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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Chiari malformation

Chiari (or Arnold-Chiari) malformation occurs when part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal. Some, but not all people have symptoms. Learn more here.

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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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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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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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What does a neurologist do?

A neurologist is a specialist physician who treats conditions like epilepsy that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

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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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Peripheral nerve disorders

The peripheral nerves include the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. When damaged, peripheral nerves can't communicate properly. Learn more about causes of peripheral nerve disorders on this page.

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Neuroendocrine cancers

Neuroendocrine cancers are a rare group of cancers that most commonly form in the digestive system and the lungs. Learn more here.

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Nervous system

Your nervous system controls much of what your body does including walking, speaking and other activities. Learn more about how it works.

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Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects a baby’s spine from early pregnancy. Ensuring enough folate in the diet is the best way to reduce the risk of spina bifida.

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Laminectomy

A laminectomy is recommended to ease back pain but only if alternative treatments such as physiotherapy and medication have not worked.

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Neuromuscular system

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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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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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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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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Folate

Folate is a B-group vitamin that your body needs to grow and develop. Everyone needs folate, but it’s especially important for pregnant women.

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Options for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged over 45. An effective pain-management plan should include a combination of strategies, not medicines alone.

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Back injuries

Back injuries often occur as a result of sudden movements, bumps or falls. Learn to recognise symptoms that could indicate a severe back injury.

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection, although the routine vaccination of babies has meant it is now rare in Australia. Learn more 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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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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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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Murray Valley encephalitis

Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus - read more about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

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Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a manageable genetic condition characterised by benign tumours. Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

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Brain tumours

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Some are malignant, when it’s known as brain cancer, and others are benign (non-cancerous).

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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting about 5,000 Australians per year, including children. Learn about its symptoms and treatment.

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Water safety isn't just swimming between the flags

When you think of water safety, you might think of young children. But adults with pre-existing medical conditions and those 'under the influence' are also at risk.

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Shoulder pain

Pain in the shoulders has many different causes. The pain may occur in the joint itself, or in the many muscles, tendons and ligaments in the shoulders.

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