I join online?
- Yes!! Membership of SIA is just a click away. Just go through to our
membership section for more details. As a member you’ll receive a free copy of our bi-monthly magazine FORWARD, packed with pages of news, views and information for spinal cord injured people, their families, friends and healthcare professionals. We’ll also send you our online bulletin e-clips in-between issues of FORWARD to keep you up to date. And if you’re spinal cord injured and you fill in a Direct Debit, your first year’s membership is free. What are you waiting for!!!