Which assessment indicates potential spinal cord injury?

A presence of paralysis is a significant indicator of potential spinal cord injury. This symptom can arise from damage to the spinal cord, which disrupts the pathways that transmit signals between the brain and the body. When a patient exhibits paralysis, whether it is partial or complete, it suggests that there may be an injury to the spinal cord affecting motor function.

In contrast, a GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) score of 15 indicates that the individual is fully awake and alert, which does not correlate with spinal cord injury. Normal movement would suggest that the spinal cord is intact and functioning properly, as it implies that nerve signals are effectively reaching the muscles. Minimal sensation loss may indicate some level of nerve function remains intact, potentially indicating a less severe injury or even an injury outside of the spinal cord itself. Therefore, the clear and definitive sign among the options that indicates potential spinal cord injury is the presence of paralysis.