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When people hear the word seizure, they usually imagine someone who has collapsed and is in the throes of painful convulsions. While it’s true that some having a seizure will have this experience, that’s not always the case. It’s also a common misconception that having a seizure means someone has epilepsy. While seizures may indicate an epilepsy disorder, they can also be caused by a myriad of other things, such as alcohol withdrawal or low blood sugar....

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of sesamoid bones and the tendons of the flexor hallucis brevis at the bottom of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (first digit joint) of the foot. It is often caused by overuse. It is common in people who bear weight on the balls of their feet, including dancers and runners. Sesamoiditis is treated with rest, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, methods to offload stress on the foot, and other measures....

Sphincters are circular muscles that open and close passages in the body to regulate the flow of substances, such as bile, urine (pee), and feces (poop), through the body. Although many are found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, there are also sphincters in the urinary tract and blood vessels. There are even those in the eyes that regulate the flow of light. There are over 50 distinct types of sphincters in the human body, some of which function involuntarily, some of which respond to stimuli, and others of which are controlled voluntarily....

Trauma-focused therapy, trauma-informed care, or trauma therapy is a form of psychotherapy (talk therapy) designed to manage the impact of traumatic events on people’s lives. Trauma therapy helps people process traumatic events and the lasting experience of trauma that may follow those events. If you or someone you love has experienced trauma, the content and descriptive information featured in this article may be triggering. For mental health resources, including a list of links and hotline numbers, see our National Helpline Database....

Many transgender people are interested in having biological children. How easy or difficult it is depends on a number of factors. For example, it is far more difficult to save gametes for future assisted reproduction in people who medically transition before puberty. On the other hand, a transgender man or transgender non-binary person who is not opposed to carrying a child may be able to carry a child with relative ease....

A uterus transplant is a replacement of the uterus in women who have absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI). Women with AUFI—a term used to describe any reason why a woman is unable to get pregnant—can have congenital conditions and malformations related to the uterus or conditions which develop over time such as adhesions and fibroids. This type of infertility can also be the result of an altogether absent uterus. A woman who receives a transplanted uterus often receives the uterus with the intention of conceiving a child....

You may have heard the term minimum essential coverage, and you may know that it stems from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But if you’re like most people, you might be wondering how it differs from other common terms, like “ACA-compliant coverage” and “minimum value.” This article will explain what it means to have minimum essential coverage, why it matters, and how it differs from other similar terminology. What Does “Minimum Essential Coverage” Mean?...

Indigestion, overeating, food intolerances, and gallstones are some common causes of upper-middle stomach pain after eating, known as postprandial pain. Discomfort may reach as high as the rib area and range from feelings of fullness to significant tightening. Experiencing postprandial pain from time to time usually isn’t a concern. But it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider if your stomach often hurts after you eat, as it could be a symptom of several digestive disorders that require treatment....

Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with an increased risk of cancer. This article discusses the connection between ankylosing spondylitis and cancer and how healthcare providers approach treatment when someone develops both. Connection Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Cancer Ankylosing spondylitis develops when the joints in the spine become chronically inflamed. While many things can cause cancer, the chronic inflammation present in ankylosing spondylitis damages DNA, and over time, those changes can lead to cancer....

Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin failed to effectively benefit critically ill adults with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), according to a recent study. Key Takeaways Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin failed to benefit critically ill adults with COVID-19, a recent study found. Experts say people with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of blood clots due to inflammation.Staying active and minimizing the risk of contracting COVID-19 can help decrease the risk of blood clots....

Arteries are vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to every other part of your body. In the best-case scenario. your arteries will remain wide open, allowing blood to move quickly and freely to where it needs to go. For many people, this ideal does not last long. Blockages in the arteries of the heart get the most attention since they can cause heart attacks. However, arterial blockages can strike anywhere....

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a struggle. It is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that can be managed but gets worse over time. Adding to the challenges, RA isn’t a lone condition. It puts you at risk for a host of comorbid—or simultaneously occurring—diseases. Here’s what you need to know about comorbidities in people with RA, their effects, and how to reduce your risk. Comorbidity Defined The term comorbidity is used to define the presence of one or more diseases in a person in addition to a primary condition....

Crohn’s disease, which is one form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is sometimes treated with surgery. The number of patients who need surgery has lowered as medications have improved. It used to be estimated that around 75% of people with Crohn’s would need surgery, but now it’s thought to be closer to 25%. There are several types of surgery used to treat Crohn’s disease. Which type of surgery is used and when will be based on a number of factors, including where the inflammation from Crohn’s disease is located and if there are any extraintestinal manifestations (complications) of the disease....

What Is Exelon? Exelon is a prescription transdermal patch used to treat dementia in adults with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Exelon belongs to a group of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Exelon works by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine—an important neurotransmitter (or chemical messenger) in the brain. Acetylcholine activity is reduced in people with certain forms of dementia, so increasing levels can help improve symptoms. What Is Exelon Used For? Exelon is a prescription transdermal patch used to treat dementia caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease in adults....

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 that the body needs to maintain its genetic building blocks, DNA and RNA. However, folate is water-soluble, meaning the body does not store it, and you need to replenish it regularly through your diet. Folate is naturally present in many foods, notably dark green vegetables, beans, and legumes. Vitamin supplements contain a synthetic form of folate known as folic acid. In the United States and most other developed nations, breakfast cereals, flour, bread, and other foods are fortified with folic acid to prevent folate deficiency within the general population....

Goldenhar syndrome is a congenital condition that can change the development of a child’s face, spine, and internal organs. Sometimes Goldenhar syndrome is considered a more advanced form of two closely related conditions—hemifacial microsomia and oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia—but the terminology in both research and clinical practice varies. As the genetic basis of Goldenhar syndrome is still unknown and its associated symptoms may vary greatly, estimates of the condition’s occurrence in the general population ranges between 0....

The amount of radiation being used on patients for medical diagnosis and treatment purposes has been called into question in recent years. While few experts doubt the sometimes life-saving benefits of the right use of radiation at the right time, others point out that its overuse can be dangerous for patients. Like anything good and useful, there must be a balance in how radiation is used. Smart patients understand what radiation is, how it is used medically, the risks and rewards, and the benefits and dangers of using radiation for their medical care....

Steri-Strips, also called butterfly stitches or butterfly closures, are sometimes used to hold skin together after a surgical incision. They are meant to be worn until they fall off, usually within 14 days, after which any remaining strips can be gently removed. If removed before 14 days, you need to take precautions to avoid reopening the wound or causing an infection. Any curled or loose ends can be trimmed with nail scissors to prevent snagging....

Laser spine surgery is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) that uses a laser to cut through structures in the spine to reduce nerve compression to help relieve pain. While minimally invasive procedures often result in less pain and tissue damage with a faster recovery time compared with more extensive surgeries, laser spine surgery is limited in its utility in treating spinal disorders and comes with risks. What Is Laser Spine Surgery?...

A lobectomy is a type of lung cancer surgery in which one lobe of a lung is removed because it contains malignant tumors. A lobe is one of the sections that make up each lung. The right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two. A lobectomy is also occasionally performed for other conditions, such as tuberculosis, severe COPD, or trauma that interrupts major blood vessels near the lungs....