We support children and adults living with congenital, progressive, or acquired neuro-physical disabilities, and their family members across Cork and Munster.
We support children and adults living with congenital, progressive, or acquired neuro-physical disabilities, and their family members across Cork and Munster.
We define neuro-physical disability by the following conditions:
Spina bifida is a birth condition that occurs when the neural tube (a layer of cells that develops into the brain and spinal cord) doesn’t close completely during an embryo’s early development. As the bones of the spine and the nerves of the spinal cord continue to develop, the bones do not close completely around the nerves.
Source: Riley Children’s Health, Indiana University Health (USA) – https://www.rileychildrens.org/health-info/spina-bifida
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. The condition can be present at birth or the result of an illness or injury. When there is too much fluid in the brain, it can cause pressure on brain tissue.
Source: Riley Children’s Health, Indiana University Health (USA) – https://www.rileychildrens.org/health-info/hydrocephalus
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects muscle tone and coordination, body movements and balance. Most children are born with the brain injury that causes cerebral palsy, which can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, a serious infection, head trauma or a genetic condition.
Source: Riley Children’s Health, Indiana University Health (USA) – https://www.rileychildrens.org/departments/cerebral-palsy-program
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that weakens the body’s muscles over time, as the body does not make the proteins it needs to build and maintain healthy muscles.
Source: Riley Children’s Health, Indiana University Health (USA) – https://www.rileychildrens.org/health-info/muscular-dystrophy
Also called brittle bone disease, osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder that is present from birth. It is characterized by bones that break easily.
Source: Riley Children’s Health, Indiana University Health (USA) – https://www.rileychildrens.org/health-info/bone-disease
Arthrogryposis refers to conditions characterized by multiple joint contractures (stiffness) and involves muscle weakness throughout the body at birth.
Source: Nationwide Children’s (USA) – https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/arthrogryposis
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) refers to a group of genetic conditions that affect motor neurons in the spinal cord, causing the weakening of voluntary muscles.
Source: Nationwide Children’s (USA) – https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/spinal-muscular-atrophy
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the bundle of nerves and nerve fibres that sends and receives signals from the brain. The spinal cord extends from the lower part of the brain down through the lower back. The symptoms of spinal cord injuries depend on the extent and location of the injury.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (USA) – https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel, which is carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain, bursts or is blocked by a clot.
Source: Irish Heart Foundation (Ireland) – https://irishheart.ie/heart-and-stroke-conditions-a-z/stroke/
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.
Source: NHS (UK) – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/
If you or someone in your family has any of these conditions please complete a referral form.
