Author: Fox News (Fox News )

Degenerative disc disease and sciatica facts Picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5 The discs of the spine serve as "cushions" between each vertebral segment. The discs are designed somewhat like a jelly donut. Degeneration (deterioration) of the disc makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture), which can lead to localized or radiating...

What Is Epilepsy Surgery? Most people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medication. But they aren’t effective for about 30% of patients. In some cases, brain surgery may be an option. Epilepsy surgery is an operation on the brain to control seizures and improve the person’s quality of life. There are two main types...

Things to know about breastfeeding The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Infants triple their total body weight during their first year of life. The immunity factors in breast milk can help the baby to fight off infections. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes...

What is a ganglion? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story A ganglion is a sac-like swelling or cyst formed from the tissue that lines a joint or tendon. The tissue, called synovium, normally functions to produce lubricating fluid for these areas. A ganglion is a cyst formed by the synovium that is filled with a...

What is a PET scan? Positron Emission Tomography (PET or PET scan) is a radiographic imaging test to look at breast cells as they function in real-time with an aim to diagnose breast cancer and other abnormalities throughout the body. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a high-resolution diagnostic test that captures images of the cells...

Facts you should know about hormonal methods of birth control If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile, meaning that she is physically able to become pregnant, she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?" If her answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control (contraception)....

Biventricular Pacemaker Introduction A biventricular pacemaker is a special pacemaker used for cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure patients. In the normal heart, the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) pump at the same time and in sync with the heart’s upper chambers (atria). When a person has heart failure, often the right and left ventricles do...

What is a cyst? A cyst is a noncancerous, sac-like structure filled with fluid A cyst is a noncancerous, sac-like structure filled with fluid or gelatinous material that may form on the skin or within the body. Cysts may occur anywhere in the body; most frequently, they develop in the skin, ovaries, breast, or kidneys....

Apical pulse is felt over the left side of your chest over your heart, whereas radial pulse is felt at your wrist The main difference between apical and radial pulse is that apical pulse is felt over the left side of your chest over your heart, whereas radial pulse is felt at your wrist. The...

What should I know about bilirubin and blood test? Picture of blood test result showing Bilirubin, AST, ALT levels. by iStock Bilirubin is a reddish yellow pigment made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normal levels vary slightly from lab to lab; they range from about 0.2 – 1.2 mg/dL. Signs and symptoms...