Epilepsy: Importance of recognising symptoms
A video shows a child asleep on a bed. Subtly and slightly there is movement of her left arm and leg. No major convulsions, no dramatic seizures and no frothing from the mouth. This too is an episode of epilepsy, says Consultant Neurologist Dr. Sunethra Senanayake of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), as [...]
All in a spin
Dizziness is a common symptom that affects many. In Sri Lanka, it has been reported to be one of the most common complaints in patients aged 75 years or older. Dizziness, however, is a common term used to describe multiple sensations (sense of spinning known as vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance), each having numerous causes that can be [...]
Can a virus cause cancer?
Viruses are very much in the frame at present, with the Coronavirus causing havoc in China, and disruption across the world. Viruses, epidemics and vaccination are an interesting topic that I will present on another occasion. But can a virus cause cancer in humans? There has been research over nearly a hundred years showing certain [...]
Genetic testing to help prevent and reduce breast cancer risk
Breast cancer results from genetic variations in cells resulting in uncontrolled cell growth leading to development of a tumour within the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer in Sri Lankan women accounting for 24% of all female cancers. Genetic factors play an important role in the causation of breast cancer. Cancer predisposition genes [...]
Give meaning to our everyday lives
If the philosopher Heraclitus is right, time inexorably goes forward. What was will never be again. But does not time go in cycles sometimes? We have the seasons – summer giving way to spring and to autumn and winter in cycles year after year. In tropical countries instead of four seasons we have two, the [...]