Damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Causes of damage include trauma (car accident, gunshot, falls, etc.), disease (polio), or genetic condition (spina bifida). The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with SCI, the spinal cord is intact but the damage to it results in loss of functioning.