HEALTH TIP

Neurons in person with epilepsy, 40x magnified.

A neurological disorder is any disorder of the body nervous system. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness. There are many recognized neurological disorders, some relatively common, but many rare. They may be assessed by neurological examination, and studied and treated within the specialties of neurology and clinical neuropsychology.

Interventions for neurological disorders include preventative measures, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy or other therapy, neurorehabilitation, pain management, medication, or operations performed by neurosurgeons. The World Health Organization estimated in 2006 that neurological disorders and their sequelae (direct consequences) affect as many as one billion people worldwide, and identified health inequalities and social stigma/discrimination as major factors contributing to the associated disability and suffering.^[1]

Although the brain and spinal cord are surrounded by tough membranes, enclosed in the bones of the skull and spinal vertebrae, and chemically isolated by the so-called blood–brain barrier, they are very susceptible if compromised. Nerves tend to lie deep under the skin but can still become exposed to damage. Individual neurons, and the neural networks and nerves into which they form, are susceptible to electrochemical and structural disruption. Neuroregeneration may occur in the peripheral nervous system and thus overcome or work around injuries to some extent, it is thought to be rare in the brain and spinal cord.

The specific causes of neurological problems vary, but can include genetic disorders, congenital abnormalities or disorders, infections, lifestyle or environmental health problems including malnutrition, and brain injury, spinal cord injury or nerve injury. The problem may start in another body system that interacts with the nervous system. For example, cerebrovascular disorders involve brain injury due to problems with the blood vessels (cardiovascular system) supplying the brain; autoimmune disorders involve damage caused by the body's own immune system; lysosomal storage diseases such as Niemann-Pick disease can lead to neurological deterioration.

In a substantial minority of cases of neurological symptoms, no neural cause can be identified using current testing procedures, and such "idiopathic" conditions can invite different theories about what is occurring.

"FRIENDS" A POPULAR ARTWORK OF YESTERYEAR BRAZILIAN-JEWISH ARTIST LASAR SEGALL (1891-1957)

Distributing Of Expensive "Stents" Among Coronary Heart Patients In Government Hospitals Free Of Charge Has Begun

Provision of expensive "Stents" which used to open blockage of arteries of coronary heart patients in Government Hospitals free of charge ,had begun yesterday (29) with the distribution of 500 "Stents" imported to Sri Lanka by the Ministry of Health,Nutrition and Indiginous Medicine.

A stock of around 500 "Stents" imported to Sri Lanka to distribute among coronary heart patients in government hospitals free of charge  had been arrived in Medical Supplies Division on last Wednesday (28) according to the Health Ministry.

Another stock required by government hospitals for next three months is due to be receieved shortly and the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has ordered the required stock of "Stents"needed for next year as well the Ministry has stated.

After the discussions held between Cardiologists attached to the Government Hospitals and the Health Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne the Minister has instructed the Health Ministry officials to provide "Stents" free of charge for every coronary heart patient registered in govetnment hospital who needs a one.

Health Ministry had spent over Rs.37 milion to import the first stock of "Stents" to Sri Lanka with one costing around Rs.75,000 it has been reported.The money spent to import these  "Stents" is saved through abolishing several corrupt tender deals in the  Health Sector the Minister has stated.

POPULAR YESTERYEAR SINHALA SONG SUNG BY ANJALINE GUNATHILAKE

Four Rehabilitated Former LTTE Rebels Have Been Handed Over To Their Families

Four former LTTE Rebels who had been rehabilitated at the Rehabilitation Center in Poonthottam in Vavuniya (Northern Province) have been handed over to their families recently.

Another 15 former LTTE Rebels are being rehabilitated in Rehabilitation Center at Poonthottam it has been reported.

Navy Had Arrested Two Local Fishermen Engaged In Illegal Fishing

Sri Lanka Navy Personal had today (29)arrested two local fishermen who were engaged in illegal fishing by using banned nets  in the seas off Sampur Area(Eastern Province) it has been reported.

Along with the suspected local fishermen Navy Personal had taken into custody few banned fishing nets and a Dinghi Boat used for fishing.

The arrested fishermen and the equipment were handed over to the fisheries inspectors in Muththur Area for further investigations according 

Cabinet Has Approved A Proposal To Impose A 15% Value Added Tax On Cigarettes Plus Increasing The Production Tax On All Types Of Cigarettes

The Cabinet has few hours ago approved a proposal to impose a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on Cigarettes and to increase the Production Tax imposed on   Cigarettes and other local Cigarette  Products by Rs.5 the Government Information Department has announced.

Cabinet has  also approved a proposal  to increase the Import Ses Tax imposed on imported "Beedi" leaves  by Rs.1000 per Kilo Gramme from Rs.2000 to Rs.3000.

Also approval has been given by the Cabinet members to the authorities to take alternative steps to minimize the tobacco use in the country Information Department has stated.


Cabinet has made these decisions after considering the Joint Proposal submitted by President Maithripala Sirisena and Health Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne  to increase the Tax imposed on Cigarettes to 90% from 72%.