Brain And Spine Specialist Centre

Brain & Spine Centre is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving the brain, spinal cord, spinal and peripheral nerves, skull and spine.

Our body’s nervous system is a complex network that is involved in regulating the body’s most critical processes, voluntary and involuntary functions, senses, as well as your ability to think and reason. When any part of this system becomes impaired due to disease, dysfunction or injury, severe consequences can ensue.

The brain is a complex organ that is enclosed inside the skull. It controls our body’s senses and movements, including vital functions like breathing and heartbeat. Our bodies would not be able to function without the brain.

The brain is very delicate and is well protected by the skull. It is surrounded by a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The main functions of CSF are to protect the brain (it acts as a shock absorber), to carry nutrients to the brain and to remove waste from it.

The spine is made up of the backbone and spinal cord. The backbone is made of vertebrae (spinal bones). Some of the muscles in the back form part of the structure of the spine, to hold it all together.

The spinal cord extends from the brain to the lumbar section of the spine. The backbone continues beyond the lumbar section to the coccyx (tail bone).

Like the brain, the spinal cord is surrounded and protected by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The dura mater (dura) is the tough, fibrous membrane that forms the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord and keeps the CSF in place. Different sections of the spinal cord are responsible for different movements and functions of the body.

Brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. Brain injury can cause long-term complications or death.

The risk factors of brain injury include:

• Children, especially new-born to 4-year-old
• Young adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24
• Adults age 60 and older
• Males in any age group

There are ways to prevent and reduce the risk of getting brain injury:

• Seat belts and airbags – Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight.
• Alcohol and drug use – Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive.
• Helmets – Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also, wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse.
• Preventing falls – Use a step stool and not a chair if you need to reach for something, concentrate on one task at a time and be sure to walk slowly.

A spinal cord injury is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina). It often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.

The risk factors of spinal cord injury include:

• Being male
• Being between the ages of 16 and 30
• Being older than 65
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Having a bone or joint disorder

There are ways to prevent and reduce the risk of a spinal cord injury:

• Prevent falls – Use a step stool with a grab bar to reach objects in high places. Add handrails along stairways. Put nonslip mats on tile floors and in the tub or shower. For young children, use safety gates to block stairs and consider installing window guards.
• Take precautions when playing sports – Always wear recommended safety gear. Avoid leading with your head in sports. For example, don’t slide headfirst in baseball, and don’t tackle using the top of your helmet in football. Use a spotter for new moves in gymnastics.