Spinal cord injuries

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that causes loss of function, feeling and mobility.

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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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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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Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) and vocal cords. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

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Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, or spinal canal stenosis, is a narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord sits.

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Transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis is an uncommon inflammatory disease of the spinal cord. It can cause neurological (nerve), bladder and bowel problems.

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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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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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The role of a neurologist

A neurologist is a specialist physician who treats diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle.

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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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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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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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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 refers to one or both testes missing from the scrotum. Treatment, if needed, is important to prevent future health problems.

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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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Spinal disc problems

Problems with your spinal discs can lead to back pain, sciatica and other problems. Learn about the causes and treatment options.

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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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Options for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged over 45. An effective pain-management plan includes various strategies, not only medicines.

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Nerve pain (neuralgia)

Nerve pain can feel like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. You can be treated with pain relief medicines, exercise and alternative therapies. Learn how to identify symptoms and manage nerve pain.

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Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion causes sudden, painful swelling in the scrotum. It needs emergency surgery to save the testicle. Learn about symptoms to look for.

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Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection that can be fatal. Because of vaccination, few people now get tetanus infection in Australia. Learn more about tetanus here.

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Epidural anaesthetic

An epidural 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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