In the first days after an injury, the care team talks in code: AIS, AD, DME, tenodesis, neurogenic this and orthostatic that. Here is that vocabulary in plain English. Type any word to filter the list, and follow the links to go deeper.

ADLs (activities of daily living)The everyday self-care tasks rehab focuses on: eating, grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transfers. "iADLs" are the next layer out (cooking, managing money, transportation).
AFO / KAFO (ankle-foot / knee-ankle-foot orthosis)Braces. An AFO supports the ankle and foot; a KAFO adds the knee. Used by some people with lower-level injuries to stand or do supported walking.
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD)A sudden, dangerous spike in blood pressure triggered by something below the injury (often a full bladder or bowel), in people injured at T6 and above. A medical emergency. Full guide »
ASIA exam / ISNCSCIThe standardized neurological exam of strength and sensation that defines your injury level and completeness. ISNCSCI is the formal name; people say "the ASIA exam." How it works »
AIS grade (A–E) (ASIA Impairment Scale)The completeness grade: A (complete) through D (motor incomplete, useful movement) to E (normal). What each grade means »
ATP (assistive technology professional)A certified specialist who evaluates and fits wheelchairs and seating. Insist on a proper seating evaluation with one before buying a chair or cushion. Why it matters »
Baclofen / ITB pumpA common medication for spasticity. When pills aren't enough, an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump delivers it directly to the spinal fluid. Never stop baclofen suddenly.
Bowel programA scheduled routine (timing, diet, suppositories, digital stimulation) that empties the bowel predictably and prevents accidents and complications. Building one »
Catheter (types)A tube to drain urine. Intermittent (in and out on a schedule), indwelling/Foley (stays in via the urethra), suprapubic (stays in through the lower belly), and condom/external (over the penis). Bladder guide »
CAUTI (catheter-associated UTI)A urinary tract infection linked to catheter use, the most common infection after SCI. Prevent & treat »
Central cord syndrome (CCS)A common incomplete pattern (often from a neck injury in older adults) where arms and hands are weaker than legs. More »
Complete vs. incompleteComplete = no motor or sensory function in the lowest sacral segments; incomplete = some signal still crosses the injury. Incomplete injuries recover more. Full explainer »
ContractureA joint that has stiffened and lost range of motion from not moving, often from unmanaged spasticity. Prevented with stretching and positioning.
Cough assist (MI-E) (mechanical insufflation-exsufflation)A machine that pushes air in then pulls it out to clear mucus when your cough is weak. Respiratory care »
CPAP / BiPAPBreathing-support machines used during sleep (and sometimes more). BiPAP gives two pressure levels. Both need backup power planning.
DermatomeThe patch of skin served by a single spinal nerve. Mapping where sensation stops helps pinpoint the injury level.
DME (durable medical equipment)Insurance's term for reusable medical gear: wheelchairs, cushions, shower chairs, lifts, hospital beds. The category you'll fight insurers over. Getting it covered »
DVT / PE (deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism)A blood clot in a leg vein (DVT) that can travel to the lungs (PE) — a real early risk after SCI. Signs & prevention »
FES (functional electrical stimulation)Using small electrical currents to make paralyzed muscles contract, for exercise (e.g., FES cycling) or function. More »
FoleyEveryday name for an indwelling urethral catheter (held in by a small balloon).
Heterotopic ossification (HO)Abnormal bone that forms in soft tissue around joints (often hips/knees) after SCI, causing swelling and lost motion. Signs »
Intermittent catheterization (IC)Draining the bladder with a single-use catheter several times a day, then removing it — often the healthiest long-term option. How-to »
IRF (inpatient rehabilitation facility)An intensive rehab hospital (usually 3+ therapy hours a day) where most people go after the acute hospital. Compare facilities »
Model SystemOne of the federally designated SCI Centers of Excellence for specialized care and research. The 18 centers »
Neurogenic bladder / bowelBladder or bowel that doesn't work normally because the nerve signals are disrupted — nearly universal after SCI, and manageable. Bladder » · Bowel »
Neuropathic painBurning, stabbing, or electric "nerve pain," often below the injury, from the damaged nervous system itself. Treated differently than ordinary pain. Options »
Orthostatic hypotensionBlood pressure dropping (dizziness, fainting) when you sit or stand up, common early on. Managing it »
OT (occupational therapy)Therapy focused on doing daily tasks — hand function, dressing, bathing, adaptive tools, home setup.
ParaplegiaInjury affecting the legs and possibly the trunk, with the arms spared (thoracic level and below).
Physiatrist (PM&R doctor)A physical medicine & rehabilitation physician — the doctor who quarterbacks SCI rehab and long-term care. Finding one »
Pressure injury (pressure ulcer / "bedsore," decubitus)Skin and tissue damage from unrelieved pressure over a bony area — a top cause of hospital readmission, and largely preventable. Prevention »
PT (physical therapy)Therapy for strength, mobility, transfers, wheelchair skills, and walking where possible. More »
Quad cough / assisted coughA caregiver technique pushing on the abdomen to help force out a stronger cough. Technique »
Sacral sparingPreserved function in the lowest (sacral) segments — sensation or squeeze around the anus. Its presence is what makes an injury "incomplete."
Sip-and-puffA control system operated by sipping or puffing on a straw, letting people with little hand function drive a power chair or use devices.
SpasticityInvoluntary muscle tightness, stiffness, or spasms below the injury. Sometimes useful, sometimes a problem; very treatable. Options »
Spinal shockA temporary "shutdown" right after injury (reflexes gone, muscles flaccid) that masks the true picture for days to weeks. More »
Suprapubic catheterAn indwelling catheter placed through the lower abdomen into the bladder, instead of through the urethra. Care & changing »
Tenodesis graspA functional pinch created by cocking the wrist back so the fingers curl — how people with C6-level injuries grip without finger muscles. By level »
Tetraplegia (quadriplegia)Injury affecting all four limbs and the trunk (cervical/neck level). Same meaning as quadriplegia.
Transfer / transfer boardMoving between surfaces (bed, chair, car, toilet). A transfer (slide) board bridges the gap. Technique »
UTI (urinary tract infection)Very common after SCI; symptoms can differ (cloudy urine, more spasticity, feeling unwell, AD). When to treat »
Ventilator / trachA machine (via a tracheostomy tube) that breathes for you, needed by some C1–C4 injuries. Vent life »
Vocational rehabilitation (VR)State programs that help with going back to school or work — training, equipment, and accommodations, often free. More »

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