Handicap International Introduction to Physically Disabling Conditions Requiring Medical Attention Handicap International Sri Lanka Aleema Shivji

Refer these community members to the nearby hospital or health centre Some conditions that cause physical disability can be helped in the community Other conditions require advice and treatment from a medical doctor or other health professional. This is to prevent the condition getting worse or causing worsening physical disability If you see any of the situations shown in this handout when you visit the community: Refer these community members to the nearby hospital or health centre Do not do anything by yourself with these children/adults.

Spina Bifida A child that is born with: Bag or lump on back 2. Floppy legs Need surgery right away or area may become infected and child might die

Water on the Brain Big head that gets bigger quicker than normal Mostly occurs in babies and young children Caused by too much water on the brain Big head that gets bigger quicker than normal Eyes may turn downward like ‘setting sun’ May have cramp in the neck, sensitivity to light and severe headache (together) Sometimes alone or sometimes with ‘sac on back’ Sometimes needs to be operated otherwise child can get very sick Very serious – can cause blindness, brain damage, fits, cerebral palsy

Broken or dislocated bones Injury to arm or leg Bone has come out of its socket and looks like it is in the wrong place Bone is sticking out through the skin Body part is bent in a way that is not normal Needs to be ‘put back in place’ or a plaster cast put on by a professional Sometimes a child may be born with this problem

Cast may need to be removed and a looser one put on Plaster cast too tight Toes or fingers change colour Person has no feeling in toes or fingers Person has burning or severe pain in toes or fingers Cast may need to be removed and a looser one put on

Open Sores Sores can be due to injury, burns or areas of pressure (especially if the person has no feeling in their hands or feet) Biggest concern: open sores that are deep and drain pus, sometimes with fever or pain Open sores must be treated quickly. If a sore is deep and infects the bone, surgery may be needed to remove the infected bone or amputate the arm or leg Deep sores can also sometimes cause general illness and lead to death

Severe Spinal Curve Can be caused by TB in the backbone If the person has: A lump or sharp bend in their back A short or thick chest TB or family member with TB And might have poor feeling or movement in their legs, loss of urine or bowel control, or difficulty bending forward Then they might have TB of the backbone and must be seen by a medical doctor

Loss of feeling and / or movement in part of the body Common cause: serious back or neck injury following a fall or car accident. Can also be due to injections not done properly. If a person loses feeling, movement and/or control of their bowel or bladder suddenly or gradually – they must be seen by a medical doctor Loss of feeling or movement is below the level of injury

Loss of feeling and / or movement in part of the body At the time of injury: Do not move the person except onto a hard board or stretcher, do not twist or bend the body or neck Take the person straight to the hospital In the days following injury, hospital care is required as the person needs time to heal broken back bones and prevent infections and sores

Rheumatic fever Usually between 5-15 years of age Pain in many joints High fever Usually starts with sore throat and fever then painful joints and fever Can cause heart damage if severe and not treated Gets better on own after 6 weeks - 3 months, BUT it can happen again

Infection of joint ONE hip, knee, ankle painful Sometimes red, hot, swollen May follow illness (typhoid, TB, bacteria) Sometimes also have fever Joint may become large or deformed and does not begin to heal on its owns NOT due to local injury like fall, twisted leg, etc

Brain damage Face – one side of mouth droops Arm – on same side not working properly Speech – difficult to speak/others to understand or Sudden loss of coordination

Meningitis Soft spot on head bulges up (babies under one year) Fever Stiff neck Fits or jerks Drowsy, sleepy Worse and worse until child loses consciousness

Fits Sometimes can be controlled with medications In a sick person fits can be very serious – must see doctor right away