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Chiropractic adjustment, also called spinal manipulation, is a procedure done by a chiropractor using the hands or small instruments to apply controlled force to a spinal joint. There are many different conditions that have been treated using chiropractic manipulation, and the goal is to improve spinal motion and relieve symptoms. Chiropractic adjustment is generally considered safe when performed for the right condition by someone who is properly trained and licensed to practice chiropractic care....

A neurological and cognitive examination, also described as a neurological exam or a neuro exam, is an important method for evaluating neurological conditions like delirium, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and spinal muscular atrophy. There are many components to a neurological exam, including cognitive testing, motor strength and control, sensory function, gait (walking), cranial nerve testing, and balance. Anyone at any age can have a neurological and cognitive examination, although some parts of the exam differ slightly based on factors like a person’s age, ability to participate, and level of consciousness....

Concussions are common, and they can affect people of all ages. Most concussions are mild, and the effects usually resolve within a few days, without lasting consequences. A severe concussion can cause impaired consciousness for several hours or longer and may cause lasting effects. About 3 to 18 out of 100 children and adolescents will experience a concussion. Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of concussions are not precise because many people do not seek medical attention for the condition....

A convulsion is a medical event in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disrupted, causing muscles to involuntarily contract and spasm, resulting in sudden, violent, and irregular movements of the body. A convulsion may be associated with any number of medical conditions, including epilepsy, a head injury, severe fever, an inflammatory brain infection, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. It often requires a doctor such as a neurologist or infectious disease specialist to determine the reason it has occurred....

Certain types of strokes can damage the corona radiata. This bundle of nerve fibers in the brain carries information between cells in the outermost layer of the brain (cerebral cortex) and those in the brain stem (the lower part of the brain connected to the spinal cord). If the corona radiata is damaged by a stroke, you can experience a change in the way you express emotions. Some people also experience psychological and psychiatric changes, as well as visual impairment....

Ebstein’s anomaly (sometimes referred to as Ebstein anomaly) is a congenital heart disease in which the tricuspid valve and the right ventricle do not develop normally. Characteristically in this condition, parts of the tricuspid valve are displaced toward the bottom of the right ventricle. This results in a tendency for the tricuspid valve to become regurgitant (leaky), and can lead to other cardiac problems as well affecting the heart’s chambers and valves....

Sleep deprivation happens when you do not get enough sleep to meet your body’s needs. If you’re sleep-deprived, you may feel tired. You can also have other symptoms, because sleep affects your whole body. You may worry about what will happen if you don’t get enough sleep. You might wonder if sleep deprivation will have lasting physical effects on your body. This article will look at what research says about the short- and long-term consequences of sleep deprivation on your health....

The liver plays a vital role in the body, like processing medications, removing toxins from the blood, and supporting nutrient absorption and transportation. Changes in liver function can impact nearly every bodily system. If the liver is damaged or infected, it might release certain chemicals that can be detected during routine bloodwork. Healthcare providers routinely check liver function to make sure this essential organ is functioning effectively. Elevated liver enzymes can occur for many reasons....

Histopathology means using a microscope to look at human tissue to see if it has signs of diseases, damage, or other abnormalities. Histology is the study of tissues, and pathology is the study of disease. Thus, histopathology means the study of tissues related to disease. A histopathology report describes the tissue that the pathologist examined. It can identify features of what cancer looks like under the microscope. A histopathology report is also sometimes called a biopsy report or a pathology report....

Colonoscopy prep isn’t fun for several reasons, the main one being how much you will poop. You may have diarrhea for 12 to 16 hours after beginning the process of getting your bowels ready for this procedure. How long the colonoscopy prep process will take altogether varies, but passing clear or yellowish fluid that is free from fecal matter is an indication that your bowel prep is complete. The time it takes to get to this point largely depends on your general gastrointestinal health and how closely you followed your bowel prep diet....

Taking your thyroid medication properly helps you absorb it well and limits your risk of side effects. That’s true whether you have hypothyroidism (low thyroid activity) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid activity). The different types of thyroid medications each have certain specifications in terms of whether they can be taken with or without food, time of day when they should be taken, drug interactions, and signs of inadequate dose or overdose....

Internal bleeding is when you bleed from blood vessels and the blood collects inside the body instead of bleeding out through an open wound. Symptoms of internal bleeding, known as hemorrhaging, can vary from one case to the next. Internal bleeding can be sudden and rapid with extreme pain, shock, and fainting. Or, it can be slow and “silent” with few symptoms until the total loss of blood is extreme. Although, symptoms don’t always reflect the amount of bleeding and its severity....

A regular period (menstruation) is an important part of reproductive health. Irregular periods occur when an individual’s menstrual cycle is shorter or longer than the average length. About 14% to 25% of people experience irregular menstrual cycles. A normal menstrual cycle lasts 24 to 38 days. It is considered irregular when it is shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days. Your menstrual cycle may also be irregular if it varies by more than 20 days in length from month to month....

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are different strains of HPV. Some types cause genital warts, while others cause cervical cancer. While HPV can’t be cured, you can prevent it by getting an HPV vaccine. Using a condom every time you have sex can also provide some protection. You may wonder if HPV is the same as genital warts and if genital warts can raise your cancer risk....

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb in the mint family. It is native to southern Europe. Lemon balm can be consumed as a tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or rubbed on the skin in lotions. Lemon balm essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy. This article discusses the potential uses of lemon balm. It also covers the risk factors, side effects, and more. Uses of Lemon Balm Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider....

Multiple sclerosis (MS) runs in families, and genetic changes that increase the risk for it are passed from parents to children. No genetic test can yet reveal whether you or your child will develop the condition, but researchers are making strides in learning about the contributing factors of MS, including the role of genetics and environmental factors. This article explores the knowns and unknowns of MS genetics, how susceptibility is passed from one generation to the next, the various causes of MS, and how you may be able to lower your risk of developing this condition....

Neutropenic fever, also sometimes referred to as febrile neutropenia, is a form of fever that occurs in combination with a low white blood cell count. Specifically, neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that works to fight infections, are decreased in number in a neutropenic fever. Usually, the people at risk for neutropenic fever are those with weakened immune systems from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation....

Osteomalacia and osteoporosis are both bone conditions that affect the bones in different ways. Osteomalacia causes soft bones due to a lack of vitamin D. It is a disorder of decreased mineralization, which results in bone breaking down faster than it can re-form. In osteoporosis, bone mass decreases over time, leading to weakened and brittle bones that are susceptible to fracture. This article discusses the different symptoms, causes, and treatments for osteomalacia and osteoporosis....

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes an excessive, marked, irrational fear of a specific object or situation. Someone with a phobia could be afraid of certain people, animals, objects, places, situations, or activities. Common symptoms of phobias include: Shortness of breath Panic Rapid heart rate Shaking or trembling Urge to flee When people go to extreme lengths to avoid what makes them afraid, their daily functioning in work, school, and relationships can suffer....

Revenge bedtime procrastination is defined as sacrificing sleep to enjoy some downtime or activities that you weren’t able to do earlier in the day. Although it’s not a medical condition or a sleep disorder, it’s a fairly common phenomenon. In fact, previous studies demonstrate that up to 53.1% of young adults report engaging in bedtime procrastination. But, procrastinating at bedtime is not good for your health or quality of life....