Stroke is a general term used for a group of rapidly developing diseases originating in the blood vessels of brain. It results from disturbances in the arteries which carry oxygen rich blood to the brain and results in neurological damage that is of sudden onset. It is a medical emergency which was previously referred to as cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by layered membranes, known as meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid. In certain instances, this lining becomes inflamed and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is also affected. This condition is known as meningitis and may increase pressure on the brain and spinal cord, causing a range of generalized and localized symptoms. Meningitis is a serious condition and is potentially fatal.
Continue reading
Nerve compression or pinched nerve, sometimes referred to as nerve entrapment, is a condition where a single nerve or a group of nerves is affected by pressure on the nerves. This is usually due to compression, constriction or stretching of the nerve to produce symptoms such as pain or discomfort along the course of the nerve, tingling or numbness and muscle weakness. In most cases, the condition is short-lived and patients recover fully with conservative treatment, but if the pressure on the nerve is allowed to continue, it may lead to chronic pain and permanent nerve damage, requiring surgical intervention.