The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS)

The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) is a standardized tool used by medical professionals to classify the severity of a spinal cord injury. It assesses motor and sensory function below the injury level to determine how much a person's nerves are affected. The scale ranges from Grade A (complete injury with no sensation or motor function preserved) to Grade E (normal sensation and motor function). This helps healthcare providers understand the injury's extent, guide treatment, and predict recovery prospects. In essence, AIS provides a clear way to describe and communicate the severity of spinal cord damage.