What is toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is caused by an infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite which usually occurs through eating undercooked contaminated meat, exposure from infected cat faeces, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy. For generally healthy people it doesn’t pose any significant danger, however, in individuals with weakened immune system, babies and pregnant women, it can […]
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Types of Seizures
What is a seizure? Seizure is an uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in brain cells (nerves/neurons) that causes temporary abnormalities in movements, muscle activity/tone, behaviours, sensations, or states of awareness. Seizures are not alike as symptoms can vary between people depending on the causes and simply on the person experiencing it. A seizure can be […]
Viral Encephalitis
What is Viral Encephalitis? Viral encephalitis refers to acute, diffuse inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection. Other microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi can trigger encephalitis, but here we will focus on viral causes, the most common of which is the herpes simplex virus. It is a relatively rare pathology affecting mainly infants […]
Tethered Cord Syndromes
Background on the Spinal Cord We find the spinal cord freely floating in the spinal canal encased by the spinal column, a roughly cylindrical column of individual vertebral bones designed to protect the descending cord from damage. The spinal cord itself is made up of bundles of nerves that communicate with the brain and the […]
Spinal Cysts
Spinal cysts are benign, fluid-filled lesions that can develop at any level of the spine. They can often be asymptomatic for many years and its normal for them to vary in size and type. They can occur at any age, though are more common in over 50s and overall there is no gender difference when it […]