Neurologic improvement
Recovery of function depends on severity of the initial injury. Unfortunately, patients with a complete SCI are unlikely to regain function below the injury level. If some degree of improvement occurs, it usually manifests within the first few days after injury.
Incomplete SCIs usually improve somewhat over time, but this varies with the specific injury. Although full recovery is rare, some patients may be able to improve enough to ambulate and control their bowel and bladder functions.