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If you have epilepsy, your body sends signals before the onset of a seizure. These signals can range from subtle changes in heart rate to more noticeable auras (warnings or feelings of an oncoming seizure). Not everyone can clue into these signals—particularly children or people with intense seizures that may incapacitate them quickly. Seizure alert devices are tools that can help people with seizure disorders and those around them get notifications before the onset of a seizure....

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects hearing, communication, and social skills. Treatment options for hearing loss may be as simple as removing excess earwax, treating underlying conditions (such as fluid in the ear), or using a hearing aid. More complicated options include surgery or cochlear implants. Read on to learn more about treatment options for hearing loss. Is There a Cure for Hearing Loss? The underlying cause and type of hearing loss you have will dictate whether it can be cured....

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) proteins are found on the surface of breast cells and are involved in normal cell growth. Too much HER2 protein, however, can cause some types of breast cancer to grow and spread. HER2-positive breast cancers have abnormally high levels of HER2 receptors, whereas HER2-negative breast cancers don’t. There are a few differences between HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancers, including the tumor’s risk factors, its biology, and its anticipated aggressiveness....

Clostridioides difficile infection, often referred to as C. diff, is a bacterial infection in the digestive system. C. diff is a highly infectious bacterium that can cause a range of symptoms, most commonly diarrhea—or loose stools—cramping, indigestion, stomach upset, and bloating. C. diff infections usually are transmitted through healthcare settings such as in hospitals and nursing facilities. C. diff infections are often linked to the recent use of antibiotics. Antibiotic drugs kill bacteria and can, therefore, disrupt the balance of normal bacteria that live in the digestive system....

The following is from an interview with Jill Osborne, Founder & CEO of the Interstitial Cystitis Network: Q: Please tell me about your background and interest in Interstitial Cystitis (IC). A: I am very typical of IC patients. I was 32 when my symptoms started. Several times a month, I experienced intense bladder pain, discomfort, and the need to urinate frequently, particularly at night. Yet though it certainly felt like an infection, bacteria was never found in my urine....

Domestic violence, recently referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), has become known as a common invisible crime. It is considered invisible because it is usually cloaked in a high level of shame and secrecy. An intimate partner is a boyfriend, girlfriend, sexual partner, spouse, or domestic partner with whom a person is currently or formerly connected. The dynamics behind IPV are intertwined within common patterns of behavior: the initial tension building phase, the acute battering phase, and the honeymoon phase....

Lyme disease is curable. Most people who are infected with the tick-borne illness make a full recovery after treatment with antibiotics. However, a small percentage of those infected by the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, can have lingering symptoms or complications for months or longer. This article discusses how early detection is the best way to ensure a full recovery. It also details treatment options, potential long-term complications of Lyme disease, and how to prevent this infection....

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition in which a person experiences obsessions (repetitive, intrusive thoughts or urges) and compulsions (irrational behaviors used to mitigate the anxiety caused by the obsessions). OCD can be very disruptive to everyday life, but there are treatments available and ways to manage symptoms. This article discusses how to live and cope with OCD. Signs and Symptoms of OCD Symptoms of OCD can include obsessions and/or compulsions that interfere with all aspects of a person’s life, including personal relationships, work, and school....

Being diagnosed with lung cancer can cause fear and stress. There are many factors that can impact lung cancer survival. Knowing what the statistics are based on, how they should be interpreted, and how they relate to you personally can help give you a clearer sense of the path ahead. While lung cancer is a serious disease, in recent years, people have been living longer and enjoying full lives after their diagnosis....

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) describes the average hemoglobin concentration in a given volume of red blood cells. It’s a lab value that’s found on a complete blood count (CBC). An MCHC blood test may be used as a preliminary check for anemia. A normal MCHC value on a CBC is typically between 32 to 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 320 to 360 grams per liter (g/L). A higher or lower than normal MCHC value may indicate that you have a type of anemia, which means you have a low red blood cell count, but your healthcare provider may order more diagnostic tests to be sure....

Patellar tendons are the structures that connect the kneecaps (patella) to the shinbones (tibia). They connect the quadriceps muscle to the shin bone and, less precisely, are sometimes called patellar ligaments. The tendon plays an important role in your ability to extend the leg in order to walk, climb stairs, run, and play sports. When the patellar tendon is injured, whether in a partial or full tear, activities can become difficult to perform....

Although most people associate migraines with adults, migraines also can affect children and teenagers. Figuring out an effective treatment plan early on can help improve the quality of life for a child with migraines and help prevent these headaches from following them into adulthood. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for pediatric migraines, as well as how to prevent them. What Are Pediatric Migraines? Migraines typically are considered moderate-to-severe headaches lasting from two to 48 hours and occurring two to four times each month....

The shingles vaccine, Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine), can help prevent shingles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all adults ages 50 and older and people who are 19 or over who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) should get two doses of Shingrix to prevent shingles and potential related health complications. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a common condition that causes a painful, itchy rash and blisters, usually on one side of the body or face....

Though multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable condition, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can help prevent relapses and slow the natural progression of the disease. That said, selecting the right DMT when diagnosed with MS can be a challenging task. A number of factors must be taken into consideration, including how active your disease is and the drug’s side effects. Even then, sometimes a person’s disease stops responding to their chosen DMT, warranting a switch in medication....

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Each type looks, grows, and spreads differently. They are also treated in different ways. This article discusses the differences between small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. What Is Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)? Like its name suggests, small cell lung cancer contains cells that are smaller in size. SCLC usually starts in the bronchi, located in the middle of the chest....

Stomach discomfort can be caused by a variety of health conditions. Some common culprits include indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and celiac disease, which is characterized by gluten intolerance. Some medications can also result in stomach discomfort. Some conditions can cause recurring stomach discomfort. If you experience mild stomach discomfort, it’s important to track your triggers to help your doctor arrive at the correct diagnosis. Indigestion Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, causes mild stomach discomfort in the upper area of the abdomen....

When someone is at risk for suicide, there’s a chance they’ll turn to healthcare systems for help. Clinicians can then use statistical prediction models to determine who’s most at risk, working quickly to intervene and provide care. Key Takeaways A study found that suicide prediction models predicted suicide in at-risk folks more accurately for certain racial groups compared to others.Some experts suggest community-based intervention and more research to improve models.A lack of access to healthcare contributes to these disparities....

Epilepsy is a chronic condition with varied effects—it can be stable with consistent medical therapy, or it may involve frequent treatment adjustments. If you or your child has epilepsy, you can use telehealth for some of your visits to optimize seizure control. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, medical offices have implemented many important precautions to maximize infection control and safety. Still, if you are more comfortable staying home, you can use telehealth for some of your epilepsy care....

Vaccines stimulate your body to produce immunity against an infection. Those known as live attenuated vaccines use a very weak form of a virus (occasionally, bacteria) to achieve this. Using them means that a modified form of the threat, which the vaccine is meant to target, does enter the body. This is done to spur an immune system response, typically without causing illness. Some people oppose live vaccine use because they think it can cause a virus to spread through a process called shedding....

Vertebroplasty is a procedure that involves injecting cement into vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. Vertebroplasty is typically used to treat compression fractures, which can cause your vertebrae to collapse. This injury causes severe pain, spine instability, and sometimes nerve compression, making daily activities difficult. This article overviews vertebroplasty and discusses preparation and what to expect during and after the procedure. What Is Vertebroplasty? Vertebroplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure typically performed as an outpatient procedure....