nani
|
| Sun Oct 16, 2005 9:20 pm Fatigue: What You Should Know |
|
|
Glossary
adaptive equipment—Any device or tool that helps a person accommodate physical limitations present since birth or caused by injury or illness. It can be an aid for mobility, personal care, or work or leisure activities.
aerobic exercise—Activity using large muscle groups that raises the heart and breathing rates and increases endurance.
ankle/foot orthotic (AFO)—A device that helps stabilize the lower part of the leg and foot for standing and walking; a "short leg brace."
ataxia—Problems with muscle coordination. Ataxia can be small coordination problems, some irregular muscle movements, or total inability to coordinate body movements.
energy effectiveness strategies (EES)—Techniques to modify activities to reduce fatigue. EES involves careful analysis of a person's regular work, home, and leisure activities.
gait—The way a person walks.
gait assistive devices—Equipment to help people move around more easily. They include canes, crutches, ankle/foot orthotics, and other types of leg braces for walking.
health-care team—A group of professionals who work together to coordinate a person's medical care. For people with MS, the team may include a primary care doctor, physician specialists, nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologists, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
insomnia—Problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.
mobility devices—Equipment to help people move around more easily. They include gait assistive devices, wheelchairs, scooters, and transfer devices.
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS)—A short questionnaire that helps doctors evaluate a person's energy levels and the success of different approaches to improving problems with fatigue.
occupational therapist (OT)—A person trained to use daily activities, adaptive equipment, and environmental changes to help people increase their physical, mental, and emotional function and prevent disability in their work, play, and personal care.
personal care attendant—A person, such as a family member, friend, or hired helper, who assists with personal care or household tasks on a routine basis.
physical therapist (PT)—A person trained to use techniques such as exercise to prevent or reduce physical disability caused by pain, disease, or injury. PTs also are trained to evaluate when adaptive equipment may be helpful.
psychiatrist—A person trained to do assessment and counseling and prescribe medications for mental, emotional, and behavioral issues.
psychologist—A person trained to do assessment and counseling, for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues.
reasonable accommodations—Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, these are changes to a job or worksite that make it possible for a qualified person with a disability to apply for a job, do a job, and have equal employment benefits.
sedative—Medications that calm or soothe.
spasticity—Muscle stiffness or lack of flexibility caused by illness of the nervous system or injury.
transfer—The action of moving from one seat to another.
transfer devices—Equipment to help people move from one position (often sitting) and place to another. They include sliding boards and mechanical lifts.
visualization—A relaxation technique that includes a mental journey to a peaceful place or favorite activity |
|
