Medline Pubmed

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterised by three main behaviours: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These behaviours are common in children but it is the extent and the impact they have on a child's day-to-day functioning that may suggest the presence of ADHD. It is generally agreed that ADHD can be broken down into three main subcategories:   ADHD – Combined type  ADHD – Predominantly inattentive  ADHD – Predominantly hyperactive or impulsive  The onset of symptoms generally occurs before seven years of age, and symptoms are most commonly noticeable at four to five years of age.  Causes The causes of ADHD continue to be investigated. It is thought the underlying causes are neurological in nature rather than behavioural, and genetics may be a causal factor. The following may also play a role in the development of ADHD: Chemical disturbances in the brai...

Bell's palsy - symptoms, causes, treatment Bell’s palsy, also known as facial palsy, is the sudden onset of paralysis of one of the facial nerves. The main symptom is muscle weakness on one side of the face, causing the face to droop. The left and right sides of the face are affected with equal frequency. It is rare for both sides to be affected at the same time.   Bell’s palsy can affect anyone.  Its annual incidence is 2 to 3 people per 10 000 of the population, and this is thought to be similar across all ethnic groups. Men and women are affected equally; however pregnant women and people with diabetes have an increased risk. Bell’s palsy occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 40 years. Signs and symptoms Bell's palsy is named after the Scottish physician, Sir Charles Bell, who first described the condition in 1830.   Often the first symptom of Bell's palsy is a dull, aching pain behind or in the ear. This can be present for a day or ...

Cerebral palsy - causes, symptoms, life expectancy   Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used to describe a group of non-progressive disorders (ie: they don't get worse) caused by damage to particular areas of the brain that affect a person's ability to control movement and posture.  Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy typically appear during infancy.   Cerebral refers to the brain and palsy refers to muscle weakness and uncontrolled body movements.  Another type of palsy is Bell's palsy, which is paralysis that affects the face.    The primary symptoms of cerebral palsy are muscle weakness and poor muscle tone but the nature and symptoms vary greatly between individuals, and from being mildly to severely disabling.   Causes   Cerebral palsy occurs as the result of damage to specific areas of the brain, which may be apparent with sophisticated diagnostic tests such as MRI scans. The term cerebral palsy is used when t...

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic (long-term) disorder of the nervous system. It is a collection of signs and symptoms typically at the site of an injury to an arm or leg. Those symptoms may include burning-type pain, changes in skin and bone tissue, excessive sweating, swelling of an extremity, and extreme sensitivity to touch.  CRPS is poorly understood and difficult to diagnose. Better treatment outcomes are more likely if treatment is started during the first three months of the condition.  Although it can start at any age CRPS is most common between the ages of about 40 and 50 years. It is rare in the elderly and very few children are affected. CRPS occurs more frequently with women than men.  CRPS was first recorded in the 19th century during the American Civil War. Doctors noted veterans were experiencing pain after their wounds had healed. CRPS shares many features with fibromyalgia, which is another...

Depression - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment It is normal to experience periods of feeling down, often in response to the stresses of everyday living.  However, when a low mood persists for several weeks or more, it may be the result of depression.   Depression (also known as major depressive disorder) is generally characterised by feeling down or sad most of the time and having little interest or pleasure in doing things.  Depression is a recognised mental health disorder with biological, psychological and social components to its causes, symptoms and treatment.  Seeking treatment as early as possible is an important step in overcoming depression. Causes Depression can be triggered by different things in different people. Sometimes there is no clear cause for the depression. Factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing depression include:  Having had depression in the past A family history of depression Serious l...

Essential tremor - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment Essential tremor is a condition of the nervous system that involves involuntary shaking of parts of the body, usually without any other symptoms. It is sometimes referred to as familial tremor because in some cases it runs in families. Essential tremor is often mild and non-progressive but for some can be severe and affect daily activities like writing, eating and getting dressed. The condition can be mistaken for Parkinson’s disease so referral to a neurologist can assist with diagnosis. General information Essential tremor is an involuntary rhythmic shaking of a part of the body. It most commonly affects the arms, hands and head, and can also affect the jaw, face and vocal cords.  Rarely, it affects the trunk and legs. Essential tremor is the most common type of movement disorder. Other names given to essential tremor include idiopathic postural tremor, benign essential tremor, familial tremor or senile tremor. ...