What is an epidural steroid injection? Picture of a disc herniation compressing the spinal nerve root An epidural steroid injection is a common procedure to treat spinal nerve irritation that is most often caused by tissues next to the nerve pressing against it. The beginning of the nerve (nerve root) may be irritated by a...
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) facts Enterococci (genus Enterococcus) are bacteria that commonly live in the bowel and are usually resistant to many antibiotics. VRE are enterococci that have become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. There are only a few antibiotics that are able to treat VRE infections. However, newer antibiotics are being developed. People can be...
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) facts Shoulder pain and stiffness are symptoms of a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is the result of scarring, thickening, and shrinkage of the joint capsule. Any injury to the shoulder can lead to adhesive capsulitis. Frozen shoulder symptoms and signs include loss of range of shoulder movement, stiffness, and pain. A...
What is an epidural steroid injection? Picture of a disc herniation compressing the spinal nerve root An epidural steroid injection is a common procedure to treat spinal nerve irritation that is most often caused by tissues next to the nerve pressing against it. The beginning of the nerve (nerve root) may be irritated by a...
What is sleep paralysis? Unfortunately, there is no prescribed way to snap out of sleep paralysis. Have you ever had an experience during the early hours of the morning when you just woke up and found yourself unable to speak or move? There may be other sensations along with this brief “paralytic” experience like spotting...
What is a migraine? Common painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen may be used for quick relief. Some natural home remedies may also help in symptomatic relief. Common painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen may be used for quick relief. Some natural home remedies may also help in symptomatic relief. Migraine is a...
What is the spleen and what are its functions? A splenectomy is the total or partial surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is an important part of the body's defense (immune) system that is situated under the left rib cage near the stomach. The spleen contains special white blood cells that can destroy bacteria. It helps...
What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body attacks healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage...
What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage of the affected organs. What are...
What is methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)? There are two common MTHFR mutations, known as C677T and A1298C. The term MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. MTHFR is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acids' homocysteine and folate. Homocysteine is an amino acid that works to maintain the body’s cells. Folate is one of the B-vitamins needed...