1. Backache & Headaches

BACKACHE (LUMBAGO)

Mild to severe pain in the lower back can be acute or chronic.

Common causes are Prolapsed Disc, Osteoporosis, , Trauma or Vertebral damage by infection or tumours, Spine deformities (Scoliosis). In many cases, however, the cause is unknown.

Some of the cases are progressive but early treatment results in cure.

HEADACHES

The most common complaint the world over. May result from many causes such as:

• Stress
• Migraine
• Visual impairment
• Trauma
• Brain Tumours
• intracranial bleeding

2. Brain Tumours

Common complaints are:

• Headaches
• Vomiting (Early morning)
• Convulsions/ Fit
• weakness of one part of the body can also occur
• Children can present initially with irritability, not able to see the blackboard, staggering gait with the tendency to bump into objects along their path or tendency to sleep most of the time.

3. Head and Spinal Cord Injuries

Head injuries are the most common cause of death in Trauma patients. Recognition of the Nature of brain injury and early treatment has the best outcome.

Spinal Cord injuries on the other hand can result in paralysis. Aggressive early treatment may result in better Neurological Outlook.

4. Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida

HYDROCEPHALUS

This is an abnormal increase in the cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F) in the brain. It is due to overproduction of C.S.F or blockage of the normal C.S.F pathway.

Can be caused by:

• Infections like Menengitis
• Brain tumours
• Brain trauma
• Congenital Birth Defects like Spina Bifida

SPINA BIFIDA

A congenital birth defect characterized by a swelling on the back of the spinal cord. It can be skin covered or open and may be leaking C.S.F.