Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible.
Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.
Recently Answered
- Q What causes spastic paralysis?
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Spastic paralysis occurs when motor neurons, which control movement, are damaged. This damage may result from an injury that a newborn sustains before birth or during early infancy, resulting in cerebral palsy. In rare cases it is hereditary, with the... Full Answer
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- Q What increases the risk for spastic paralysis?
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Spastic paralysis can be the result of a serious injury or infection before or after birth. Therefore, if your newborn develops meningitis or sepsis or endures a serious trauma soon after being born, their risk for developing a condition that causes... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat spastic paralysis?
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Medications may not be helpful in treating spastic paralysis caused by an inherited mutate gene. But for spastic paralysis caused by cerebral palsy, sometimes medications are administered to help with muscle movement. Drugs like diazepam and tizanidine,... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for spastic paralysis?
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Spastic paralysis is a symptom of damage to motor neurons, which creates limited movement of arms and legs. This damage can be caused by cerebral palsy or through an inherited genetic mutation. Currently there is no cure for these conditions, but... Full Answer
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- Q How is spastic paralysis diagnosed?
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Spastic paralysis is often a symptom of other conditions such as cerebral palsy. This condition is characterized by weak, stiff muscles and involuntary movement and can be diagnosed with a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI), after age two. When... Full Answer
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- Q How does spastic paralysis affect the body?
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Spastic paralysis affects the body in several ways. Movement of the arms and legs is limited and muscles tend to be weak and tense. Voluntary movement can also be affected, depending on the severity of the condition. Everyday activities like walking or... Full Answer
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- Q How can spastic paralysis be managed on a daily basis?
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Spastic paralysis can be managed with consistent physical therapy. This can help instill confidence and help the affected individual gain more control over their movements. It can also help expand range of motion. Organizations such as the United... Full Answer
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- Q Can spastic paralysis be prevented?
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Spastic paralysis is sometimes a symptom of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can sometimes be avoided if care is taken to not expose babies to pre- or postnatal infections. Sometimes, as when prematurity or oxygen deprivation causes cerebral palsy,... Full Answer
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- Q Does spastic paralysis affect children differently than adults?
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Spastic paralysis is almost always diagnosed in childhood because it is typically either a product of cerebral palsy (which is usually diagnosed a little after age two) or it is due to an inherited trait that will become apparent in childhood. For... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect spastic paralysis?
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Spastic paralysis is often a symptom of cerebral palsy, which is in itself a different condition. Cerebral palsy is commonly caused by pre- or postnatal infections, like sepsis, meningitis, or rubella. Spastic paralysis has been known to cause other... Full Answer
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