THE DOC REPLIES

What is bipolar disorder? My partner has been diagnosed with it and I’d like to understand it better.

In recent years the definition of some psychiatric and psychological conditions has changed. Bipolar disorder is usually used to describe people who have a mood problem which can include depression, but with alternating levels of heightened mood known as mania. Like all conditions there is a spectrum from the mild to the severe. The depressive symptoms usually dominate. Sometimes the treatment is the same as the treatment of depression. However, some people who have this fluctuating mood disturbance also respond to different therapies, including mood-stabilising medications. Psychological and psychiatric talking therapies and support are also important.

I received a bump to the head playing football last month. I’ve experienced some intermittent bad headaches since then. Is this possible concussion, and should I have it checked out?

It is quite likely that you have had a degree of concussion. Concussion really is just when the brain has had a little bit of a shake inside its box, causing a bit of bruising or swelling. This is usually characterised by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and a sluggishness of the brain functioning. Usually within two or three weeks after a head injury it improves. Those affected can often feel quite tired. A full recovery is expected.

I’m in remission from breast cancer which was diagnosed in 2006. I’ve recently experienced a few aches and pains in the area but I’m in my 50s and wondered if it was perhaps just wear and tear. Is this worth asking my GP about?

In general, people talk about remission and cure depending on the time lapse since one had cancer. One often talks about cure if one has had more than 10 years cancer free. I hope, therefore, that you are cured. It is unlikely that you will have problems at this stage related to your cancer but not impossible. It is very common to get aches and pains in the joints as we get older. Even in one’s fifties, especially among women going through the menopause, this can become quite commonplace. I still think you should talk to your doctor about it just for advice and reassurance.

What is costochondritis? My son has recently been diagnosed with it.

It’s the inflammation of joints between cartilage and the bone. There are various parts of the body where the problem can occur. We usually use the term to describe a condition in the chest wall where one gets pain or tenderness up and down the joints between the ribs and the breast bone. This can happen sometimes in association with other illnesses such as viral infections and can be quite painful but, thankfully, is usually relatively short-lived.

I recently had hip replacement surgery and would very much not like to go through it again. How long will my hip last?

It may last a lifetime. Like so many things the procedures and recovery plans have got better. The products have also improved and therefore the length the life of that hip also increases. If it is successful and you have made a good recovery you should expect a minimum of ten years, but you may get a lot longer and you may never need to have anything done about it again.

I received a cut on my face recently and am worried about scarring. Are these bio-oils any use?

There doesn’t seem to be any evidence that they’re really useful. However, it is helpful to use a softening agent on the skin to minimise tightening as it is healing. There are some people who will heal with minimal marks and others who will heal with an overgrowth of scar tissue.