What is a heart attack? What is a stroke? Are they the same? Share Your Story If you think either you or someone near you is having either a heart attack or stroke, you should call 911 immediately, even if you are not sure. What is a heart attack? Heart attack occurs when sudden damage and/or death occurs to a...
Tramadol Side Effects: Euphoria, Headache & Indigestion
What is tramadol (Ultram)? Brand Name: Ultram Tramadol (Ultram) is a centrally acting opioid painkiller used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Examples of other drugs in the same drug class include codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, and oxycodone. In addition to pain relief, tramadol may produce a variety of symptoms similar to other narcotics, for example, dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, constipation, sweating,...
Zoloft vs. Lexapro
What are the differences between Zoloft vs. Lexapro? Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are antidepressant drugs in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class used for treating depression, and anxiety disorders. Zoloft is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Lexapro is not approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorders...
Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin Differences between Side Effects & Uses
Lexapro and Wellbutrin comparison of differences Lexapro (escitalopram) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are antidepressants used for treatment of major depression. Lexapro also is used to treat anxiety in adults. Lexapro belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressant drug class and Wellbutrin belongs to the aminoketone drug class. Side effects of Lexapro and Wellbutrin that are similar include: Agitation Restlessness...
What is Narcolepsy? Symptoms, Treatment, Cataplexy, Causes & Drugs
Narcolepsy defintion and facts Narcolepsy is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), distorted perceptions (hypnagogic hallucinations), inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis), disturbed nocturnal sleep, and automatic behavior. Narcolepsy usually begins in teenagers or young adults and affects both sexes equally. Abnormalities in the structure...
Prednisone vs. Prednisolone Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What are the differences between prednisone and prednisolone? Prednisone and prednisolone are synthetic corticosteroids used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. Both drugs are used to treat many conditions including arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, skin problems, and allergies. Corticosteroids including prednisone and prednisolone are commonly used to suppress the immune system and prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs....
Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: Temporal Lobe, Resective, Recovery
Pediatric epileptic surgery facts Pediatric epilepsy surgery can be used to treat a highly selected group of patients whose seizures are not controllable by standard means. The appropriate candidate for epilepsy surgery must meet several criteria. There are currently three major categories of epilepsy surgery: resective surgery, corpus callosotomy, and implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator. In patients that meet...
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Procedure, Recovery
What is peripheral blood stem cell transplantation? Share Your Story Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is a treatment which involve first harvesting specific cells called stem cells from the peripheral blood of the donor. These cells are harvested by a type of filtration and then preserved, usually by freezing, and finally given to the recipient after he or she has received intensive...
What Is Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum? Facts, Signs, Symptoms
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum facts Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare disorder involving degeneration of the elastic fibers. PXE is inherited from the parents. PXE typically causes yellow-white small raised areas in the skin folds (flexure areas). PXE can affect areas of the body other than the skin. Treatment of PXE involves monitoring by the doctor and measures to prevent injury and...
11 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Surgery
What is the operation (procedure) that is recommended? Ask your surgeon for a simplified explanation of the type of operation, technique used, and reasons it should be performed. (Pictures and drawings can tell patients and family a great deal.) Why was this specific procedure chosen over possible alternatives? What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure? Readers Comments 1 Share...