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Neurological Disorders

Neurological Disorders are an umbrella term used to describe various progressive disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (“DMD”)

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (“DMD”) is a disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. DMD is a genetic disorder causing muscle wasting that only affects boys. It is caused by a lack of protein which leads to a break down in muscle fibres. The condition is
progressive and causes muscles to weaken gradually.

SYMPTOMS

  • Difficulty walking long distances

  • Difficulty with ascending and descending the stairs

  • Frequent falling

  • Fatigue affecting writing and school work

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MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Myasthenia Gravis (“MG”) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes weakness of certain muscles.

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  • MG is classified as an autoimmune disorder as the body’s immune system attacks the receptors in the body that allow the nerves and muscles to communicate with each other.

  • The cause is unknown

  • Any voluntary muscle may be affected, but the eye muscles, face muscles, and muscles that control breathing and limb movement are most likely to be affected

  • Most people occasionally experience periods of generalized weakness

  • Symptoms generally worsen with physical activity and improve with rest

SYMPTOMS

  • Weakened eye muscles may lead to blurred or double vision

  • If the limbs are affected, people may have difficulty walking or performing activities of daily living​

MOTOR NEURON DISEASE (“MND”)

Motor Neuron Disease (“MND”) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“ALS”) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord impacting voluntary muscle movement.

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  • MND or ALS results in progressive muscle weakness and wasting, usually first affecting limbs, trunk regions, without sensory disturbance

  • Can lead to decreasing mobility and postural changes

  • Can affect adults of any age

SYMPTOMS

  • Individuals stumbling, falls or trips

  • Foot drop

  • Loss of dexterity

  • Weakened grip

  • Cramps

  • Tremors

  • Change in voice quality, such as quiet or slurred speech

  • Muscle wasting

  • Loss of function in limbs

  • Weakness and wasting of muscles of the trunk and neck

HOW WE CAN HELP

At Get Going Solutions Centre, our Occupational Therapist will conduct an extensive, comprehensive assessment to determine the type of difficulty, the severity, as well as the impact on Activities of Daily Living (“ADL”). A detailed report will be completed, along with a treatment plan specific to each individual’s needs. Recommendations for the safest diet will be made in order to avoid any further health complications.


Intervention can focus on:

  • Finding alternative methods / compensatory strategies to perform activities of daily living (e.g. bathing, dressing, using the toilet)

  • Addressing deficits such as weakness, sensory loss, and cognitive or visual impairments that limit engagement in ADLs and instrumental ADLs (“IADLS”) (IADLS: carrying groceries, cooking a meal, managing money, parenting)

  • Provide cognitive retraining exercises to address specific cognitive skills, such as attention, memory and executive functioning

  • Assessing the home and work environment to identify potential hazards and to create a more functional environment specific to the client's needs

  • Recommending special equipment or assistive devices / technology for use at home, school or work

  • Teaching the client and caregiver how to properly use adaptive equipment, like orthotics, braces or wheelchairs

  • Recommending exercises to strengthen fine motor skills, coordination and cognition

  • Teaching the client and/or caregiver on exercises and home programmes for carryover in the home

  • Educating the client and caregiver on energy effectiveness strategies and stress management techniques to promote well being

  • Environmental and behavioural modifications (home and job-site)

  • Home modifications may include accessible designs for all rooms in one’s house, ramps, wheelchair lifts or elevators and stair lifts

  • Positioning to maintain range of motion, and minimize pain

"Make Better Choices, Make Life Easier"

If you're living with limited mobility there are a number of mobility aids available which can make it easier for you get around - whether you're inside or outside. From help getting to and from your car, to effective mobility equipment which can aid you climbing the stairs, our range of care and mobility aids can assist you in making daily activities simpler and more enjoyable.

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