Meningitis

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

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Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), also called amoebic meningitis, is a rare, but serious disease that leads to inflammation of the brain.

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Pneumococcal disease

Links to articles about pneumococcal disease.

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Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by Meningococcus bacteria. It can develop quickly, and it can be fatal. Learn about the bacteria and how it’s spread, common symptoms and when to seek medical attention.

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Free meningococcal vaccine to help protect Australian teenagers

More than 1 million teenagers will get a free meningococcal vaccine over the next 4 years, once it's added to the National Immunisation Schedule in April 2019.

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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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Symptoms of serious illness in babies and children

If your child has a serious illness, it’s important to get medical attention quickly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and what to do.

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Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the balancing centre in your inner ear. Find out how it may come about, its symptoms and the treatment options.

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Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is caused by a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This fluid is essential, but too much of it can create pressure and damage the brain.

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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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Group B streptococcal disease

Group B streptococcal disease is a bacterial infection. A mother can pass it to her baby during childbirth, and if not treated it can be serious. Learn more.

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Parechovirus

Parechovirus is a virus that usually has very mild symptoms, or none at all. Sometimes it can cause serious illness in babies and young children. Good hygiene can help stop it spreading.

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Coma

In a coma, a person is alive but totally unresponsive to the world around them. Someone in a coma will need intensive care in hospital. Find out more here.

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs to some humans and animals in humid conditions. The condition is treatable, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid getting leptospirosis.

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What do paediatricians do?

Paediatricians diagnose, treat and provide care for babies, kids and teenagers. They deal with illnesses and children’s physical, mental and behavioural development.

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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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Disorientation

Disorientation is what you experience when you are confused about the time, where you are or even who you are. It is often a symptom of dementia.

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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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Tension headache

Tension headaches are very common and experienced by almost everyone. Learn more about tension headaches including its symptoms, causes and treatments.

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Campylobacter infection

Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) causes gastroenteritis, but most people recover in 1 to 2 weeks with rest and fluids. Learn about the causes here.

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Cochlear implant

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that stimulate the hearing nerve to provide sounds directly to the brain. They are designed to improve hearing.

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Looking after a sick child

Mild illnesses are common in children, but knowing about symptoms will help you care for your child and know whether their condition is more serious.

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Colic in babies

Excessive crying could be a sign that your baby has colic. Everyone agrees that colic exists but no one knows what causes it. Some doctors think it's a kind of stomach cramp.

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Cold and flu during pregnancy

When you are pregnant you need to be careful how you treat cold or flu as it can effect your unborn baby.

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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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Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.

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E. coli infection

E. coli (or escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that causes both minor and severe illness. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of E. coli here.

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Fever

A high temperature is a normal response to infection and can be a common sign of a cold or flu. Learn about how to take a temperature reading and self-care advice.

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Neck pain

Neck pain is a common condition that can affect anyone. Learn what can cause neck pain and how to treat it here.

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Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are rare headaches that occur in a group, or cluster. Find out more about causes, symptoms and prevention of cluster headaches.

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