Health Articles

RSS

Studying the Human Brain

The human brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body and damage or disease affecting even the smallest part of the human brain can lead to severe functional impairment.

10 Feb 2010

The human brain is comprised of a number of different regions. Each of these regions are vitally important with highly specialized functions. The brain is roughly divided into three parts which include the following: Forebrain, Midbrain, Brain stem or hind brain.

10 Feb 2010

Pathology of the Nervous System

The nervous system is affected by numerous drugs and diseases. These are very important in general practice and also in awareness against drug abuse.

10 Feb 2010

Development of the Nervous System

The cells of the nervous system are of a specific type and form over the course of an organism’s life. The neurons form and form connections from the time when the organism is an embryo or fetus. The appropriate neurons develop in appropriate numbers and migrate to their necessary locations before birth. The axons and dendrites that form the connections then extend from these nerve cells so they reach the targets.

10 Feb 2010

Function of the Nervous System

The nervous system is formed of two parts that are integrally linked with each other. The brain and the nervous system has multiple functions that are vital for normal functioning of the body.

10 Feb 2010

What is the Nervous System?

The nervous system is a complex network of neurons and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.

10 Feb 2010

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a manifestation of venous insufficiency.

10 Feb 2010

Varicose Vein Complications

In addition to the several side effects of varicose veins, there are several complications that may occur. These complications are rare but, if present, usually develop several years after initial diagnosis for most patients.

10 Feb 2010

Varicose Vein Symptoms

The characteristic appearance of varicose veins, dark in colour and bulging like cords along the legs, is often the most concerning aspect for patients with this condition. However, some patients also experience significant pain and discomfort that can prevent them from partaking in daily activities as usual.

10 Feb 2010

What is Head Trauma?

Head trauma refers to any damage to the scalp, skull or brain caused by head injury.

10 Feb 2010

What is a Cerebral Aneurysm?

A Cerebral Aneurysm is a focal abnormality of the wall of an artery that lead to the formation of outpouchings most commonly at the level of arterial bifurcations. Intracranially they are mainly found at the base of the brain, along medium-sized arteries of the circle of Willis. They may be classified according to aetiology, location or morphology.

10 Feb 2010

What is Encephalitis?

Encephalitis is a relatively rare condition that causes inflammation of the brain. Initial symptoms usually include high temperature, headache and joint pain but as the infection progresses, more dangerous symptoms may start to develop and include the following...

10 Feb 2010

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord is one long, thin bundle of nerves that spans the length of the back carrying nervous impulses to and from various parts of the body to the brain.

10 Feb 2010

What are Helminths?

Helminths are parasitic worms that cause a wide variety of infectious diseases, some of which involve the musculoskeletal system. Helminths may be classified into nematodes or roundworms, trematodes or flatworms, and cestodes or tapeworms.

10 Feb 2010

What is Lowe's Syndrome?

Lowe’s syndrome - also known as the cerebrooculorenal syndrome, the oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe, and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-5-phosphatase deficiency - represents a very rare multisystem disorder that affects the eye, the central nervous system, and the kidneys.

10 Feb 2010

What is Hodgkin's Disease?

Hodgkin's Disease (or Hodgkin lymphoma) is an uncommon cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system. It arises when developing lymphocytes develop a malignant characteristic which results in their dysregulated multiplication. These abnormal lymphocytes (called lymphoma cells) then form tumors in the lymphatic system and may progress to metastasis.

10 Feb 2010

What is Cryptococcosis?

The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans typically lives in soil but is also found in pigeon droppings. Generally the disease is acquired by inhaling contaminated dust although a large number of patients with immunosuppression develop disseminated cryptococcosis. Clinically patients may be asymptomatic or exhibit symptoms such as cough, fever, weight loss, haemoptysis and dyspnoea.

10 Feb 2010

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus refers to a build-up of fluid within the brain. This accumulated fluid places increased pressure on the brain, which can cause brain damage.

10 Feb 2010

What is Neurofibromatosis?

Neurofibromatosis describes a group of genetic conditions that lead to the growth of tumors along the nerves. In the majority of cases, these tumors are benign but they can become cancerous in some cases.

10 Feb 2010

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscles which may cause them to become enlarged and inflamed. Inflamed muscles become stretched, weak, less efficient at pumping blood and less able to maintain a normal electrical pattern. This can eventually lead to heart failure. While patients with mild cardiomyopathy may lead a near-normal life, those with severe heart failure may require a heart transplant to survive.

10 Feb 2010