Facts you should know about a barium enema series A barium enema (lower GI series) is an X-ray procedure used to define the anatomy of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. A barium enema involves filling the colon and rectum with a white liquid material (barium) often followed by air (double-contrast barium enema). The...
Introduction to parenting and birthing classes There are three classes that will prepare you for childbirth, breastfeeding, infant care, and parenting. First-time mothers-to-be often have lots of questions and even some worries: How will I know I'm in labor? Will it hurt? Will my baby know how to breastfeed? How do I care for a...
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 hemorrhagic stroke? A hemorrhagic stroke is a serious medical emergency and should be treated immediately. While survival rates are low, there are ways to improve your chances. A hemorrhagic stroke is when bleeding unexpectedly and abruptly interferes with the brain’s ability to function. This bleeding can occur within the brain or between...
What is CEA? CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen. CEA is a substance found on the surface of some cells. It is a type of glycoprotein produced by cells of the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. It is produced in very small amounts after birth. The level of CEA in the bloodstream is thus relatively low unless...
*Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story *Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) facts medically edited on Oct. 28, 2015, by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is composed of types of inherited neurological disorders that affect motor and sensory peripheral nerves (neuropathy), resulting in weakness in the musculature; the disease may get...
Benefits of kettlebell workouts Whether you wish to lose weight, gain muscle mass or maintain your physical fitness, kettlebells help you a great deal. Kettlebells are versatile at helping you lose weight. Whether you wish to lose weight, gain muscle mass or maintain your physical fitness, kettlebells help you a great deal. These hanging weights...
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...
Like women and girls, guys too can get breast lumps, but it is rare. Men have breast tissue (from birth), but it is not developed like women. Because of the hormonal differences in men and women, the male breast tissue does not develop and produce milk. Like women and girls, guys too can get breast...
What are adhesions? The process of removing adhesions through a laparoscope is called laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between the organs. Adhesions can result from disease (such as endometriosis), infection (such as pelvic inflammatory disease), and injury (following abdominal surgery) or may have no known cause (idiopathic adhesions). More than...