One test for epilepsy diagnosis is a spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture). This is a procedure in which fluid surrounding the spinal cord (called the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) is withdrawn through a needle and examined in a lab. The main reason for lumbar puncture is to help diagnose diseases of the central…
The cornerstone of a balanced attractive face is a well-defined jawline structure, male or female. Some people are not able to achieve this in natural ways but the technological advances and studies have introduced a way for people to achieve the structure they wish to attain. A chin augmentation, also called genioplasty, improves the contours…
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, usually improves within a week to 10 days without…
Acute Pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas; it may be mild or life threatening but usually subsides. It is painful and develops quickly. Acute pancreatitis is different to chronic pancreatitis, where the inflammation of the pancreas persists for many years. Acute pancreatitis may be a single event; it may be recurrent; or it…
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is a type of lymphoma in which cancer originates from a specific type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system….
Cervical cancer happens when cells change in a woman’s cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. The cancer can affect the deeper tissues of the cervix and may spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina and rectum. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted…
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a child’s success at school, as well as their relationships. ADHD is generally diagnosed in children by the time they’re teenagers, with the average age for moderate ADHD diagnosis…
Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia has a physical, psychological, social, and economic impact, not only…
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), or coronary artery disease, develops when the coronary arteries become too narrow. The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen and blood to the heart. CHD involves the reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle due to build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart. These plaques…
An Aneurysmal Bone Cyst is a benign, blood filled lesion in the bone that tends to expand or grow. While it is referred to a cyst, it is a true benign bone tumor surrounded by a thin wall of bone. Aneurysmal bone cysts can occur in any bone, but are most commonly found around the…
An aneurysm is the enlargement of an artery caused by weakness in the arterial wall, allowing it to balloon out or widen abnormally. This bulge can rupture and cause internal bleeding. Often there are no symptoms, but a ruptured aneurysm can lead to fatal complications. Aneurysm is most common in these areas: brainaortalegsspleen Aneurysm can…
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). It is developed when the walls of these vessels are stretched, they become irritated. Although hemorrhoids can be unpleasant and…
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in males, but it is highly treatable in the early stages. It begins in the prostate (a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm). Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it…
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in…
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to health because it’s an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It is also the brain’s main source of fuel. Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is…
More than 700,000 people suffer strokes each year, and approximately two-thirds of these individuals survive and require rehabilitation. Few are prepared for this sudden and often catastrophic event, but rehabilitation rates are encouraging. In some cases, brain cell damage may be temporary and may resume functioning over time. In other cases, the brain can reorganize…
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea. Main Types of Sleep Apnea Are Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relaxCentral sleep apnea, which…
Skin bleaching reduces the concentration or production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. The amount of melanin in the skin is mostly determined by genetics. People with dark skin have more melanin. Hormones, sunlight, and certain chemicals also affect melanin production. When applying a skin bleaching product…
Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins,…
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body. Most infections do not have symptoms, in which case it is known as latent tuberculosis. About 10% of latent infections progress to active disease which, if left untreated,…