ASIA Impairment Scale (Spinal Cord Injury)
Classifies completeness of spinal cord injury (SCI) using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS).
Score interpretation
No sensory or motor function preserved in the sacral segments S4–S5.
→ Spinal injury centre care; record the neurological level and zones of partial preservation; repeat ISNCSCI examinations to track change.
Sensory but no motor function preserved below the neurological level, including S4–S5; no motor function more than 3 levels below the motor level on either side.
→ Spinal injury centre care; repeat examinations (sensory incomplete injuries can convert to motor incomplete).
Motor function preserved below the neurological level; less than half of the key muscles below it have grade ≥ 3.
→ Spinal injury centre care and rehabilitation; repeat examinations.
Motor function preserved below the neurological level; at least half of the key muscles below it have grade ≥ 3.
→ Rehabilitation; repeat examinations.
Sensation and motor function normal in all segments in a patient who had prior deficits (someone without a spinal cord injury does not receive an AIS grade).
→ Document the previous neurological level; deficits outside the ISNCSCI examination (e.g. spasticity, pain) may persist.
Interpretation bands for the ASIA Scale. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.
