Psychological (mental) shock
You often hear people saying that someone's in shock (lazy tabloid journalists and TV soap writers are particularly fond of this phrase), but what does this really mean? Physiological (circulatory) shock Blood loss Cardiogenic shock Shock can ... [... more]
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Ringworm
Ringworm is the common name given to a group of fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails. Despite the name ringworm has nothing to do with worms. The proper medical name for these infections is Tinea, and this is often followed by the Latin ... [... more]
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Eczema and children
Eczema is a common childhood condition that causes various degrees of discomfort. We outline the causes, symptoms and treatments. Eczema is a common type of itchy red rash sometimes called dermatitis (although this is a general term). Most ... [... more]
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Concussion
A definition of concussion, its symptoms and how it's treated Whenever you suffer a blow to the head, it's important that you watch out for any possible signs of concussion and take the appropriate action. Concussion is an injury to the brain ... [... more]
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Dyslexia in children
If your child is having difficulty reading and writing words and you suspect dyslexia, getting an early diagnosis can make sure they're not left behind at school. Dyslexia comes from the Greek language meaning 'difficulty with words'. It's hard ... [... more]
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What are the problems?
People with autism find it hard to make sense of the world, which appears as a chaotic maelstrom, that has no clear boundaries, order or meaning. Autism is a lifelong neuro-developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates, and ... [... more]
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Guillain-Barr syndrome
A guide to the disease that affects the body's peripheral nervous system Guillain-Barre syndrome - also known as acute post-infective polyneuritis - is a disease of the peripheral nervous system, affecting the nerves to the arms, legs, head and ... [... more]
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Hypothyroidism
A child may be born with hypothyroidism (this is called congenital hypothyroidism) or may develop the condition at any time in life (acquired hypothyroidism). Hypothyroidism is underactivity of the thyroid gland - an important gland found in the ... [... more]
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Meningitis in children
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord. There are two types of meningitis - viral is milder and needs no treatment. Bacterial can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment. Both viral and ... [... more]
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Mitochondrial cytopathy
Explanation about the condition mitochondrial cytopathy Mitochondrial cytopathy Without a power supply many things don't work. Cars need a functioning engine to convert petrol into energy, and the body's the same: it gets energy from ... [... more]
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Back curves
A guide to the causes of back curves, kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis. Anything that weakens or puts pressure on the spine affects its shape and consequently how effectively it works. Possible causes of kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis Sideways ... [... more]
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Circumcision in children
The removal of the foreskin of male babies and young boys, whether for religious or medical reasons, is a controversial issue. We look at why it may be carried out and what the procedure involves. Circumcision of boys is an operation in which the ... [... more]
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