WORDS THAT ARE UNDERLINED WILL TAKE YOU TO A LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION

H

hyperreflexia 

excessive response of muscle reflexes when a normal stimulus is applied.

hyporeflexia 

weak or absent muscle response when a normal stimulus is applied.

health care proxy

legal document authorizing a competent person designating another person to act as their agent with the authority to make health care decisions should they become unable to make the decisions 

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Federal law that ensures privacy provisions for health information and sets rules and limits on who can see an individual's health information.

Home Health Care

supportive services in the home AKA your team comes to YOU!

Hospice Care

Medical care for terminally ill patients that provides pain relief, symptom management and supportive services for patients and their families

I

incontinence

involuntary voiding of the bladder or bowel.

invasive ventilation 

a mechanical breathing support that is meant for long-term use inserted through the mouth, nose, or windpipe

J

K

L

lower motor neurons 

nerve cells (neurons) starting at the spinal cord or brain stem and ending at the muscle fibers. In ALS, the motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken resulting in paralysis.

limb- onset

the type of ALS where initial symptoms start in the limbs. It is the most common form of ALS.

Living Will

a legal document that outlines a person's wishes

Long- Distance Caregiver

a caregiver that provides care and support while living an hour or more away