Day: January 22, 2024

What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis, (also called spinal canal stenosis or lumbar spinal stenosis), is a narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord sits. The narrowing can put pressure on the nerves in the back, which can cause pain and weakness in the arms or legs. Surgery for spinal stenosis involves widening the canal to relieve the pressure on nerves. What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis? Many people don’t experience any symptoms, even if the spinal stenosis shows up on a scan. When symptoms start, they usually get worse over time. The symptoms depend on which

What is SMA? Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited (genetic) condition that affects the nerves leading to the muscles, known as motor nerves. SMA prevents the muscles from receiving messages from the brain. Over time, the muscles become weaker and waste away. This process is known as atrophy. SMA affects muscles you can see, such as those in the arms and legs, and also muscles you don’t see, such as those used in breathing, coughing and swallowing. Although there is no cure for SMA, there are treatments and support available to help those living with SMA to have the best quality

What are spinal discs? There is a spinal disc between each of the bones (called vertebrae) in your spine. The spinal discs act as shock absorbers. The rubbery discs, also known as intervertebral discs, are filled with gel-like fluid, making the spine flexible. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that connects your brain to the nerves in your body, and together, the vertebrae and the discs surround and protect your spinal cord. What are different spinal disc problems? Spinal disc problems include: prolapsed disc (also known as a slipped or herniated disc) — this is when the inner gel-like

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that causes loss of function, feeling and mobility. Spinal cord injuries are most commonly caused by trauma including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports-related injury and acts of violence. Sports-related spinal cord injuries occur more commonly in children and teenagers, while work-related injuries (especially from construction work) are more common in adults. Spinal cord injuries may result in paralysis including quadriplegia (a loss of function below the neck) and paraplegia (a loss of function below the chest). The spinal cord does not need to be completely severed to cause loss of function. Compression

What is a spinal anaesthetic? A spinal anaesthetic (or spinal) involves injecting local anaesthetics and other painkillers into the subarachnoid space (an area filled with fluid near your spinal cord). This numbs your nerves to give pain relief in certain areas of your body. A spinal can be used either on its own while you are awake, or together with sedation or a general anaesthetic. A spinal can also be used after an operation or procedure to give effective pain relief. How does a spinal work? The subarachnoid space is the bag of fluid that surrounds your spinal cord and the nerves that

What is spina bifida? Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect (NTD) where a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not develop properly during the first month of pregnancy. The spine and brain develop from part of the embryo called the neural tube. When the neural tube does not fully close, it leaves a gap, leading to spina bifida. Spina bifida can cause a range of health problems, depending on its severity. Around 1 in 1000 pregnancies is affected by a NTD. What are the different types of spina bifida? Spina bifida occulta is the most mild and common type of spina bifida. It

Spider bites in Australia It can be difficult to know if a bite from a spider is dangerous or not. This article explains the best first aid treatment needed for different spider bites. In some people, spider bites can cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. Different types of spider bite In terms of first aid, there are 3 types of spiders in Australia: Funnel-web spiders and other big black spiders — bites from these spiders are very dangerous and can cause death. Redback spiders — their bites

What is speed? Speed is a type of amphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the way your brain works and how your body functions. There are different types of amphetamines. Doctors prescribe some amphetamines to treat medical conditions such as narcolepsy (an uncontrollable urge to sleep) or ADHD. Others are produced and sold illegally. The main forms of illicit methamphetamine are: speed base crystal meth (ice) Ice is the most potent (strongest) form. Speed powder can range in colour from white to brown. It may contain traces of grey or pink. It has a strong smell and bitter taste.

What is a speech pathologist? A speech pathologist or speech therapist is an allied health professional. They are trained to diagnose and treat communication disorders. This includes problems with: speaking listening reading social skills stuttering understanding language using voice writing They also help people with swallowing and feeding problems. Speech pathologists need to have a degree in speech pathology. Many speech pathologists are members of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). This means that they have an appropriate qualification. A Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist has met certain standards of practice. You can check if a speech pathologist is certified by searching the SPA website. What

What is normal speech development in children? Language development varies between children, even within the same family. Most children tend to follow a natural progression for mastering the skills of language. There are certain milestones that provide a rough guide to normal development. How does speech develop over time? Babies need to learn how language sounds before they can learn how to speak. Although individual children develop at their own rate, there are some general patterns: From 1 to 3 months of age, babies cry and coo. At 4 to 6 months of age, babies sigh, grunt, gurgle, squeal, laugh and

If you are a person living with disability or caring for someone with disability in South Australia, you may have noticed some changes in the way that disability services are delivered. Services that were delivered through South Australian state government agencies are now delivered through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). NDIS is a Commonwealth Government system to support Australians under 65 who have permanent and significant disability. The NDIS is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Services for people aged 65 years and over are delivered through My Aged Care. To find out how to access the NDIS, go to Applying

Foods high in vitamin E Why should I include vitamin E in my diet? Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it can help protect cells in your body against damage caused by exposure to harmful substances such as cigarette smoke or radiation. Vitamin E also helps keep your immune system healthy, promotes good eye health and maintains healthy skin. Vitamin E may also have a role to play in maintaining heart health. Read more here about vitamin E and your health. What are the best natural sources of vitamin E? Vitamin E is found in fats and oils from animal products (meat, poultry, fish and diary foods), as