A Spinal Cord Injury is categorized as any sudden injury to the spinal vertebrae or spinal nerves with loss of function.  This injury can be the result of a traumatic incident or fall.  It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a suspected Spinal Cord Injury as these injuries can cause permanent impairment if left untreated.  These impairments can include permanent muscle weakness, loss of sensation and bodily function impairment.  Most of the traumatic injuries that cause a spinal cord injury with neurologic deficit have a fractured vertebra, are mechanically unstable and require emergency medical management.