N

non-ambulatory - not able to walk.

O

orthosis - splint or brace designed to improve function or provide stability.

outpatient - the patient residing outside the hospital but returning on a regular basis for more therapeutic services.

P

paraparesis - weakness affecting the lower limbs.

paraplegia - paralysis of the lower half of the body.

persistent vegetative state - a condition in which the patient is unable to speak or follow simple commands and does not respond in any psychologically meaningful way. The transition from coma to one of vegetative condition reflects changes from a period of no response to the internal or external environment, other than reflexively, to a state of wakefulness but with no indication of awareness. Normal levels of blood pressure and respiration are automatically maintained. Sleep-wake cycles may also be maintained.

plateau - a temporary or more permanent leveling off of the recovery process.

pre-morbld condition - characteristic of an individual present before a disease or injury.

Q

quadrlplegia - paralysis of both arms and legs.

R

random movement - an action of moving without obvious reason, purpose, or conscious effort.

range of motion - the range of movement at a joint.

rehabilitation engineering - use of technical advances to help improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

respite care - program that allows person and family to adapt to the residual deficits of brain injury; noninterventional model to address socialization and recreation.

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