Epilepsy is currently defined by the NHS as “a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures”. There are many types of seizure, and they are caused by a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain. This causes a temporary disruption to the normal message passing between brain cells and results […]
An allergy is an adverse reaction that the body has to a particular food or substance in the environment. Allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis. Most substances that cause allergies are not harmful and have no effect on people who are not allergic. An allergen is any substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Allergies The most […]
Asthma Spacers are large, plastic containers that fit onto an inhaler. They have a mouthpiece at one end and a hole at the other end of the inhaler to be placed in. They only work with aerosol inhalers and they are designed to give a metered dose of medication. The spacer makes it easier to […]
Asthma is a common life-threatening condition and its severity is often not recognised. It is a medical condition characterised by intermittent, reversible airway obstructions called asthma attacks. Asthma is a condition that affects the airway – the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. When a person with asthma comes into […]
Lyme Disease is a disease carried by ticks. It is a bacterial disease carried in the saliva of an infected tick. The most common bacteria which causes Lyme Disease is called B. burgdorferi. Since it is transferred by ticks, the tick is called the “vector” for Lyme Disease. When you get bitten by a tick, […]
Head injuries must be treated with the utmost care. The skull, or cranium, contains one of the main components of the Central Nervous System – the brain. The brain controls most things that happen in the body, and any damage to it could be fatal. Concussion Concussion is one of the most common types of […]
A Cerebral Contusion is when there is bruising on the brain – this happens in around 20-30% of all serious head injuries. Blood vessels in the brain get damaged and leak. This causes pockets of blood to form either in or around the brain. Consequently, the pressure builds up and it will affect the brain. […]
Cerebral Compression is where there is pressure on the brain caused by swelling or bleeding. This is a very serious condition and the Emergency Medical Services should be alerted. The swelling can be due to a build-up of blood within the skull or swelling of injured brain tissues. This may be caused by cerebral contusion, […]
Splinters can enter the body in many different ways and forms. Common items are wood splinters and small pieces of metal. Any splinter is classed as a foreign object in the body. Getting a splinter is not normally serious unless it is a sensitive part of the body like the eyes. Treating Splinters After gaining […]
Spinal Injuries can be life-changing, so as a First Aider, you must treat any patient with a suspected spinal injury with the utmost care. The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae and also contains the spinal cord. The spinal cord is where the messages from the brain are sent to control the entire body. […]
