Final answer:
The majority of new spinal cord injuries involve paralysis, with the extent depending on the location and severity of the injury. Treatments like stem cell transplants are being researched to reconnect severed nerves and minimize inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The majority of new spinal cord injuries in the United States each year involve paralysis. The extent of the paralysis depends on the location and severity of the injury along the spinal cord. For example, damage to the spinal cord at the level of the neck can cause paralysis from the neck down, while damage further down may result in paralysis limited to the legs. Spinal cord injuries are difficult to treat because spinal nerves do not regenerate, but ongoing research is exploring stem cell transplants and other treatments to reconnect severed nerves and prevent inflammation.
Keywords: spinal cord injuries, paralysis, location, severity, treatment, stem cell transplants, nerves, inflammation