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Injury to the largest part of the brain (cerebrum) can lead to the loss of nerve functions in different areas. Many children with this condition have increased muscle tone (spasticity).
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CP can be caused by a number of different mechanisms at various times of life, ranging from several weeks after conception, through birth, to early childhood. In the twentieth century, it was accepted that most cases of CP were due to brain injur...
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CP can be caused by a number of different mechanisms at various times—from several weeks after conception, through birth, and into early childhood. For many years it was accepted that most cases of CP were due to brain injuries received dur...
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By definition, the defect in cerebral function causing CP is nonprogressive. However, the symptoms of CP often change over time.
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As noted, CP has many causes, making a discussion of the genetics of CP complicated. A number of hereditary/genetic syndromes have signs and symptoms similar to CP, but usually also have problems not typical of CP.
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By definition, the defect in cerebral function causing CP is nonprogressive. However, the symptoms of CP often change over time.
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CP is caused by damage to an infant's brain before, during or shortly after delivery. The part of the brain that is damaged determines what parts of the body are affected.There are a number of factors which appear to predispose a child to CP inclu...
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The symptoms of CP are usually not noticeable at birth. As children develop in the first 18 months of life, however, they progress through a predictable set of developmental milestones.
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Mental retardation is a condition diagnosed before age 18 that includes below-average general intellectual function, and a lack of the skills necessary for daily living.Mental retardation affects about 1- 3% of the population. There are many cause...
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Mental retardation(MR) is a developmental disability that first appears in children under the age of 18. It is defined as a level of intellectual functioning(as measured by standard intelligence tests) that is well below average and results in sig...
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Mental retardation(MR) is a developmental disability that first appears in children under the age of 18. It is defined as a level of intellectual functioning(as measured by standard intelligence tests) that is well below average and results in sig...
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Mental retardation is a developmental disability that first appears in children under the age of 18. It is defined as an intellectual functioning level(as measured by standard tests for intelligence quotient) that is well below average and signifi...
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Mental retardation is a developmental disability that first appears in children under the age of 18. It is defined as an intellectual functioning level(as measured by standard tests for intelligence quotient) that is well below average and signifi...
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According to the definition in the American Psychiatric Association''s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual(DSM-IV), a mentally retarded person is significantly limited in at least two of the following areas: self-care, communication, home living, soc...
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(Also called sociocultural or cultural-familial retardation).Mild mental retardation attributed to environmental causes and generally involving some degree of psychosocial disadvantage.The majority of persons suffering from mental retardation fall...
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Hearing loss is the total or partial inability to hear sound in one or both ears.Decreased hearing; Deafness; Loss of hearing; Conductive hearing loss; Sensorineural hearing loss.Minor decreases in hearing are common after age 20.Hearing problems ...
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Detailed information on hearing loss, including sudden hearing loss and treatment
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Most people over age 65 have some hearing loss, and by age 80, almost everyone does. Because hearing loss usually occurs slowly over the years, you may not realize your hearing ability has gotten worse.
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Detailed information on hearing loss, including sudden hearing loss and treatment
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Detailed information on hearing loss, including management of hearing loss Early intervention and detection of hearing loss is necessary to prevent additional problems with speech and language development. A healthcare team approach is normally used when a child is diagnosed with some degree of hearing loss. Team members include the following:
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Detailed information on hearing loss, including sudden hearing loss and treatment
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A consumer's guide to the new hearing aid technologies as well as an overview of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss. Strategies for preventing hearing loss and preserving your hearing are also described.
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Many experts urge hearing tests before newborns leave the hospital. Every year, about 12,000 American babies are born with hearing problems.
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Nearly 30 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, including one of every three people ages 65 to 75. Yet just a fraction of us seek help. Here's why.
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An open-fit hearing aid, which leaves the ear canal open instead of covering the opening, helps eliminate distortion caused by sound waves, and may be more comfortable for wearers.
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Parents and pediatricians should know how to detect hearing problems at various stages during a child's first three years of life.
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Detailed information on hearing loss in babies According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 12,000 babies are born each year in the United States with a hearing impairment. It is estimated that serious hearing loss occurs in about one to three of every 1,000 healthy newborns, and in two to four of every 100 babies in newborn intensive care units. Without screening or testing, hearing loss may not be noticed until the baby is more than 1 year old. If hearing loss is not detected until later years, there will not be stimulation of the brain's hearing centers. This can affect the maturation and development of hearing, and can delay speech and language. Social and emotional development and success in school may also be affected.
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As you age, some hearing loss is normal. You lose more than the ability to hear how loud a sound is. You also lose the ability to hear certain types of sounds. For example, you might not be able to hear some of the high-pitched sounds of a child's voice.
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Detailed information on hearing loss in babies According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 12,000 babies are born each year in the United States with a hearing impairment. It is estimated that serious hearing loss occurs in about one to three of every 1,000 healthy newborns, and in two to four of every 100 babies in newborn intensive care units. Without screening or testing, hearing loss may not be noticed until the baby is more than 1 year old. If hearing loss is not detected until later years, there will not be stimulation of the brain's hearing centers. This can affect the maturation and development of hearing, and can delay speech and language. Social and emotional development and success in school may also be affected.
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Detailed information on noise-induced hearing loss When the ears are exposed to extremely loud noises, or to prolonged loud noises, inner ear structures can be damaged, leading to noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is quite common, affecting about one-third of the nearly 30 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss.
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Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can result in permanent hearing loss. Many occupations have increased risk of hearing damage, and in such cases ear protection should be worn.
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People who are tone deaf, or amusic, are unable to distinguish differences in pitch, and may have a similar difficulty with rhythm. Research suggests this may be due to weak connections between the parts of the brain responsible for processing music.
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Detailed information on hearing loss in babies Hearing loss in babies occurs infrequently in the United States. However, without screening or testing, hearing loss may not be noticed until the baby is more than one year old. If hearing loss is not detected until later years, there will not be stimulation of the brain's hearing centers. This can affect the maturation and development of hearing, and can delay speech and language. Social and emotional development and success in school may also be affected.
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Hearing loss is any degree of impairment of the ability to comprehend sound.Sound can be accurately measured. The term decibel(dB) refers to an amount of energy moving sound from its source to the ears of one or more listeners or to a microphone.
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Hearing loss is any degree of impairment of the ability to apprehend sound.Sound can be measured accurately. The term decibel(dB) refers to an amount of energy moving sound from its source to our ears or to a microphone.
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Hearing impairment is the temporary or permanent loss of some or all hearing in one or both ears.There are three types of hearing impairment that occur in young children:.conductive hearing loss, a usually temporary interference with the reception...
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Hearing loss is any degree of impairment of the ability to apprehend sound.Sound can be measured accurately. The term decibel(dB) is a measure of loudness and refers to a unit for expressing the relative intensity of sound on a scale from zero, fo...
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Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing or minimizing developmental and educational delays.Hearing loss is most commonly categorized by which parts of the ear are affected. Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem in the m...
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A developmental delay is any significant lag in a child''s physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social development, in comparison with norms.Developmental delay refers to when a child''s development lags behind established normal ranges fo...
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Any delay in a child''s physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social development, due to any number of reasons.Developmental delay refers to any significant retardation in a child''s physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social dev...
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Spasticity is stiff or rigid muscles with exaggerated, deep tendon reflexes(for example, a knee-jerk reflex). The condition can interfere with walking, movement, or speech.
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Spasticity is a form of muscle overactivity. A spastic muscle is one in which a muscle resists being stretched out, and the resistance to stretch is greater the faster the muscle is moved.
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Spasticity is an abnormal increase in muscle tone. It may be associated with involuntary muscle spasms, sustained muscle contractions(dystonia), and exaggerated deep tendon reflexes that make movement difficult or uncontrollable.
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A feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood is the failure of a young child to obtain adequate nutrition, which is reflected by weight loss or a failure to gain weight appropriately for development.Feeding disorders are diagnosed when the inf...
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Detailed information on breastfeeding and plugged milk ducts A plugged duct feels like a tender lump in the breast. Some mothers seem to be more prone to developing them, but usually they occur when a mother goes too long without emptying her breasts, or if insufficient milk is removed during feedings. Review your baby's feeding routine and see if the time between one or more feedings has recently changed for any reason. Sometimes, a mother gets busy again with a task and does not realize feedings are being delayed. Ineffective sucking may contribute to plugged ducts. Also, check that the material of nursing bras or clothing bunched during feedings is not putting pressure on milk ducts in a certain area of the breast.
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Detailed information on breastfeeding and plugged milk ducts A plugged duct feels like a tender lump in the breast. Some mothers seem to be more prone to developing them, but usually they occur when a mother goes too long without emptying her breasts, or if insufficient milk is removed during feedings. Review your baby's feeding routine and see if the time between one or more feedings has recently changed for any reason. Sometimes, a mother gets busy again with a task and does not realize feedings are being delayed. Ineffective sucking may contribute to plugged ducts. Also, check that the material of nursing bras or clothing bunched during feedings is not putting pressure on milk ducts in a certain area of the breast.
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Unsteady gait is a symptom of instability while walking. Problems with walking can be due to disease or injury to the legs, feet, spine, or brain.
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Gait and balance problems exist when a disease process, trauma, or aging result in the inability to control one''s center of gravity(COG) over the base of support(BOS) in static or dynamic tasks and environments.Any number of factors may contribute...
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Gait or walking is a coordinated action of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. The coordination of muscle contraction, joint movement, and sensory perception allows the human body to move in the environment.
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Gait training refers to helping a patient relearn to walk safely and efficiently. Gait training is usually done by rehabilitation specialists who evaluate the abnormalities in the person''s gait and employ such treatments as strengthening and balan...
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Walking abnormalities are unusual and uncontrollable walk patterns, usually caused by diseases or injuries to the legs, feet, brain, spine, or inner ear.The pattern of how a person walks is called their gait. Many different types of walking a...
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Tachypnea; Breathing- rapid and shallow; Fast shallow breathing; Respiratory rate- rapid and shallow.A normal breathing rate for an adult at rest is 8 to 16 breaths per minute. For an infant, a normal rate is up to 44 breaths per minute.
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Uncoordinated movement is muscle control problem or an inability to finely coordinate movements, which results in a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fro motion of the middle of the body(trunk) and unsteady gait(walking style). The condition is called ataxi...
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Ataxia, a medical term originated from the Greek language meaning"without order," refers to disturbances in the control of body posture, motor coordination, speech control, and eye movements. Several brain areas, including the cerebellum and the s...
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Detailed information on ataxia, including sporadic ataxia and the hereditary ataxias
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Ataxia, an extreme lack of coordination of the muscles, is a symptom of damage to the central nervous system. People with ataxia typically stand with feet planted far apart, and sway while standing, struggling to maintain balance.
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Developmental coordination disorder is diagnosed when children do not develop normal motor coordination(coordination of movements involving the voluntary muscles).Developmental coordination disorder has been known by many other names, some of whic...
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A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.Secondary seizures; Reactive seizures; Seizure- secondary; Seizure- reactive.There are a wide variety of possible sy...
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A seizure is a sudden change in behavior characterized by changes in sensory perception(sense of feeling) or motor activity(movement) due to an abnormal firing of nerve cells in the brain. Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizure...
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Detailed information on epilepsy and seizures, including the different types of seizures, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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A seizure is a sudden change in behavior characterized by changes in sensory perception(sense of feeling) or motor activity(movement) due to an abnormal firing of nerve cells in the brain. Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizure...
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Detailed information on epilepsy and seizures, including the different types of seizures, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on epilepsy and seizures, including the different types of seizures, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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The intense, involuntary muscular contractions that often accompany seizures are referred to as convulsions. Seizures normally last three to five minutes, with a period of unconsciousness that may last for up to 30 minutes.Seizures can result from...
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Detailed information on epilepsy and seizures, including the different types of seizures, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Children with epilepsy may have seizures only once in a while, or every day. Though seizures can be scary for parents and caregivers, they aren't painful and are usually brief.
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A seizure results from a sudden rush of abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Symptoms may range from a minor daze to uncontrollable muscle spasms (convulsion). In some cases, the victim may even lose consciousness. A seizure can be caused by a high fever, head injury, drug reaction, or condition such as epilepsy.
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Although not a psychiatric disorder, epilepsy has a psychiatric aspect. The link is manifested in similar, often overlapping, symptoms, so it is important that caregivers diagnose and treat their patients with care.
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People with certain mental conditions can experience seizures that appear to be epilepsy but are actually psychogenic seizures. Studies are finding ways to distinguish between the two types to facilitate proper treatment.
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How does estrogen use and menopause affect someone with a seizure disorder?
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Detailed information on communication disorders, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
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A charley horse is the common name for a muscle spasm, especially in the leg. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle in the body.
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Muscle spasms and cramps are spontaneous, often painful muscle contractions.Most people are familiar with the sudden pain of a muscle cramp. The rapid, uncontrolled contraction, or spasm, happens unexpectedly.
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Visual disturbances are abnormalities of sight. Visual disturbances associated with neurological disorders often include double vision(diplopia), moving or blurred vision due to nystagmus(involuntary rapid movements of the eyes), reduced visual ac...
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Uncontrollable movements are slow, twisting, continuous, and involuntary movements of the arms, legs, face, neck, or other parts of the body.Uncontrolled movements; Involuntary body movements; Body movements- uncontrollable; Dyskinesia; Athetosis....
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Movement disorders are a group of diseases and syndromes affecting the ability to produce and control bodily movements.It seems simple and effortless, but normal movement requires an astonishingly complex system of control. Disruption of any porti...
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Visual impairment or low vision is a severe reduction in vision that can''t be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses and reduces a person''s ability to function at certain or all tasks. Legal blindness(which is actually a severe visual i...
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When you have low vision, you need more than glasses or contact lenses to see well enough to get around and do day-to-day tasks. Your central or side vision, or both, may be reduced.
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Detailed information on problems with vision in children Eye disorders that affect vision can be divided into two groups, including the following:
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Detailed information on problems with vision in children There are many problems that can affect your child's vision that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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If you have low-vision symptoms, talk to your eye-care professional, who can help you find resources and visual devices to make the most of your remaining vision.
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Using vision aids can help you do the things you need and want to do. There are many kinds of vision aids. Low-vision centers and some doctors sell these aids. They also train you to use your aids. And they will talk with you about proper lighting.
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The number of people losing their vision is growing, yet experts say much of this vision loss could be prevented.
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Detailed information on correcting or improving vision problems With today's advanced technology, there are many different approaches now available to help correct or improve a variety of vision problems. Listed below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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Have you noticed the sudden onset of any of these symptoms: vision loss, seeing double, the feeling of a shade over the eye, lights are surrounded by halos, or light sensitivity?
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Reports of a rare eye condition developing in men after use of Viagra are a reminder that erectile dysfunction medications should be used with the same caution given to other prescription drugs.
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Bruxism is when you clench(tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together) or grind(slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth.People can clench and grind without being aware of it during both the day and night, although sleep-re...
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Bruxism is the habit of clenching and grinding the teeth. It most often occurs at night during sleep, but it may also occur during the day.
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Detailed information on bruxism, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment Bruxism is the term that refers to an incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. Bruxers (persons with bruxism) are often unaware that they have developed this habit, and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth has been done. Damage caused by bruxism often includes the following symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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Bruxism is a habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth. The behavior is usually unconscious, occurs most often during sleep, and is a reaction to periods of stress in the patient''s life.Bruxers often unknowingly grind their teeth.
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Bruxism is the habit of clenching and grinding the teeth. It most often occurs at night during sleep, but may also occur during the day.
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Muscle rigidity is an alteration of muscle tone in which the muscles are in an involuntary state of continual tension. Muscle rigidity can be a manifestation of neurological damage (basal ganglia diseases) or a side effect of certain medications.
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Hypotonia is often a sign of a worrisome problem. It may be a sign of a central nervous system problem, genetic disorder, or muscle disorder.Infants with hypotonia seem floppy and feel like a"rag doll" does when held.
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Hypotonia means"low tone," and refers to a physiological state in which a muscle has decreased tone, or tension. A muscle''s tone is a measure of its ability to resist passive elongation or stretching.Hypotonia is more a description than a diagnosis.
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Hypotonia, or severely decreased muscle tone, is seen primarily in children. Low-toned muscles contract very slowly in response to a stimulus and cannot maintain a contraction for as long as a normal muscle.
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Delayed growth is poor or abnormally slow height or weight gains in a child younger than age 5.Growth- slow(child 0- 5 years); Weight gain- slow(child 0- 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development.A child should have regular, w...
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When children believe they are different in some way, they feel bad. Whether because of their height or some other characteristic, they are going to be aware of differences.
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A contracture is a tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin that prevents normal movement.
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Hazy vision, cloudy vision, blurred vision are all problems with seeing clearly. Any change in your normal vision is cause for concern and is a good reason to call a doctor for an examination.
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Uncontrolled or slow movement is defined as a problem with muscle tone, usually in large muscle groups, that leads to slow involuntary contractions of the head, limbs, trunk, or neck.Dystonia; Involuntary slow and twisting movements; Choreoathetos...
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Dystonia is a disabling movement disorder characterized by sustained contraction of muscles leading to twisting distorted postures. Dystonia may affect various parts of the body and has multiple causes, making classification and diagnosis challeng...
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Dystonia is a group of complex neurological movement disorders. While the disorders vary in their symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment, dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms that result in abnormal posture...
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Dystonia is a group of complex neurological movement disorders. While the disorders vary in their symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment, dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms that result in abnormal posture...
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Dysarthria is a speech diagnostic term that can be used to classify various types of neuromuscular speech disturbances. Dysarthria results from notable degrees of one or more abnormalities involving speech musculature, including weakness, paralysi...
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Dysarthria occurs when the part of the brain that controls speech production is damaged. When this happens, the muscles needed to make certain sounds can't be used fully. A speech therapist (an expert trained in speech rehabilitation) will find out how dysarthria is affecting the patient's speech. Then rehabilitation (rehab) can focus on improving those speech problems.
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Dysarthria is a speech problem caused by a lack of control over muscles in the face and mouth. This problem may occur if the brain is damaged. A person who has dysarthria knows which words to use, but may not be able to make the right sounds.
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Dysarthria is a group of speech impairments due to weakness, incoordination, spasticity, rigidity, or irregular movements caused by damage to the nervous system.Speech abilities depend on the coordinated function of muscles of respiration, phonati...
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