Posts

Dystonia is a type of involuntary movement that can be a symptom of neurological disease or a side effect of certain medications. The movements can interfere with daily life and cause physical discomfort. For some people with dystonia, the appearance of the movements can be embarrassing or distracting. Dystonia is not dangerous or life-threatening, but it can interfere with the quality of life. Medical treatments can help alleviate dystonia. This article will discuss the types of dystonia, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and how to cope with it....

What Is Emend? Emend (aprepitant) is a medication that helps prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy (a type of cancer treatment) or after surgery. It belongs to a class of medications called substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists, which block the action of a chemical in the nervous system that causes vomiting. You can take Emend in its oral form as a capsule or solution (liquid), but it is also available as an infusion....

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves strategies to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and prevent stomach fluid from entering the esophagus. Fundoplication is one common procedure, but there are others, with approaches that range from minimally invasive to open surgery. Surgery is an option for refractory GERD—that is, cases that do not improve with more modest treatments. The procedure that’s best for you depends on your medical condition and any structural issues affecting your digestive system....

In early November, the White House announced details of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate affecting companies with over 100 employees. The deadline for companies to comply was originally January 4, 2022. But now that may be changing. Key Takeaways The U.S. government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for large companies is temporarily on hold while the courts decide its fate.Legal experts said a decision may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.Businesses may be putting plans in place to comply with the mandate’s deadlines in the event they’re enforced, or they may be enacting their own mandates....

Histamine intolerance describes when the body simply cannot process high levels of this runny-nose-causing, congestion-inducing chemical. While histamine is best known as the chemical the immune system produces in response to an allergic or inflammatory reaction, it also communicates important information to the brain and plays a role in digestion. Histamine can be found in certain foods and some foods release histamine stored in the body. Diet alone can cause histamine levels to rise so high that someone with histamine intolerance experiences allergy-like symptoms without having an allergic reaction....

The treatment of hyperglycemia depends on a variety of factors, including how long and how often you have attacks and how severe your hyperglycemia is. Your age, overall health, and cognitive function are also important. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) stresses that each person with diabetes should have a personalized treatment plan. While the ADA offers an algorithm to help determine the right medication for certain situations, decisions should ultimately be made on an individual basis....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, swelling, pain, stiffness, and, potentially, joint deformity. In autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. While RA typically affects the joints, it can also affect the lungs, eyes, heart, and other parts of the body. RA is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms can worsen over time and can significantly affect long-term health and well-being. The disease affects everyone differently, so it can be hard for doctors to tell how severe a person’s condition will become....

An enema is an injection of fluid through the rectum that cleans stool (poop) out of your bowel or stimulates your bowel so it will empty. It’s a common, long-time treatment for constipation, which can make it hard to pass stool. Enemas also are helpful before bowel surgery and for diagnostic procedures like a colonoscopy. You can give yourself an enema at home, using a kit with an enema bottle or enema bag....

Knowing how to use ear drops can help with clogged ears and other painful conditions. Ear drops are generally safe when used properly. They are available as both over-the-counter medications and as the more recommended prescription drugs. They can be used to treat ear problems that include: Middle ear infections Swimmer’s ear Excessive ear wax Ear pain This article looks at some common types of ear drops, how they’re used on people of different ages, possible side effects, and who shouldn’t use ear drops....

Early diagnosis and treatment can cure many cases of lung cancer. If the disease is caught really early, the cure rate is between 80% and 90%. That rate drops dramatically, though, when it comes to more advanced tumors—especially if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cures are often talked about in terms of remission. Successful remission depends on how early the disease is caught and what other health issues you might be dealing with....

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a long flexible tube with a camera on one end to see the inside of your body. An endoscopy is usually done when visualization of internal organs is necessary to make a diagnosis. Typically, an endoscopy allows a diagnosis to be made with less risk than surgery. Endoscopy may also be used to gain access to internal organs for treatment. Endoscopy is typically considered a “minimally invasive” procedure....

A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a small area of breast tissue that is cancerous or suspected of being cancerous. It’s sometimes referred to as breast conservation surgery or a partial mastectomy. Lumpectomies are an option for some, but not all, cases of breast cancer, depending on many factors. Follow-up care also differs considerably depending on whether you have a lumpectomy or mastectomy (total removal of one or both breasts)....

Melanoma is a skin cancer that arises from a skin cell called a melanocyte, which makes the pigment (melanin) that gives your skin its color. Melanoma can appear in different ways, most commonly as a new spot on the skin or as an already existing mole that changes in color, size, or shape. While considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer because of its ability to spread throughout the body rapidly, melanoma is generally very treatable if found early....

A rare genetic metabolic disorder, Morquio syndrome is a condition in which the body is unable to process certain types of sugar molecules (glycosaminoglycans). Also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (MPS IV), this disease expresses as a predominantly skeletal disorder, leading to an abnormal curvature of the spine, short neck, knock knees, and hip problems. In affected children, the syndrome may present with an enlarged head and characteristic facial features. The condition is usually diagnosed in infants....

Narcissistic abuse is a type of emotional abuse that involves manipulation to alter or damage the way a person thinks, behaves, or feels. Those who conduct this type of abuse in their relationships often have narcissistic personality disorder or sociopathic tendencies. There are several signs that indicate you may be suffering from narcissistic abuse. For example, in the early stages of a romantic relationship, a narcissistic partner may act perfect, but then patterns begin to change and manipulation tactics begin....

Ophthalmoscopy is an exam that studies the back of the eye. This type of exam allows eye doctors (often ophthalmologists) or other healthcare providers who use it to check for eye conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. It also is called fundoscopy or a fundoscopic exam. This article will address the purpose of ophthalmoscopy, any risks associated with it, and what to expect during ophthalmoscopy. Purpose of the Test The purpose of ophthalmoscopy is to examine the back of the eye and make sure that it is healthy....

Your road to an organ transplant starts with the healthcare provider or specialist who is providing your care. If he or she determines that you are in organ failure or may soon be in organ failure, you will be referred to a transplant center. The transplant center may not be the closest center to you, as the organs transplanted at each center vary. Once you have a referral, you will need to make an appointment for an evaluation....

Both positron-emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans use energy to create images of the body and can diagnose many types of medical conditions. They differ in the type of energy they use and the reasons for use. Often, a PET scan is performed along with a CT scan to provide detailed images of the body. This article will review the basics of PET and CT scanning, including their differences and their medical uses....

A pilonidal cyst, which might sometimes be called pilonidal disease, is a fluid-filled sac that usually occurs on the tailbone at the top of the buttocks. The cyst can become infected and form an abscess (a pocket of infection) that progresses to a fistula (an abnormal connection between two organs or an organ and the skin). It usually starts as an infection of a hair follicle in the area. This article will discuss the possible symptoms, causes, and treatments for pilonidal cyst....

Around 96 million American adults have prediabetes. Most—roughly 80%—aren’t aware they have the condition. Prediabetes does not typically cause symptoms. It is still a concern, however, because it is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This means that without intervention, it can progress to type 2 diabetes, putting you at risk for a host of related complications. This article discusses prediabetes, its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. It also looks at how prediabetes is treated and what you can do to prevent it from progressing....