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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage causing pain, numbness or tingling in your arms and legs. Explore causes, symptoms and treatments.

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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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Meningitis

Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness requiring urgent medical treatment. Learn more about meningitis, including the common symptoms.

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Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)

Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) can infect your blood. Learn more about how it spreads and the diseases it causes.

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Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease affects your nervous system. It’s a progressive disease, but some therapies can help with your CMT symptoms.

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection. It is rare in Australia, due to routine vaccination of babies. Learn about Hib symptoms.

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