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Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) has traditionally been a challenging task because the symptoms are often subtle and can mimic those of other health conditions. There’s also no single test that can confirm a diagnosis of MS. The emergence of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, however, has revolutionized the detection of MS. This article will review how different types of MRI scans can help support an MS diagnosis. It also will explore what it’s like to undergo an MRI and provides some basic information on the cause, types, diagnosis, and treatment of MS....

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a procedure in which dermal fillers are injected into the nose to change its shape. While this procedure is quick, cost-effective, and does not involve any surgical cutting, there are risks involved. In addition, the results are only temporary. Not everyone is a candidate for nonsurgical biopsy—it’s not an option if you want a smaller nose or major changes to your nose. If you are considering a nonsurgical rhinoplasty, learning more about the procedure and what it involves from start to finish is a good first step....

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a disease that’s marked by a gradual degeneration of the skin and soft tissue areas on one half of the face (known as hemifacial atrophy), according to the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The disease is acquired, meaning it’s not an inherited condition or present at the time of birth. Typically, the syndrome begins in childhood or young adulthood, and usually, the facial atrophy occurs on the left side of the face....

In May, the American Red Cross released a statement encouraging healthy Black individuals to donate blood, particularly to help Black patients with sickle cell disease who will require multiple blood transfusions over a lifetime. Because these patients are at a higher risk of complications if infected with COVID-19, donations are still needed as the pandemic stretches into the fall. Key Takeaways Black patients have unique antigens on their red blood cells not commonly found in other populations, making it more difficult to find compatible blood for those in need of a transfusion....

Physical therapy after a Jones fracture may help improve your overall foot and ankle range of motion, strength, and functional mobility. A Jones fracture is a break in the fifth metatarsal, a bone of your foot that connects your pinky toe to the rest of your foot. Fractures here are a painful experience and can limit your ability to walk normally and engage in work, recreation, and athletic activity. Jones Fracture Symptoms The typical signs and symptoms of a Jones fracture include, but are not limited to:...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the joints, especially in the hands and fingers. Because RA is a progressive condition, it will get worse with time. And left untreated, it can cause severe damage to joints, lead to disability, and harm major organs. While staying on top of your RA treatment may seem inconvenient at times, it is worth it, especially long-term, because not doing so could potentially put your quality of life at risk....

One of the most serious potential complications from the autoimmune disease scleroderma (also called “systemic sclerosis”) is renal crisis. When this happens, your blood pressure rises sharply, and your kidneys begin working poorly. Because of this, you may need temporary or even permanent dialysis. Scleroderma renal crisis is thought to happen in somewhere between 2% and 15% of people with scleroderma. Symptoms People with scleroderma renal crisis may have symptoms because their blood pressure has increased sharply and swiftly....

The aural phase of a seizure is sometimes described as the pre-ictal stage. It can occur seconds, minutes or up to an hour before a seizure. Some people experience seizure aura symptoms such as visual changes or nausea prior to having a seizure. The effects of a seizure aura may resemble the subsequent ictal phase (also described as the convulsive phase) of the seizure, but that is not always the case....

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and ligaments of the spine. Over time, the inflammation causes stiffness and back pain. Because there is no cure for AS, treatment typically focuses on medications and therapies to reduce pain and prevent the condition from worsening. In some cases, certain dietary supplements may also be beneficial. This article will discuss supplements for ankylosing spondylitis, including which ones have proven benefits and those that need additional research....

The link between chronic pain and clinical depression is complex and very real. It’s important to understand that the impact of chronic pain goes beyond the physical, and the impact of depression goes beyond the mental. The relationship between these two conditions is so strong that depression is often one of the first conditions healthcare providers look for when diagnosing chronic pain. While the relationship isn’t yet fully understood, researchers are learning more about it all the time....

There are two main categories of acne scars. The first are atrophic scars caused by a loss of tissue, with three types known as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling. The second type, called hypertrophic or keloid scars, are caused by excess tissue. Acne scars can be difficult to treat, and they always require professional help if you want to see real improvement. Over-the-counter products aren’t powerful enough to improve the look and texture of acne scars....

What Is Uroxatral? Uroxatral (alfuzosin) is a prescription medication used to improve urination in adult men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate). It is in a class of drugs called alpha blockers. Alpha blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, although Uroxatral has not been researched in treating high blood pressure. Uroxatral works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate to improve urine flow. It does not shrink the prostate or change prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood levels....

What Is Vivitrol? Vivitrol (naltrexone) is a medication option used to treat alcohol dependence. It can also be used as a maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Vivitrol should be used along with a complete recovery treatment program. These programs may include counseling, adherence monitoring, and other treatment or support methods. As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol works by attaching to mu-opioid receptors (binding sites) in the brain and blocking their effects....

Although the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair makes some people anxious, the potential cost also drives many away. If you have an offer of dental insurance through your employer—or you can afford to purchase it for yourself—you’ll want to choose a plan that covers the dental care you and your family will need now and in the future. This article will explain how to compare dental plans, and the important points to keep in mind when you’re selecting a dental plan....

When preparing for the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy surgery), it’s important to know what type of facility you will be having the procedure at, what to expect before the procedure, what medications to take (and which ones to withhold), and about certain lifestyle changes that will help to speed recovery after the procedure. Location A Whipple procedure is a complex operation that takes place in a hospital setting. You can expect a total stay of six to 10 days in the hospital....

A healing herb—otherwise known as a medicinal plant—is one that is either collected from the wild or intentionally grown for its medicinal, or curative, value. A plant’s leaves, bark, stems, roots, seeds, and/or flowers may be used to create herbal remedies. Examples of healing plants for which there is some evidence supporting their ability to either treat or relieve symptoms of certain health conditions include: AshwagandhaChamomileEchinaceaGarlicGingerGingkoGinsengLavenderSaint-John’s-WortTurmeric This article covers the traditional uses of each of these healing plants, what research says about them, how you can take them, and what to consider before you do....

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first-in-human clinical trial of gene-editing technology, CRISPR-Cas9, in patients with sickle cell disease using the patient’s own blood-forming stem cells. Key Takeaways The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a trial that aims to correct the defect that causes sickle cell disease by using CRISPR technology.The trial is scheduled to take place for four years.Current commonly used therapies for sickle cell disease include oral medications, transfusions, and stem cell transplants....

Long suspected and supported by scientific evidence, the foods we eat affect the appearance of our skin. Many healthy dietary choices can contribute to clear, glowing skin, including: Low-glycemic foods Probiotics Omega-3-rich foods Lean proteinsPlant foods like green vegetables and oats Foods rich in sugar and fats can do just the opposite, leading to increased oil production and acne. Foods to Eat The foods that promote clear skin will probably come as no surprise....

A bleeding disorder, sometimes called coagulopathy, is a condition that makes you more likely to bleed than the average person. If you have a bleeding disorder, this means your body does not clot properly, typically due to a defect of one or more steps of the coagulation (bleeding and clotting) system. Some bleeding disorders are hereditary, while others develop due to a medical illness that arises later in life. This article describes common bleeding disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatments....

What Is Breztri Aerosphere? Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol) is a prescription medication that is used as a maintenance treatment for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breztri Aerosphere is unique in the fact that it is a combination medication with three different components to treat COPD. To understand how this medication works, it is essential to understand the individual active ingredients. Budesonide belongs to a drug class known as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)....