Mental Disorders

Disability Specialists
A. Definition A mental disorder, also called a mental illness or a psychiatric disorder, is a mental or behavioral pattern or anomaly that causes suffering and/or a diminished ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life. It is a medical condition that disrupts thinking, mood, the ability to relate…
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Ménière’s Disease

Disability Specialists
A. Definition Ménière’s disease, also called endolymphatic hydrops, is a disorder of the inner ear that causes spontaneous episodes of rotary vertigo, along with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure within the ear. It was named after the French physician, Prosper Ménière, who, in 1861, was the…
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Lupus erythematosus

Disability Specialists
A. Definition Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by Lupus can affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus erythematosus…
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Joint dysfunction

Disability Specialists
A. Definition Joint dysfunction is the gross anatomical deformity, i.e., subluxation, contracture, or bony or fibrous ankylosis, and chronic pain and stiffness of any joint, with limitation of motion, instability, or abnormal motion of the affected joint(s). Findings on medically appropriate imaging will show joint space narrowing, bony destruction, or…
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Hearing Loss

Disability Specialists
A. Definition The definitions of deafness and hard of hearing (HoH) are not the same but they are often used interchangeably. You are HoH if you don’t hear well. You are deaf if your inability to hear makes it impossible for you to rely on the spoken language as your…
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Fibromyalgia

Disability Specialists
A. Definition Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory problems, and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. It is thought to be the result of overactive nerves. There are guidelines that…
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Epilepsy

Disability Specialists
A. Definition Epilepsy is a group of related disorders of the central nervous system in which the nerve cell activity in your brain is disturbed, leading to a seizure causing abnormal behavior, sensations, and often, the loss of consciousness. It is characterized by a tendency for recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is…
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Down’s Syndrome

Disability Specialists
Definition Down’s syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by having three copies of the genes found on chromosome 21, rather than the normal two copies. Normal human cells have 23 paired chromosomes. Individuals with Down ’s syndrome have an extra chromosome 21 in their cells. This extra chromosome can be…
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Disorders of the Spine

Disability Specialists
A. Definition The spinal cord is the main pathway of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It is a long, fragile, tube-like structure that extends downward from the base of the brain. The cord is protected by the back bones (vertebrae) of the spine (spinal column).…
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Digestive Disorders

Disability Specialists
Definition Disorders that affect the digestive (gastrointestinal) system are called digestive disorders. Some disorders simultaneously affect several parts of the digestive system, whereas others affect only one part or organ. Common symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, regurgitation, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, and stomach cramps. Treatment includes a combination of…
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