What is an epidural steroid injection? Picture of a disc herniation compressing the spinal nerve root An epidural steroid injection is a common procedure to treat spinal nerve irritation that is most often caused by tissues next to the nerve pressing against it. The beginning of the nerve (nerve root) may be irritated by a bulging intervertebral disc, disc contents...
Frozen Shoulder Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) facts Shoulder pain and stiffness are symptoms of a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is the result of scarring, thickening, and shrinkage of the joint capsule. Any injury to the shoulder can lead to adhesive capsulitis. Frozen shoulder symptoms and signs include loss of range of shoulder movement, stiffness, and pain. A frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed...
Do You Hallucinate During Sleep Paralysis?
What is sleep paralysis? Unfortunately, there is no prescribed way to snap out of sleep paralysis. Have you ever had an experience during the early hours of the morning when you just woke up and found yourself unable to speak or move? There may be other sensations along with this brief “paralytic” experience like spotting a scary creature near you,...
What Is Nasotracheal Intubation? Procedure
What is nasotracheal intubation? Intubation through the mouth is known as orotracheal intubation and through the nose is known as nasotracheal intubation. Intubation is a bedside procedure in which a tube is inserted either into your nose or mouth to help you breathe better. It is a life-saving procedure done in emergency situations. Intubation through the mouth is known as...
What Is Usually the First Sign of Lupus?
What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body attacks its healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage of the affected organs....
What Is a Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy?
What is a minimally invasive esophagectomy? A minimally invasive esophagectomy is a surgery that involves removing the entire esophagus or a part of it. The esophagus is a tubular organ that connects the throat to the stomach. A minimally invasive esophagectomy is a surgery that involves removing the entire esophagus or a part of it. After the esophagus is removed,...
What Happens During a Fistulotomy? Procedure to Remove Infection
What are the symptoms of anal fistula? Anal fistula patient with constant pain which gets worse with cough, sitting down, moving around, and defecation. An anal fistula is a small tunnel or opening that develops between the end of the anus and near the anal skin (where poop/feces leaves the body). An anal fistula usually develops due to infection and the collection...
What Is a Chromoendoscopy? Procedure
What does a chromoendoscopy mean? This Chromoendoscopy helps visualize the inner surface of the bowel (epithelia) during endoscopy. A chromoendoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a chemical substance (called a stain or pigment) is sprayed inside the gut to highlight specific areas or distinguish among the different types of cell layers. This helps visualize the inner surface of the...
What Happens if Your Spleen Is Removed?
What is the spleen, and what does it do? The spleen, situated under the left rib cage near the stomach, is an important part of the immune system. The spleen contains special white blood cells that can destroy bacteria. It helps the body fight infections and also removes old red blood cells from the body’s circulation. What is an open splenectomy? An open...
What Does the MTHFR Gene Mutation Cause? Symptoms
What is methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)? There are two common MTHFR mutations, known as C677T and A1298C. The term MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. MTHFR is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acids' homocysteine and folate. Homocysteine is an amino acid that works to maintain the body’s cells. Folate is one of the B-vitamins needed to make red and white...