Glossary

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Brain Fog(also: Cognitive Fog, Mental Fog)

Brain fog is a term used to describe a cluster of cognitive symptoms including difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, and reduced clarity of thought. It is commonly associated with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, long COVID,…

Chronic Pain

Persistent pain lasting longer than three months that may arise from an initial injury, ongoing illness, or without a clear physical cause. Chronic pain is a common experience among people with disabilities including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, and neuropathies. It can…

Cognitive Decline(also: Cognitive Deterioration, Cognitive Aging)

A gradual reduction in cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, language, reasoning, and executive function that may occur as part of normal aging or as a symptom of neurological conditions such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Cognitive decline exists on a…

Dynamic Disability(also: Fluctuating Disability, Variable Disability)

A disability or impairment whose severity, manifestation, or impact varies over time — sometimes rapidly — rather than remaining constant. Dynamic disabilities are common in many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, and…

Dysautonomia

A group of conditions caused by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. Dysautonomia can cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and cognitive difficulties that impact…

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome(also: EDS)

A group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperelasticity, and tissue fragility. EDS often leads to frequent joint dislocations, chronic pain, and difficulty with physical tasks like gripping objects, holding books, or opening…

Health-Related Impairment and Disability(also: HIID, Health-Related Impairments and Disabilities)

A category of impairments that arise as a consequence of health conditions, both chronic and acute, rather than from a traditionally defined disability. HIIDs are characterized by four properties: they are combinatorial (multiple low-intensity impairments that interact to create…

Joint Hypermobility(also: Hypermobility, Double-Jointed)

A condition in which joints move beyond their normal range of motion, often associated with connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Joint hypermobility can cause chronic pain, frequent dislocations, and difficulty with tasks requiring grip strength or sustained…

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(also: PTSD)

A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, natural disaster, serious accident, or combat. Symptoms include intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative changes in thinking and…

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome(also: POTS)

A form of dysautonomia defined by an excessive increase in heart rate upon standing, often accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and cognitive difficulties. POTS can significantly impact daily functioning and is frequently comorbid with conditions like…

Retinopathy(also: Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Disease)

A group of eye conditions affecting the retina that can cause vision loss or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy, caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes, is one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age adults. Symptoms may include blurred vision,…

Small Fiber Neuropathy(also: SFN)

A condition involving damage to small somatic and autonomic nerve fibers, resulting in burning pain, sensory disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction. SFN can make everyday tasks that involve gripping, holding, or fine motor control painful and difficult. Assistive devices that…

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