Abstract
A focal spinal cord injury produces electrophysiologic abnormalities primarily reflecting local cord destruction as well as the disconnection of the remaining cord from the rest of the central nervous system. The local area of destruction frequently spans 3-4 myotomes. Evidence of more subtle damage is often seen caudally, as well as abnormalities that reflect the isolation of the still-intact spinal cord. These abnormalities include changes in excitability of monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes, as well as autonomic output.