Post Concussion Syndrome

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury that can result from a jolt, blow or bump to the head.  The sudden movement causes the brain to bounce around or twist inside the skull which results in a disturbance of brain function.  After suffering a concussion, most patients will begin to get better […]

Types of Bone Fracture

The word fracture means break, but the term ‘broken bone’ is a colloquialism, as break is not a formal orthopaedic term. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured. A bone fracture (sometimes abbreviated #) is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. A bone fracture […]

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon chronic pain condition that can affect the arms, legs, hands or feet of a patient, following an injury.  Rarely, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome affects other parts of the body. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome accounts for approximately 2% to 5% of adult pain clinic patients and up to […]

Meningitis

The word meningitis means swelling of the meninges. The meninges are protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ located in the neck.  It is wrapped around the windpipe just below the Adam’s apple.   The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and growth.  Thyroid disease occurs when there is an imbalance of thyroid hormones produced. This can be due to either dysfunction of the thyroid gland itself, or structures above the thyroid gland which regulate its function.  These structures are the pituitary gland which releases thyroid stimulating hormone, and the hypothalamus which regulates the pituitary gland.  The function of the thyroid gland is to convert iodine, an essential nutrient found in dairy products, seafood, kelp, bread and some vegetables, into the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).  The thyroid hormones are then released into the blood to regulate the metabolism of virtually every cell.

Splenectomy

Splenectomy is the term used to describe the surgical procedure of removing the spleen. The spleen plays an important role in the immune system and although the body copes well without a spleen, patients who have undergone the procedure need to take some precautions to maintain optimum health. Why Remove the Spleen? There are a […]