Patients develop bilateral motor weakness that may be asymmetric, a well‑defined sensory level (loss of all modalities below the lesion with a band of dysesthesia at the level), and autonomic signs—most commonly urinary retention, but also bowel dysfunction and sexual disturbance. Onset is acute to sub‑acute, evolving over hours to days; the nadir is usually reached within 4 hours to 21 days, most commonly by day 10. Cervical lesions can precipitate respiratory insufficiency, whereas thoracic lesions present with paraplegia and bladder emptying problems. Clinical trajectory check Link new findings to the underlying process and the compensatory response that is succeeding or failing. Reassess objective trends such as perfusion, oxygenation, mental status, pain pattern, labs, and response to time-limited interventions so the next action reflects improvement or deterioration rather than a memorized label. Clinical trajectory check Link new findings to the underlying process and the compensatory response that is succeeding or failing. Reassess objective trends such as perfusion, oxygenation, mental status, pain pattern, labs, and response to time-limited interventions so the next action reflects improvement or deterioration rather than a memorized...