Spinal cord injuries

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can make you lose feeling, movement, or both. Learn about causes and effects.

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Cervical laminectomy

Cervical spinal stenosis is where the spinal canal narrows in your neck, causing weakness or numbness in your arms and legs. The aim of surgery is to prevent further damage to your spinal cord.

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Central nervous system (CNS)

Your central nervous system (CNS) is made up of your brain and your spinal cord. Learn more about its role and the different parts of the brain.

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Stem cells

Stem cells have the potential to develop into specialised cells. They are being researched to treat medical conditions, but are controversial.

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Lumbar spine

Your lumbar spine lets you move, supports you and protects your spinal cord. Injury is common. Prevent it by handling loads safely and being active.

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Lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture involves putting a needle into the lower back to diagnose and sometimes treat problems of the brain and spinal cord.

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Laminectomy

A laminectomy may be recommended to ease your back pain but only when other treatments such as physiotherapy and medication have not worked.

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Laryngitis

Laryngitis is when your voice box (larynx) becomes inflamed, and your vocal cords become swollen. Most people recover without treatment.

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Transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis (TM) causes inflammation in your spinal cord. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and when to see a doctor with TM.

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The role of a neurologist

A neurologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle. Learn when to see a neurologist.

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Nervous system

Your nervous system controls many of your body’s functions, including walking, speaking and other activities. Learn more about how it works.

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Gliomas in children

Glioma is a type of cancer that grows in the brain or spinal cord. Learn more about the types, symptoms and treatment, and where to get support.

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Peripheral nerve disorders

Peripheral nerves are the nerves that aren’t in the brain or spinal cord. Some disorders cause nerve damage that affects how your nerves function.

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Achilles tendon injuries

The Achilles tendon is the thick cord you can feel above the back of your heel. Find out about Achilles tendon injuries and how to prevent them.

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Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, or spinal canal stenosis, is a narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord sits. Explore symptoms, causes, and treatments.

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Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects a baby's spine from early pregnancy. Having enough folate in your diet lowers your baby’s risk.

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Chiari malformation

Chiari (or Arnold-Chiari) malformation occurs when part of the brain pushes into your spinal canal. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments here.

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Anaesthetics (overview)

There are different forms of anaestheisa that can be used to provide a safe and effective way for you to have an operation or procedure, and to give you pain relief. Most people do not have any problems and are satisfied with their anaesthetic.

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Undescended testicles

Undescended testicles is when one or both testicles don't come down into the scrotum before birth. Learn about symptoms, health risks and treatment.

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Spinal anaesthetic

A spinal anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

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Options for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months. It can have a significant impact on your life. Read on to learn about strategies that can help.

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Nose and throat

Your nose and throat are part of your respiratory system. Learn more about their functions and conditions that can affect your nose and throat.

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Neuromuscular system and diseases

The neuromuscular system includes all the muscles in the body and the nerves serving them. Learn more about how it works and related diseases.

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Folate

Folate, also called folic acid, is needed by your body to grow and develop. It is especially important for pregnant women to get enough folate.

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Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's contracture causes one or more of your fingers to bend towards the palm of your hand. Find out more about Dupuytren's contracture.

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Epidural injection for chronic pain relief

An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.

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Brain diseases, disorders and injuries

Brain conditions consist of diseases, injuries, syndromes and infections. They have a huge variety of symptoms, treatments and prognoses, and you can learn more about them here.

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Brain tumours

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Some are malignant (cancerous, and can spread) and others are benign (non-cancerous).

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Spinal disc problems

Spinal disc problems can cause back pain, numbness and nerve problems. Maintain posture and strengthen muscles to help prevent disc problems.

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Routine antenatal tests

During pregnancy, you'll be offered various blood tests and ultrasound scans. Find out what each test can tell you about you and your baby's health.

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