How is osteoarthritis diagnosed? Treatment for Osteoarthritis (OA) varies from person to person, and can include exercise, medication, surgery, and supplements. Osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed primarily on X-Ray. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done later to check for the extent of bone erosion and other injuries to the joint structure. For diagnosing OA, doctors...
Shaken baby syndrome facts Inflicted trauma (especially shaken baby syndrome) is a leading cause of childhood (especially infant) mortality. There are several risk factors associated with an increased risk for shaken baby syndrome. Multiple behavioral symptoms and physical signs enable physicians to establish the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. Successful treatment for shaken baby syndrome...
What is flu? Flu or influenza is a contagious (spreads from person to person) viral illness that affects the respiratory tract (the nose, throat and lungs). Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza. Flu or influenza is a contagious (spreads from person to person) viral illness that affects the respiratory tract...
What is cabergoline? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Cabergoline is a synthetic ergot derived medication that acts on dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain. Cabergoline stimulates D2 (a specific type of dopamine receptor) receptors in the anterior pituitary gland and prevents the production of...
Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. sertraline (Zoloft): What’s the difference? Alprazolam and Sertraline are used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Sertraline is also used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Brand names for alprazolam include Xanax and Niravam. A brand name for sertraline is Zoloft....
What causes epiglottis? It is important to differentiate epiglottitis from a less serious condition called croup, which presents with similar symptoms. Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening illness characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a lid-like structure that covers the opening of the windpipe or trachea. What causes epiglottis? The epiglottis works to close...
The core is a collection of muscles that stabilize, rotate and move the spine. A healthy core translates into a stronger lower back and better balance. The most effective core exercises are dead bug, side plank, front plant, vertical leg crunches, flutter kicks, Russian twists and the hollow body hold and hang. The core is a...
What is bariatric surgery? There are different forms of bariatric surgery, but they all aim to shrink the stomach and sometimes affect nutrient absorption to help the patient lose weight. Bariatric surgery is an operation on the digestive system to help an obese person lose weight. The surgery restricts calorie intake by reducing the size...
What is tocilizumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tocilizumab is an injectable synthetic (man-made) protein that binds to interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the body and blocks the effects of IL-6 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is the body's reaction to injury and is a necessary process for the repair of injury. IL-6...
What is an occipital nerve stimulation procedure? Occipital nerve stimulation is a therapeutic procedure to implant an electrical device that diminishes the function of the occipital nerve (the nerve to the back of the head) with the intention of reducing daily headaches and persistent migraines. The device consists of electrodes connected with insulated leads to...