Facts you should know about ERCP Picture of the upper GI system, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas ERCP is a diagnostic procedure designed to examine diseases of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. ERCP is usually best performed under general anesthesia. It may be done using IV sedation. There is a low incidence of complications. ERCP...
Factitious disorders are conditions in which a person acts as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when he or she is not really sick. Factitious disorder by proxy is when a person acts as if a person in their care has an illness when they do not. People with factitious disorders...
What are fluoroscopy and X-ray? Radiography or X-ray and fluoroscopy procedures seem similar. However, fluoroscopy obtains moving images of the inner part of the body and radiography uses gamma rays to develop a static image of the internal structure of a body. Radiography or X-ray and fluoroscopy procedures seem similar. However, fluoroscopy obtains moving images...
Do you have to drain a subungual hematoma? A subungual hematoma is sometimes drained by a doctor. A subungual hematoma is bleeding under the nail. A doctor will drain your subungual hematoma only if It is causing discomfort or pain. It occupies less than 50% of the area of the nail surface. If blood is...
What is an electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measures the heart’s electrical activity. The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a noninvasive test that is used to reflect underlying heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. By positioning leads (electrical sensing devices) on the body in standardized locations, health care...
Facts you should know about giant cell arteritis (GCA) Giant cell arteritis is a result of inflammation of arteries. Giant cell arteritis can lead to blindness and/or stroke. Giant cell arteritis is detected by a biopsy of an artery. Giant cell arteritis is treated with high-dose cortisone medications. What is giant cell arteritis? Share Your...
Facts you should know about scleritis Inflammation of the white of the eye is a sign of scleritis. Scleritis is inflammation of the white portion of the eye, the sclera. Scleritis is a serious eye disease that is often associated with underlying autoimmune disorders. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of scleritis is essential to prevent permanent...
What is double vision? Diplopia is another term for double vision. Double vision is the perception of two images of a single object seen adjacent to each other (horizontally, vertically, or obliquely) or overlapping. Diplopia is the medical term for double vision. Polyplopia is the perception of three or more images of a single object...
It affects the skin and tissues of the penis. The first sign seen in penile cancer is typically a swelling, ulcer, lump, or mass on the penis that is small initially. The tumor commonly begins on the head and foreskin of the penis. The other early signs and symptoms of penile cancer include: A sore...
Do I have dandruff or a dry scalp? Dandruff is a common condition that causes a dry itchy scalp. Dry scalp happens when your skin doesn't hold enough moisture. Dry scalp is typically caused by dandruff, but it can be a symptom of another condition. About 50 million Americans have dandruff, and they spend relatively...