Permanent Impairments

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves. Multiple sclerosis can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. It's also known as MS.

Cerebral palsy (in short CP) is the collective term for posture and movement disorders resulting from an early childhood brain damage. Other terms are e.g. infantile cerebral palsy or infantile brain palsy.

A stroke is also called apoplexy, brain attack or cerebrovascular accident. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke every year.

Spinal paralysis, also called paraplegia, belongs to the spinal cord injuries, as well as spina bifida (myelomeningocele). In both cases, there is a mechanical injury to the spinal cord cross section.

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel.

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Amputation is the complete or partial surgical removal of limbs. The reason for an amputation is damage or an incurable injury. Generally a life changing experience affecting the ability to move, work, interact with others and maintain independence

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms.

Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease is a group of inherited disorders that mainly affects peripheral nerves and individual spinal cord segments. Symptoms usually begin in the feet and legs while typically appearing in adolescence or early adulthood, yet may also develop in midlife.