Glossary of Terms: D-F

Diplegia

The signs and symptoms associated with CP appear in solely in or are much more severe in the legs of patients. Walking and running can therefore be expected to be impaired. It is possible, yet unlikely, that patients will have typically functioning legs but possess arms that are affected by CP.

Dysphagia

Difficulty, discomfort or pain in swallowing due to problems in nerve or muscle control.  It is common in patients who have had a stroke.  Dysphagia ranges from slight discomfort to complete inability to swallow.  Dysphasia may compromise nutrition and hydration and may lead to aspiration pneumonia and dehydration.

Dysphasia

Impaired speech with difficulty or inability to put words in their proper order.  This disorder affects the power of expression (speech, writing or signs) or loss of the power of comprehension (spoken or written language).  More severe forms of dysphasia are called aphasia.

Electromyography (EMG)

A procedure that measures the responsiveness of muscles to electrical stimulation. An electromyograph produces an electromyogram which gives a visual display of activity via electrical potentials generated during muscle contraction.

Environmental Factors

As defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, environmental factors make up the physical, social and attitudinal environment in which people live and conduct their lives.

Functional ambulation

The ability to walk, with or without the aid of appropriate assistive devices (such as canes or walkers), safely and sufficiently to carry out mobility-related activities of daily living (ADLs). From Perry et al (1995), functional ambulation is referred to as walking in parallel bars for exercise at a speed of about 10/cm per second.