What is an electrogastrogram? An electrogastrogram is similar to an electrocardiogram (EKG) of the heart. It is a recording of the electrical signals that travel through the muscles of the stomach and control the muscles’ contraction. When is an electrogastrogram used? An electrogastrogram is used when there is a suspicion that the muscles of the...
What is an intravenous cholangiogram (IVC)? The intravenous cholangiogram or IVC is a radiologic (x-ray) procedure that is used primarily to look at the larger bile ducts within the liver and the bile ducts outside the liver. The procedure can be used to locate gallstones within these bile ducts. IVC also can be used to...
What is an electrogastrogram? An electrogastrogram is similar to an electrocardiogram (EKG) of the heart. It is a recording of the electrical signals that travel through the muscles of the stomach and control the muscles’ contraction. When is an electrogastrogram used? An electrogastrogram is used when there is a suspicion that the muscles of the...
What is an episiotomy? An episiotomy is an incision made between the vagina and the rectum in order to increase the size of the opening of the vagina and facilitate the delivery of a baby. How common is episiotomy? An episiotomy is performed in a large percentage of vaginal deliveries in the United States, but the...
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) facts Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a particular form of blood vessel inflammation called vasculitis. Henoch-Schonlein purpura frequently follows an infection of the throat or breathing passages, but it can be induced by certain medications. Henoch-Schonlein purpura causes skin rash, pain in the abdomen, and joint inflammation (arthritis). The treatment of Henoch-Schonlein purpura is...
Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Xanax (alprazolam) similarities and differences Lyrica (pregabalin) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat seizures and anxiety disorder. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults....
Metronidazole (Flagyl) vs. azelaic acid (Finacea) similarities and differences Metronidazole and azelaic acid are antibiotics used to treat acne. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and brand names for azelaic acid include Finacea and Azelex. A difference is metronidazole is taken orally and azelaic acid is used topically (on the skin). Side...
Ativan vs. Valium comparison Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are both members of the benzodiazepine family of drugs used mainly to treat anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Researchers believe both Ativan and Valium – like other members of the benzodiazepine group – work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter that helps inhibit excess brain activity. Excessive activity...
What is Dilaudid, and how does it work? Hydromorphone hydrochloride (HCI) is an opioid narcotic pain reliever similar to oxycodone, morphine, methadone, fentanyl, and other opioids. Hydromorphone, like other opioids, stimulates receptors on nerves in the brain to increase the threshold to pain (increasing the amount of stimulation it takes to feel pain) and reduce the...
Hydrocodone vs. hydromorphone differences Hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Dilaudid-5, Dilaudid-HP Injection, Exalgo) are both opioid narcotic pain relievers. Both hydrocodone and hydromorphone are available as generic drugs. Side effects of both hydrocodone and hydromorphone are similar and include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Hydrocodone may also cause drowsiness and difficulty urinating....