Which of the following symptoms might indicate a spinal injury?

Loss of sensation can be a significant indicator of a spinal injury because it suggests that there may be damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots. The spinal cord acts as a crucial pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When these pathways are compromised due to a spinal injury, it can lead to neurological deficits, which commonly present as numbness, tingling, or complete loss of sensation in the extremities or other areas of the body. This symptom can arise from conditions such as compression of the spinal cord, trauma, or herniated discs.

Nausea, confusion, and headache are symptoms that can arise from a variety of medical conditions and are not specific indicators of a spinal injury. They might indicate other issues such as concussions, internal injuries, or infections, making them less reliable as direct signs of spinal cord damage. Thus, the presence of loss of sensation is a more definitive concern that warrants immediate medical evaluation for potential spinal injuries.