Physical impairments are caused by congenital or acquired diseases and disorders or by trauma/injury and affect the normal functioning of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves. People with physical impairments may experience paralysis, weakness, fatigue, and have difficulty controlling/coordinating muscles, walking, talking, seeing, speaking, grasping, reaching, and manipulating.

Common disabilities that occur as a result of physical impairment include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, head injury, amputation, and multiple sclerosis. Assistive devices used by people with mobility disabilities include crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and manipulation aids (e.g., prosthetics, orthotics, reachers).

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy is defined as damage to the motor areas of the brain prior to brain maturity (most cases of CP occur before, during, or shortly following birth). CP is a type of injury, not a disease (although it can be caused by a disease), and does not get worse over time; it is also not "curable." Some causes of cerebral palsy are high temperature, lack of oxygen, and an injury to the head. The most common types are:

• Spastic, where the individual moves stiffly and with difficulty
• Ataxic, characterized by a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception
• Athetoid, characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled motion

Most cases are combinations of the three types.

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Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury can result in paralysis or paresis (weakening). The extent of paralysis/paresis and the parts of the body affected are determined by how high or low on the spine the damage occurs and the type of damage to the cord. Quadriplegia involves all four limbs and is caused by injury to the upper region (cervical) of the spine; paraplegia involves only the lower extremities and is caused by injury to the mid-lower back. Car accidents are the most frequent cause of spinal cord injury, followed by falls/jumps and gunshot wounds.

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Head Injury (Cerebral Trauma)

The term "head injury" is used to describe a wide array of injuries, including concussion, brain stem injury, closed head injury, cerebral hemorrhage, depressed skull fracture, foreign object (e.g., bullet), anoxia, and post-operative infections. Like spinal cord injuries, head injuries often result in paralysis and paresis, but there can be a variety of other effects as well. However, many of these are not permanently or severely disabled.

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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is caused by car accidents, falls, recreational activities, and abuse. People with TBI may experience physical (e.g., decreased stamina, seizures, hearing losses, vision problems), cognitive (memory problems, attention and concentration difficulties, reduced intellectual functioning), and emotional problems (depression, personality disorders). Recovery from brain injury is considered a lifelong process, therefore, the student's needs will require continual monitoring and reassessment.

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Amputation

Amputation may be due to trauma (e.g., explosions, mangling in a machine, severance, burns) or surgery (due to cancer, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes). Usually prosthetics are worn, although these do not result in full return of function.

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a progressive disease of the central nervous system characterized by the destruction of the insulating material covering nerve fibers. People with MS may experience poor muscle control, weakness and fatigue, difficulty walking, talking, seeing, sensing or grasping objects, and intolerance of heat. Onset is between the ages of 10 and 40. This is one of the most common neurological diseases, affecting as many as 500,000 people in the U.S. alone.

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Seizure Disorder

A seizure disorder (epilepsy) is a neurological disorder that results in an improper functioning of brain cells that may cause seizures. A seizure is a temporary condition in which a person experiences a lapse or loss of consciousness. When a seizure occurs the brain loses partial or complete control over the muscles of the body. The person may or may not fall down, have twitching muscles, or a convulsion. In most cases, a seizure disorder is partially or totally controlled through the administration of prescribed medication.

Some causes of seizure disorders are brain injuries due to accidents, fever-related convulsions, brain damage from prenatal or birth injuries, infectious disease, tumors, kidney disease, and substance abuse.

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