SCI
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Spinal cord injury |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical, Military |
SCI has two meanings. It stands for Spinal cord injury (neurology) or Sensitive compartmented information (military term).
Meanings of SCI at a glance
| # | SCI stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spinal cord injury | Medical › Neurology |
| 2 | Sensitive compartmented information | Military › Military Term |
1. Spinal cord injury
Medical · Neurology Abbreviations
Damage to the spinal cord from trauma or disease that impairs movement, sensation and autonomic function below the level of injury. Injuries in the neck cause tetraplegia, while lower injuries cause paraplegia; motor vehicle crashes and falls are the leading causes.
Example: C5 complete SCI after diving into shallow water; ASIA A, admitted to neuro ICU.
Severity is graded on the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, from A (complete) to E (normal). Injuries at T6 or above can cause autonomic dysreflexia, a dangerous blood pressure surge triggered by stimuli such as a full bladder. About 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States, mostly in young men. Actor Christopher Reeve's 1995 injury brought public attention to SCI research.
2. Sensitive compartmented information
Military · Military Term Abbreviations
Classified information derived from intelligence sources and methods that must be handled within formal access control systems, available only to people with specific approved access and a need to know.
Example: The briefing on the satellite program was held at the SCI level.
Compartments, called control systems, include special intelligence (SI) for communications intelligence and TALENT KEYHOLE (TK) for overhead collection. SCI may be read only in accredited facilities called SCIFs. The Director of National Intelligence oversees SCI policy.
Related abbreviations
More neurology abbreviations
- RCVS – Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
- RLS – Restless legs syndrome
- RRMS – Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- SAH – Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- SDH – Subdural hematoma
- SE – Status epilepticus
- SMA – Spinal muscular atrophy
- SPMS – Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
See all 131 neurology abbreviations →
More military term abbreviations
- S-4 – Logistics staff section
- S-6 – Communications staff section
- SALUTE – Size, activity, location, unit, time, equipment
- SAP – Special access program
- SCIF – Sensitive compartmented information facility
- SDO – Staff duty officer
- SEAD – Suppression of enemy air defenses
- SECDEF – Secretary of Defense
See all 248 military term abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.