The Thyroid Gland The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ located in the neck. It is wrapped around the windpipe just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and growth. Thyroid disease occurs when there is an imbalance of thyroid hormones produced. This can be due to either […]
What is neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is a relatively new and very exciting discovery in the specialty that is neuroscience, and it can open up a whole world of possibilities to those who may previously have been beyond hope of rehabilitation. The term neuroplasticity can be defined as the brain’s ability to change its structure and function […]
Splenectomy is the term used to describe the surgical procedure of removing the spleen. The spleen plays an important role in the immune system and although the body copes well without a spleen, patients who have undergone the procedure need to take some precautions to maintain optimum health. Why Remove the Spleen? There are a […]
Neurological disorders are diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. In other words, the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a progressive and unpredictable chronic disease of the nervous system. The disorder occurs when the protective sheath that covers […]
A fibrillation can be described as muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibres acting without coordination. In the heart this is caused by the electrical charges that make the heartbeat become irregular and rapid. If untreated, fibrillation can lead to cardiac arrest, also known as myocardial infarction, and death. The defibrillator, if used as soon as […]
As part of an Independent Medical Assessment, a specialist may be required to carry out a physical examination of the claimant. When the specialist dictates the report, they will need to refer to the body and the location of its parts in precise detail. In doing this they will use terminology of body planes. They […]
Strains Most strains are caused by overstretching muscles or tendons. Strains may be minor or severe. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the strain but may include pain and tenderness that is worse with movement, swelling and brusing, normal or limited muscle movement, or a bulge or deformity at the site of a complete […]
Summary Knee replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is usually necessary when the knee joint is worn or damaged, leaving mobility reduced and the patient in pain even while resting. Knee replacement surgery is considered when all other forms of conservative treatment have been exhausted. The procedure involves removing all or part of the knee […]
Summary The knee joint is the largest and one of the strongest and most important joints in the human body. It is a synovial hinge joint which typically means that it allows motion in one plane, flexion and extension, however, the knee joint is slightly unusual in that it allows a small amount of rotation. […]
The brain and the rest of the nervous system make up the control centre for the human body. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. All actions, both voluntary and involuntary, occur due to electrical and chemical signals being passed between the brain and the nervous system, the […]
