Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, language and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia and a leading cause of disability in people over 65 years of age. Treatment aims to slow the progression of the disease and impro...

Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness, drooping or paralysis of muscles, usually only on one side of the face. The cause is usually not known. Although the symptoms can be distressing, most people recover fully from Bell's palsy within a couple of weeks to months.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect how a person moves and controls their muscles. It is a result of damage that occurs to the brain before birth, or in the first few months after.

Most pain associated with an illness, injury or surgery goes away within a few months of its onset. If pain continues after this time, it is defined as chronic pain. It can cause distress and discomfort and affect quality of life. How and why chronic pain occurs varies, but there are treatments a...

Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by disorders of the brain that cause damage and death to brain neurons. Dementia can affect memory, language, behaviour and the ability to carry out complex tasks. The decline associated with dementia is often gradual and more common in the older popula...

Epilepsy is a condition of the brain that causes repeated seizures. It occurs due to abnormal signalling between nerve cells in the brain. There are over 40 different types of epilepsy. There are numerous treatments available to help individuals lead a normal life.

Febrile convulsions in children are fits or seizures that are associated with a fever. They occur in children usually under five years of age. The vast majority of children with febrile convulsions will never have another seizure and have an excellent prognosis.

Meniere's disease is a condition of the inner ear that causes attacks of dizziness, loss of balance, ringing and hearing loss. It's thought that a build-up of fluid in the inner ear causes the pressure to rise, disrupting the hearing and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is more common, however it is the bacterial meningitis that is dangerous with potential serious complications. Meningitis requires prompt medical assessment.

A migraine is a type of headache that typically involves throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sounds. Migraines can worsen with normal activity and can last anywhere from four hours to three days. They are more common in women and in people between 20 to 50 years of age.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. This can lead to impaired sensation, movement and cognition.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes a range of symptoms, including problems with controlling movements. It is caused by a reduction in the amount of an important chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disorder in which blood vessels suddenly constrict and temporarily cut off blood supply to the fingers or other extremities. It generally occurs in response to cold, stress or emotional upset and can be painful.

Spina bifida is a birth defect involving the spine, spinal cord and the protective covering of the spinal cord, called the meninges. It is part of a group of disorders called neural tube defects that can occur to a foetus during pregnancy.

Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause varying symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness or pain in the limbs, as well as bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction. Treatment can include physical ther...

A stroke happens when oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the brain cells, often due to blockage or damage of a blood vessel. This loss of oxygen damages brain cells within minutes, which then start dying. Occurring mostly in older adults, a stroke is a serious medical emergency.