While the cochlea is technically a fluid-filled structure within a bone, it plays a vital role in the function of hearing rather than simply being another component of the skeletal system. It is part of the inner ear and is often described as hollow and snail- or spiral-shaped. Anatomy The spiral shape of the cochlea is necessary for the transduction of different sound frequencies. The cochlea is approximately 10 millimeters (mm) wide....
A DEXA scan is a non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density to assess if a person is at risk of osteoporosis or fracture. DEXA stands for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry—a mouthful of a term that actually tells a lot about this procedure, in which two X-ray beams are aimed at the bones. While a regular X-ray can show changes in bone density (osteopenia) after bone loss of about 40%, a DEXA scan can detect changes as small as 1%, making it more sensitive and accurate....
Dilaudid (hydromorphone) and morphine are two of many opioid medication (previously called narcotics) that healthcare providers may prescribe to people in moderate to severe pain. They work on the opioid receptors of the body to reduce pain and may also cause a euphoria, commonly called a “high.” While similar in many ways, these two medications are different substances. Morphine is a naturally occurring opioid processed from poppy plants. Dilaudid is a semisynthetic medication, a derivative of morphine, made in a lab....
What Is Epiduo? Epiduo (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) is a prescription gel used to treat acne. It is a combination medication containing two acne-fighting agents: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene belongs to a group of drugs called topical retinoids. It works by healing acne blemishes, preventing new breakouts, and decreasing inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties and helps fight off bacteria that contribute to acne symptoms. Epiduo is a topical treatment....
What Is Eucrisa? Eucrisa (crisaborole) is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children 3 months and older. It is available as a topical ointment that you apply to the skin. Eucrisa is in a drug class known as topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors. It blocks the action of substances in the body that can cause inflammation. What Is Eucrisa Used For? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eucrisa to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults and children 3 months and older....
Health officials in Israel are looking into a few reports of heart inflammation in people who received a COVID-19 vaccine, but experts say that a link between the condition and the shot is not likely. Key Takeaways Reports of heart inflammation in people who received Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine have caused some concern, but experts say a connection between the two is unlikely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, European Medicines Agency, and Pfizer all say that no direct link between inflammation in the heart (myocarditis) and the vaccine has been established....
A fecal transplant, also known as fecal bacteriotherapy or fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), is the process of restoring the bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract with an infusion of feces (stool) from a donor. When the bacteria in the digestive tract is destroyed as the result of an illness, it can be very difficult to get back. A fecal transplant can help with this. While this may seem like a strange or unpleasant concept, it is important to remember that the body requires bacteria to digest food....
It’s important to get a diagnosis and seek treatment for a tapeworm infection, even though in many cases a tapeworm infection does not cause any symptoms and most people will not know that they are infected. Diagnosis for tapeworm infection is usually done through detection of eggs and proglottids (worm segments) via a stool test, although many patients’ tapeworms are detected when they find proglottids in their own stool or in the toilet....
There are many acne treatment options available to get your acne breakouts under control. They could be topical (medications you put on your skin), systemic (prescription oral medications), or procedural (treatments done at a spa or dermatology office). The appropriate course of treatment is determined by the type and stage of your acne. This article discusses the types of acne treatment. This includes over-the-counter therapies, prescriptions, procedures, and home remedies....
Hyperlipidemia means you have too many lipids (or fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in your blood. High cholesterol and triglycerides put you at risk for cardiovascular disease, which can result in heart attack and stroke. A combination of lifestyle changes, like eating a heart-healthy diet, engaging in routine exercise, and, if necessary, taking a statin or other cholesterol-lowering medication, has been proven to decrease lipid levels and the likelihood of having life-altering medical complications....
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is an important structure that provides stability to the inside of your knee. Running from the thigh bone (the femur) to the lower leg bone (the tibia), this ligament prevents the knee from buckling inward into a knock-kneed (valgus) position. MCL injuries frequently occur while participating in sports. They are usually caused by twisting, cutting (making quick directional changes), or bending movements. Depending on the movement causing the injury is, the MCL may become sprained or torn....
If you’re based in Wisconsin, you might want to inquire into the source of your drinking water. Much of the state’s water supply appears to be contaminated with nitrates, naturally occurring ions that can pose a risk to human health when consumed in concentrations that exceed—or, it turns out, even meet—federal standards. The October study that revealed the extent of the problem was published in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment....
Infertility is diagnosed when a couple cannot become pregnant after a year of trying to conceive with condomless sex. About 15% of couples are unable to become pregnant after trying for one year. Infertility may also refer to a person who can become pregnant but has a history of miscarriages or stillbirths. Studies show that in about one-third of couples, there is a medical reason why a woman cannot become pregnant....
If you are facing a terminal illness or have a loved one who is nearing death, you may wonder or worry about pain. This may be all the more true if pain has already been a part of the process. It’s true that death can be painful for some people. It’s also true that there are ways to help manage and ease pain in the final days of life. This article discusses how end-of-life pain may be experienced and described....
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and sores, or ulcers, on the lining of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms of UC can vary over time. There may be periods with little or no symptoms, called remission, or other periods when symptoms worsen, called a flare. Flare symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, or bloody stool....
The most common symptom of myasthenia gravis (MG) is progressive weakness of the skeletal muscles—the muscles that allow the body to move. “Myasthenia gravis” literally means “grave muscle weakness.” This condition typically affects facial muscles, especially in the eyes, but can also affect muscles in other body parts. In addition to muscle weakness, MG causes severe fatigue and, in rare cases, can lead to respiratory failure. There is no cure for MG, but treatment can help manage symptoms, including muscle weakness of the limbs and eyes, problems with speaking, chewing, swallowing, breathing problems, and debilitating fatigue....
What Is Nadolol? Nadolol is a prescription medication that has been approved for maintenance treatment of high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). The brand of Corgard, which was available in tablet form to be taken orally, is no longer manufactured. The generic form, nadolol, is available as a prescription tablet. This medication is a beta-blocker that binds to the beta 1 receptors on the heart muscle and the beta 2 receptors of the blood vessels and the bronchi (airways)....
A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Most of the time, a primary care doctor refers patients to a neurologist if they have symptoms that indicate a neurological condition. Neurologists receive extensive education and training, including four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, four years of residency, and one to two more years in a neurology fellowship....
Abrar Naely, MA, RDN, LD is a Syrian-American and Muslim registered dietitian based in Dallas, Texas who uses social media including Instagram and TikTok to educate people about nutrition and the benefits of eating healthy and staying active. Many Muslims all around the world are currently observing Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. From sunup to sundown, those who are physically able in Muslim communities will engage in fasting from food and drink each day from April 2 through May 2 this year....
Oligomenorrhea is infrequent or unusually light bleeding during your menstrual periods. Specifically, it refers to a menstrual cycle that lasts longer than 35 days or when you have fewer than nine periods in a year. There are several causes of oligomenorrhea, some of which are harmless. In fact, light menstrual periods may be totally normal for you. However, in some instances, oligomenorrhea can be a sign of a more serious health condition....
