Physical Conditions

Physical Conditions

Inclusion Hub » Disability + Health » Physical Conditions

What is an acquired brain injury?

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is any damage to the brain that happens after birth. 

  • Pronounced uh·kwai·uhd braynin·juh·ree 

Physical disabilities and conditions can affect an athlete’s mobility or their physical capacity in different ways.  

  • ABI can be caused by a brain tumour, stroke, trauma, infection or lack of oxygen.  
  • An ABI might affect the athlete’s movement, learning, communication and emotions. For more information 

What is Spina Bifida?

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

  • Pronounced spai·nuhl kawdin·juh·ree 
  • A spinal cord injury happens when part or all of the spinal cord is damaged.  
  • Spinal cord injuries might affect the athlete’s strength, sensation and body function below the level of the injury. For more information 

What are Syndromes? 

  • Pronounced sin·drowm 
  • A syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms which group people together under a diagnosis. 
  • Every syndrome is different and often rare as children with the diagnosis are sometimes one of only a few people in Australia.  
  • Some syndromes are – Angelman syndrome, Cri du chat syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Prada-Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome. 
  • A syndrome might affect the athlete’s movement, learning, communication and sensory systems (hearing, vision). For more information 

What is a Stroke?

What is Fibromyalgia? 

  • Pronounced fai·bruh·mai·al·juh 
  • Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body.  
  • Evidence has shown that regular exercise improves symptoms of fibromyalgia such as pain, fatigue and quality of sleep. 
  • Fibromyalgia might affect the athlete’s movement and sensory (sensation, pain) systems. 

Sources

Better Health – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au 

Brain Injury Australia – https://www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au/  

Fibromyalgia Australia – https://fibromyalgiaaustralia.org.au/ 

Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/  

Raising Children Network – https://raisingchildren.net.au/disability 

Stroke Foundation Australia – https://strokefoundation.org.au/