Intellectual Disability And Physical Health

Question 1

What is the spectrum of intellectual disability?

Answer 1

Mild 70-50 = unaffected = independent

Moderate 50-35 = mild impairment = some ability

Severe 35-20 = some language = dependent

Profound <20 = non verbal = dependent

Question 2

What are the commonest health problems seen in those with learning disabilities?

Answer 2

Constipation 
Dental problems 
Resp tract infection 
Epilepsy 
Mobility 
Diabetes/ metabolic 
Swallowing problems 
Medication side effects

Question 3

What factors contribute to constipation in learning difficulties?

Answer 3

• dehydration
• immobility
• poor nutrition
• refusal to eat vegetables and fruit

Autism- often struggle with flavours, textures,

Question 4

How do you assess constipation in learning disabilities?

Answer 4

Food diary
Stool chart
Abdo exam

Question 5

How many people with a learning disability have epilepsy?

Answer 5

1/3rd people with a learning disability also have epilepsy

The frequency increases with severity

Question 6

What is the classification of seizures?

Answer 6

Partial= seizure activity which originates in one part of the brain, can either be simple or complex

Generalized= seizure activity which involves the entire brain
Can be: absence, myoclonic, tonic clonic, tonic, atonic

In partial seizures- patients regain consciousness, in generalised patients lose consciousness

Question 7

What would you see in a generalised seizure?

Answer 7

Spike and wave pattern in all the leads

Question 8

What is a syndrome which really affects people with LD?

Answer 8

Metabolic syndrome

31% of children in the study with LDs were obese, compared to 21% without LDs