What are the symptoms of an injury to the spinal cord?

An injury to the spinal cord can lead to significant changes in sensation and motor function due to the disruption of nerve pathways. Symptoms commonly include weakness, loss of sensation, and in more severe cases, paralysis below the level of the injury. This occurs because the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to this area disrupts these signals, resulting in the physical manifestations mentioned.

The other options describe symptoms that are not typically associated with spinal cord injuries. For instance, headaches and nausea may be related to a variety of conditions but do not specifically indicate spinal cord trauma. Immediate loss of consciousness can be a sign of a different type of injury or medical issue, such as a concussion. Severe headaches and confusion might hint at a concussion or other neurological issue, again not directly indicating a spinal cord injury. Hence, the symptoms in the correct choice accurately reflect the clinical implications of a spinal cord injury.