This week we are taking a look at some ailments that can directly or indirectly affect heart function. There are many extremely common conditions, which, depending on severity, can range from insignificant to potentially fatal disorders. Patient history is just as important as objective testing when it comes to cardiac patients. This is because many […]
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 […]
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 […]
There are many different spinal conditions. Spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the spine that is caused by age related changes in the intervertebral disks. It can cause pressure on the nerve roots with subsequent sensory and, or motor disturbances, causing pain and numbness. Condition Description Annular Tear An annular tear describes a hole or rip in the […]
Cerebral Palsy Cerebral refers to the cerebrum, the largest portion of the brain. The cerebrum controls and integrates motor, sensory and higher cognitive functions, such as thought, reason, emotion and memory. Palsy refers to a disorder of movement. Causes Every fifteen hours, an Australian child is born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is caused by […]
Interesting facts Orthopaedic is a word derived from the Greek “Ortho” and “Pais” or “straight child”. This is because it was originally used as a word to describe children with spine and limb deformities. Nowadays, Orthopaedics is more commonly used to describe the study and medical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, namely the bones and […]
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 […]
Overview The word meningitis means swelling of the meninges. The meninges are protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. There are several different types of meningitis and they vary in severity. Although meningitis can be life threatening due to its proximity to the brain and spinal cord, it depends on the causative factor as […]
The Thyroid Gland 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 […]
What is neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is a relatively new and very exciting discovery in the specialty that is neuroscience, and it can open up a whole world of possibilities to those who may previously have been beyond hope of rehabilitation. The term neuroplasticity can be defined as the brain’s ability to change its structure and function […]
