Conditions
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Conditions of Brain, Peripheral Nerve & Spine
Conditions of the Brain
A cerebral aneurysm is an outpouch, or balloon growth from the side of a blood vessel wall in the brain. The aneurysm may grow very large in size, compressing vital nerves in the brain, or may fill with small clots that can break off and travel into the blood vessels of the brain and cause a stroke. However, more commonly an aneurysm may rupture, causing blood to pour out of the blood vessels into the space around the brain, called the subarachnoid space, resulting in a subarachnoid haemorrhage Read more >
Primary Brain Tumours grow from the brain itself, or from its encasing membranes. Some examples of some of the names used for primary brain tumours include glioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, pituitary adenoma, meningioma. Read more >
To localise a tumour within the brain, stereotaxis is often used. A preoperative MRI or CT scan is performed with fiducials (small green stickers) placed on the scalp. The scan data are uploaded to a special computer in the operating theatre, and a 3-Dimensional model of the head is created. Using a special system.... Read more >
If the facial nerve is compressed in the basal cistern (the cerebello-pontine angle, CPA), then hemifacial spasm may develop. This results in severe, intermittent twitching of the muscles of the face. It usually begins by involving the muscles around the eye, and can also involve the muscles around the mouth.... Read more >
If the trigeminal nerve is compressed in the basal cistern (the cerebello-pontine angle, CPA), then trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux) may develop. This results in severe, lancinating-like pain in the face, usually in the distribution of one of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve…. Read more >
Any build-up of CSF in the ventricles is called hydrocephalus. In general, there are two forms of hydrocephalus: (i) communicating hydrocephalus and (ii) non-communicating hydrocephalus…. Read more >
Sports-related Concussion is extremely common in adult and children’s sport.
Most people with sports-related concussion will have resolution of symptoms in a relatively short time.
However, some people with concussion have a very slow recovery period. If the athlete returns to sport whilst still symptomatic, the athlete places him/herself at great risk of causing catastrophic brain injury.
Therefore, all symptomatic concussed athletes must be removed from the field/track, and are not to return to training or game-play until cleared by a medical practitioner with appropriate expertise in managing sports-related concussion. Read more >
Most people with sports-related concussion will have resolution of symptoms in a relatively short time.
However, some people with concussion have a very slow recovery period. If the athlete returns to sport whilst still symptomatic, the athlete places him/herself at great risk of causing catastrophic brain injury.
Therefore, all symptomatic concussed athletes must be removed from the field/track, and are not to return to training or game-play until cleared by a medical practitioner with appropriate expertise in managing sports-related concussion. Read more >
Conditions of Peripheral Nerves
The carpal tunnel is located at the base of the palm of the hand. The Median Nerve runs through the carpal tunnel. When the carpal tunnel is narrowed between the thick carpal ligament and the underlying carpal bones, the median nerve becomes compressed, and this results in nerve dysfunction. Read more >
The ulnar nerve takes an odd course down the arm, around the elbow, and then into the forearm and hand. The nerve is commonly compressed behind the elbow. This is made worse by leaning on the elbow with the elbow bent. When the nerve is compressed, it results in ulnar neuropathy (also known as cubital tunnel syndrome). Read more >
As peripheral nerves travel from the spinal cord and into the limbs (arms & legs), they pass through and under membranes, ligaments and muscles, and across bones and joints. At any of these points, a nerve may become compressed, or squashed….
Commonly entrapped nerves include the Common Peroneal Nerve, Tibial Nerve in the Tarsal Tunnel, Suprascapular Nerve, Posterior Interosseous Nerve and Meralgia Paresthetica....
Read more >
A tumour can grow from the nerve itself, or more commonly, from the surrounding Schwann Cells. The two most common forms of peripheral nerve tumours are called Schwannoma and Neurofibroma. There are however, many other nerve tumours…… Read more >
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) causes nerve compression resulting in pain, numbness and weakness in the hand.
There are 3 types of TOS classically described, although only the first two are truly TOS….. Read more >
There are 3 types of TOS classically described, although only the first two are truly TOS….. Read more >
Conditions of the Spine
Each cervical disc is made up of a tough fibrous membrane (annulus fibrosis) that surrounds the soft centre (nucleus pulposus). If there is a tear in the annulus, the nucleus can herniate (prolapse) through the annulus and compress the spinal cord or the nerve root. If the disc compresses the nerve root, then the nerve causes pain in the arm or hand, and may produce numbness and weakness….. Read more >
Acute low back pain is common. The type of pain can range from an ache to shooting pains or spasms. It can last up to three months, but most people feel better in a few days or weeks….. Read more >
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Concussion in Sport
Gavin Davis is an internationally recognised expert on concussion in sport in Adults and Children.
For more information on Concussion in Sport click here
*Articles on this site are provided for informational purposes only and are not meant as a substitute for the advice provided by your own doctor or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.