Invisible Disabilities Week October 18 - 24

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that affect the joints. Depending on the type, surrounding tissues and other parts of the body may also be affected. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced movement and other symptoms, including fatigue.

Arthritis affects everyone differently. Symptoms may be persistent or fluctuate, and some people experience periods when their symptoms become more difficult to manage. Pain, fatigue and difficulties with movement or dexterity are not always apparent to other people.

Arthritis can be non-apparent

• An estimated 607 million people globally were living with osteoarthritis in 2021 (Global Burden of Disease Study 2021)
• An estimated 17.6 million people globally were living with rheumatoid arthritis in 2020 (Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 / The Lancet Rheumatology)
• An estimated 55.8 million people globally were living with gout in 2020 (Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 / The Lancet Rheumatology)
• There are many different types of arthritis with different causes and effects (NHS / NIH-NIAMS)
• Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (NHS / NIH-NIAMS)
• Children can develop arthritis too and juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common long-term form of arthritis affecting children (NIH-NIAMS)

Migraine is a neurological condition that often causes painful headaches. A migraine is characterized by throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. Although, in some cases, it can affect both sides.

Migraines happen in attacks and can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with someone’s daily activities.

Migraine is an invisible disability

• Migraine is the 3rd most prevalent and 6th most disabling condition in the world.
• Over 10% of people worldwide are affected by migraine.
• 1 in 7 people in the world have migraine.
• 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men are affected by migraine.
• People who have migraines are 2 to 8 times more at risk of developing a sleep disorder.
• 60% of people with migraine have impacted relationships.
• 20% of migraine attacks come with neurological symptoms.

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and means that someone has a tendency to have repeated seizures. Epilepsy can start at any age and there are many different types. It is often a life-long condition but for some, epilepsy lasts for a limited time and they stop having seizures.

Epileptic seizures are caused by a disturbance in electrical activity in the brain and the causes and effects vary. During a seizure, some people will remain alert and aware of what’s going on around them, others may lose awareness. Some people may go stiff, fall to the floor if they are standing, and jerk quickly.

Epilepsy is an invisible disability

• 1 in 10 people will experience a one-off seizure
• Over 52 million people live with epilepsy in the world
• Only 3-5 in 100 people with epilepsy have photosensitive epilepsy
• 21 main types of seizures
• In around half of people with epilepsy, the cause is known

Menopause itself isn't a disability, but its symptoms can be invisible and, for some people, significantly disabling. Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels fluctuate and gradually change.

These hormonal changes can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, including hot flushes, mood changes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches or migraines, difficulty concentrating, and “brain fog.” While these symptoms may not be visible to others, they can significantly affect a person’s daily life, work, and wellbeing.

Everyone’s experience of perimenopause and menopause is different, and symptoms can vary in type and severity. Recognizing these often-invisible challenges can help create greater understanding, compassion, and support.

Menopause is non-apparent

• Premature menopause can occur in women under 40.
• An estimated 1.1 billion women worldwide between the ages 40 and 58 will have experienced menopause or be postmenopausal.
• 10 years is the length of time symptoms of perimenopause or menopause can last up to.
• Around 60 symptoms can be associated with peri/menopause.
• Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition and is caused by being exposed to alcohol while in the womb. Alcohol in the mother's blood passes to her baby through the placenta and can cause damage to cells in their brain, spinal cord and other parts of their body, and disrupt their development in the womb. FASD has lifelong implications and is associated with a wide range of physical, mental and behavioral conditions as well as learning disabilities. 

FASD is an invisible disability

• FASD is estimated to be 3-4 times more prevalent than Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Globally, over 7 people per 1,000 are estimated to have FASD.
• Around 50% of all people with FASD have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders.
• Less than 10% of people on the FASD spectrum have distinct facial features.
• 90% of individuals with FASD also experience mental health issues.
• No amount of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.