What are benzodiazepines, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Benzodiazepines are man-made medications that cause mild to severe depression of the nerves within the brain (central nervous system) and sedation (drowsiness). Seizures, anxiety, and other diseases that require benzodiazepine treatment may be caused by excessive activity of nerves in the brain. These drugs may work by enhancing the...
Brain Aneurysm: Early Signs, Symptoms, Causes & Survival Rate
Brain aneurysm facts Picture of a brain aneurysm Four major blood vessels supply blood to the brain. They join together at the Circle of Willis at the base of the brain. Smaller arteries leave the circle and branch out to supply brain cells with oxygen and nutrients. Artery junction points may become weak, causing a ballooning of the blood vessel...
CA 125: Ovarian Tumor Marker Blood Test Results
What is CA 125 test? What is a tumor marker? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story CA 125 is elevated in ovarian cancer as well as in some benign conditions. CA 125 is a protein that is a so-called tumor marker or biomarker, which is a substance that is found in greater concentration in tumor cells than in other cells...
Sunburn Relief, Remedies, Treatment & Duration
Sunburn and sun poisoning definition and facts Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Picture of acute sunburn Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation damages the skin the eyes. Immediate symptoms of a sunburn are hot, red, tender skin; pain when the skin is touched or rubbed; and dehydration....
Sore Throat Causes, Remedies, Symptoms, and Medications
Sore throat definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Picture of a Girl with Sore Throat Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. Sore throat symptoms include pain, burning, or scratching sensations at the back of the throat, pain when swallowing, and tenderness in...
7 Prostate Problem: Symptoms, Causes, Warning Signs, Treatment
Prostate problems definition and facts* Common prostate problems are prostatitis, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer. *Prostate problems facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD The prostate is a gland that is a part of the male reproductive system that wraps around the male urethra near the bladder. The gland is about the size of a walnut and grows larger...
How Did I Get Group B Strep? Test, Treatment, Symptoms, Pregnancy, Baby
What should I know about group B strep? Group B strep bacteria can cause infections in a pregnant woman and her baby. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are bacteria found normally in the intestine, vagina, and rectum in about 25% of all healthy pregnant women. Group B strep infections can affect newborn babies and adults. Most pregnant women who are colonized...
CA 125: Ovarian Tumor Marker Blood Test Results
What is CA 125 test? What is a tumor marker? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story CA 125 is elevated in ovarian cancer as well as in some benign conditions. CA 125 is a protein that is a so-called tumor marker or biomarker, which is a substance that is found in greater concentration in tumor cells than in other cells...
4 Broken Finger Treatment Tips, Symptoms & Healing Time
Broken finger definition and facts Picture of Finger Anatomy Broken fingers or finger fractures, may account for up to 10% of all broken bones. Broken finger symptoms usually are pain immediately after the injured part of the finger, and sometimes a deformed finger. If the trauma is severe, broken bones may be exposed through the soft tissues (called a compound fracture).If...
Protopic Ointment (Acrolimus) vs. Topical Hydrocortisone
Protopic ointment vs. hydrocortisone: What’s the difference? Protopic ointment (acrolimus) and hydrocortisone are topical drugs (for the skin) used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Hydrocortisone is also used for the relief of itching and inflammation caused by a wide variety of skin conditions (for example, insect bites and allergic reactions). Protopic Ointment and hydrocortisone belong to different drug classes. Protopic...