Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a result of hardening of the motor neurons. The resulting effects are weakness and wasting away of muscle tissues. The disease has no cure and eventually progresses to total paralysis, respiratory failure, and death.

Arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints and, according to the National Arthritis Foundation, is the number one cause of physical disability.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive inherited disease in which chloride ions cannot be transported across membranes of the body. It is characterized by the production of a thick mucus in the pancreas and lungs. The clogging of the lungs by the thick mucus causes the body's immune system to attack its own cells - causing damage to lung tissues. Resulting are problems with breathing, digestion, subsequent lung infection, and possible death.

Multiple Sclerosis

Affects the central nervous system by attacking cells of the brain and spinal cord. Resulting is reduced nerve function - including possible numbness, difficulty walking, paralysis, and blindness.

Paralysis

Paralysis can be acquired through injury, infection, hemorrhage, or tumors. It is due to damage of motor neurons that typically pass messages from the brain to the muscle tissue. Extensive damage to the neurons leaves permanent paralysis since the neurons are unable to regrow. Since the motor neurons are merely blocked instead of damaged, infection or less severe trauma can be temporary - termed paresis.

Types of paralysis:

• Monoplegia - paralysis of one limb
• Hemiplegia - paralysis of two limbs on the same side of the body
• Paraplegia or Diplegia - paralysis of both lower limbs
• Quadriplegia or Tetraplegia - paralysis of all four limbs

Possible causes of paralysis:

• Poliomylitis
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis (commonly known as polio) is caused by a viral infection of the spinal cord. Resulting from such an infection can be reduced ability to control muscular functions and sometimes paralysis. Although eradicated in 2000 in the United States and Canada, it is possible for physical therapists to still encounter one of the few patients suffering the aftermath of a poliomyelitis infection in either one of these countries, or working abroad in areas such as Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia where the virus has not yet been eradicated.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Depending on the level at which the spinal cord is injured, surviving patients may be left with paralysis.

Stroke

Stroke is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. The resulting lack of oxygen and nutrients causes permanent damage to the brain tissue and physical disabilities such as paralysis on one or both sides of the body. Such paralysis can leave the patient unable to walk, eat, speak, or perform other daily activities at previous levels.

Comments regarding this site should be directed to Chris Lewis at (616) 331-3958