1. Paraplegia: The impairment of motor and or sensory function in the thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spinal cord. One is fully able to use the arms, but there is paralysis in the legs and possibly the trunk.

2. Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia: The impairment of motor and or sensory function in the cervical areas of the spinal cord. This results in loss of function of the arms, trunk and legs.

3. Complete Injury: A total absence of sensory and motor function below the level of injury.

4. Incomplete Injury: Partial preservation of sensory and/or motor functions below the neurological level of injury.

5. Tenodesis: When the wrist is extended, the hand naturally becomes fisted. This enables the person without finger movement to pick up and release objects and to be more independent.

6. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Part of the nervous system which functions outside of consciousness. This systems directs and regulates breathing, hear rate and digestion.

7. Autonomic Dysreflexia: This is seen in persons whose injuries are above the T4-T6 level. It is caused by a reaction of the ANS in response to a noxious stimulus in the body, such as a distended bladder, pain stimulation, or impacted bowels. Symptoms include perspiration, flushing, chills, hypertension and a pounding headache. This is a medical emergency and the symptoms must be reversed at once. Autonomic dysreflexia is treated by placing the person in an upright position to reduce the extremely high blood pressure. The cause of the noxious stimulus must be alleviated immediately. Then, the blood pressure and other symptoms are monitored until they return to normal.

8. Orthostatic Hypotension: With the lack of muscle tone in the abdomen and legs, blood may pool in these areas, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. The person is reclined or tilted back in the wheelchair to restore the blood pressure.