Health > Brain & Nervous System

Brain tumours - gliomas

Better Health — Gliomas are brain tumours associated with cancer in the glial cells in the brain. Glial cells make up the supportive tissue of the brain. Symptoms of gliomas may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, memory loss, changes in speech or ...More…

Leukodystrophy

Better Health — Leukodystrophy refers to a group of conditions that mainly affect the white ('leuko') matter of the brain and the spinal cord, including myelin. These are usually progressive conditions that cause loss of normal brain functions. Symptoms usually . ...More…

Tourette syndrome

Better Health — Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary tics and repetitive vocalisations. The cause is unknown, but theories include genetic factors, bacterial infection and neurochemical abnormalities. There is no ...More…

Subdural haematomas

Better Health — Subdural haematomas are blood clots formed underneath one of the protective layers of the brain. They usually occur after a traumatic blow to the head. If left undiagnosed and not treated, they can be fatal. A subdural haematoma is a blood clot ...More…

Subarachnoid haemorrhage - Better Health Channel.

Better Health — A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a bleed usually associated with aneurysms or other weakened blood vessels of the brain. It can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The brain has an interconnected network of blood vessels that receives ...More…

Stuttering

Better Health — Stuttering, or stammering, is a speech disorder characterised by interruptions to speech such as hesitating, repeating sounds and words, or prolonging sounds. The cause of stuttering is unknown, but genetics are thought to play a significant ...More…

Spina bifida explained

Better Health — Spina bifida is one of a class of birth defects, called neural tube defects. These defects involve damage to the spine and spinal cord. Some vertebrae of the spine don't close properly during pregnancy and the spinal cord's nerves are exposed and ...More…

Sciatica - Better Health Channel.

Better Health — Sciatica is pain in the buttock and leg, caused by pressure on nerves in the lower back. The pressure can be triggered by slipped vertebral discs, pinched nerves or some forms of arthritis. Treatment options include rest, painkillers, epidural ...More…

Restless legs syndrome - Better Health Channel.

Better Health — Restless legs syndrome is characterised by the compelling urge to move the legs, particularly when trying to sleep. The strange sensation in the calves has been described as a crawling ache. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to involve a ...More…

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome

Better Health — Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) is thought to be caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include chronic burning pain that worsens with time and reduced movement of the affected body part. Reflex sympathetic ...More…

Pituitary tumour - Better Health Channel.

Better Health — The pituitary gland at the base of the brain oversees the endocrine system and keeps hormone levels in check. Some pituitary tumours secrete hormones and some do not. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and drug therapy. A ...More…

Parkinson's disease explained

Better Health — Parkinson's affects one in 100 people over the age of 60. That's 40,000 people Australia-wide. Symptoms range from tremor, rigidity and slow movements to lethargy, masked face and sleep disturbance. Although the cause is unknown, there are ...More…