LIST OF SPECIAL OR DIFFICULT WORDS
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This is a list in alphabetical order of words used in this book that you may not understand. The first
time one of these words is used in the book, or in a chapter, it is written in italics so that you know
you can look it up here, where we explain each word. Sometimes, we also refer you to a page of the
book that explains the word more completely. If this list does not have a word you want explained,
look in the INDEX. The word may be explained on a page that the INDEX refers you to. For example,
‘arthrogryposis’ is explained on p. 122.
A
Action nerves (motor nerves) Nerves that carry messages
from the brain to parts of the body, telling muscles to move.
Acute Sudden and short-lived. An acute illness is one that
starts suddenly and lasts a short time. It is the opposite of
‘chronic’.
Adaptation Change or changes to better fit a specific child
or local area. A seat may be adapted by the addition of straps
and pads to better support the body.
Antibiotic A medicine that fights infections caused by
bacteria. Penicillin and tetracycline are antiobiotics. For
discussion of antibiotics and their use, see Where There Is
No Doctor, p. 55-58.
Arthritis Pain and inflammation in one or several joints of the
body such as the knees, elbows, or hips.
Ataxia Difficulty with balance and with coordination.
(See p. 90.)
Atrophy A progressive wasting or weakening of the muscles
that comes from a problem in the nerves. (Compare with
‘dystrophy’.)
Cord A simple name for ‘tendon’, a part of the body that
connects muscle to bone. For example, the ‘heel cord’ or
‘Achilles Tendon’ joins the calf muscle to the heel. {Note: The
‘spinal cord’ is not a tendon. It is made of nerves. See p. 35.)
D
Diaper (nappy) A cloth’ to soak up urine, usually worn by a
child.
Diplegia Paraplegia in which the upper part of the body is also
slightly affected. (See p. 90.)
E
Evaluation Observations and study to find out how well
something is working and where the problems are.
F
Functional Useful: seving some purpose for day-to-day life.
Excercise or therapy is functional when it is done as part of
some useful activity.
Flaccid Lacking firmness; soft.
B
Behavior A person’s way of doing things; pattern of actions.
The way a child acts, or relates to others. (See Chapter 40.)
Bladder A muscular bag in the belly in which urine collects
before it leaves the body.
Bowel The part of the gut or intestine where solid waste
(stool, shit) collects before it leaves the body.
Bowel movement Emptying of the bowel; shitting.
Butt Buttocks; backside; rear end; the part of the body on
which a person sits.
C
Caliper British word for “brace.” An aid which gives support
to a weak or injured leg. (See Chapter 58.)
Caster A wheel that is mounted so that it turns from side to
side to go around corners. The small wheels of a wheelchair
are usually made with casters.
Chronic Long-term or frequently returning. A chronic disease
is one that lasts a long time. Compare with ‘acute’.
Circulation The flow of blood through the blood vessels
(veins and arteries). Good circulation is necessary for healthy
body parts.
Clog A wooden sandal or shoe, often used with a brace.
Contracture Reduced range of motion in a joint, often due to
muscle shortening. (See Chapter 8.)
G
Gene A hereditary unit; something that controls or acts in the
passing down of features from parent to child.
H
Hemiplegia Paralysis or loss of mevement in the muscles of
the arm and leg on one side of the body only.
Hereditary Familial; a feature that passes from parent to
child when the baby is first made (conceived). If a disease is
hereditary, there is a factor or characteristic in the father
and/or mother which is passed on to their children, and then
to their children’s children. Inherited.
Hygiene Actions or practices of personal cleanliness that
protect health.
I
Infantile Of infants (babies) or young children.
Infection A sickness caused by germs (bacteria, virus,
worms, or other small living things). Some infections affect
part of the body only, others affect all of it.
Inherited (See Hereditary.)
J
Joint capsule The tough covering around a joint.
Juvenile Of children.