A patient with C4 AIS A SCI is being evaluated for feeding independence. Which statement BEST describes the expected feeding ability?

A patient with C4 AIS A SCI is being evaluated for feeding independence. Which statement BEST describes the expected feeding ability?

• A. Independent with setup using adaptive equipment
• B. Dependent unless using an automatic feeder with setup and adaptive equipment
• C. Fully independent without any adaptive equipment
• D. Independent with a universal cuff and built-up utensils only

Answer: (B)

Feeding independence after a high cervical spinal cord injury depends on what motor function remains in the upper limbs. At C4 AIS A, there is little to no functional use of the hands or fingers, so the patient cannot grasp, manipulate utensils, or bring food to the mouth without assistance. Adaptive equipment can help, but without some usable hand function, independence with utensils alone is unlikely. An automatic feeder can perform the feeding motion, but it still requires setup and planning by a caregiver to position food and operate the device. Therefore, the patient would be dependent for feeding unless using an automatic feeder with setup and adaptive equipment.

Feeding independence after a high cervical spinal cord injury depends on what motor function remains in the upper limbs. At C4 AIS A, there is little to no functional use of the hands or fingers, so the patient cannot grasp, manipulate utensils, or bring food to the mouth without assistance. Adaptive equipment can help, but without some usable hand function, independence with utensils alone is unlikely. An automatic feeder can perform the feeding motion, but it still requires setup and planning by a caregiver to position food and operate the device. Therefore, the patient would be dependent for feeding unless using an automatic feeder with setup and adaptive equipment.