Final answer:
Symptoms of a spinal injury include paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty with balance and coordination. These symptoms result from the disruption of nerve impulses due to physical damage to the spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three indications that an injury has occurred to the spine are as follows:
- Loss of movement (paralysis) which may affect all areas of the body below the level of injury, resulting in states such as quadriplegia or paraplegia.
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch, due to interruption of nerve impulses traveling between the brain and the body beyond the point of injury.
- Difficulty with balance and coordination, because the spinal cord is an essential part of the central nervous system that contributes to maintaining balance.
It's important to note that a spinal cord injury may cause temporary or permanent changes in bodily functions and is notoriously difficult to treat due to the poor regenerative capacity of spinal nerves. Immediate medical attention is critical if a spinal injury is suspected.