What is thallium? Pure thallium is a bluish-white metal that is found in trace amounts in the earth’s crust. In the past, thallium was obtained as a by-product from smelting other metals; however, it has not been produced in the United States since 1984. Currently, all the thallium is obtained from imports and from thallium reserves. In its pure form,...
Usher Syndrome: Read Treatment and Symptom Information
What is Usher syndrome? Usher syndrome is the most common condition that affects both hearing and vision. A syndrome is a disease or disorder that has more than one feature or symptom. The major symptoms of Usher syndrome are hearing loss and an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa, or RP. RP causes night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision (side...
Penile Implant Surgery: Get Facts on Risks and Recovery
Penile Prosthesis Introduction A penile prosthesis is another treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). These devices are either malleable or inflatable. The simplest type of prosthesis consists of a pair of malleable (bendable) rods surgically implanted within the erection chambers of the penis. With this type of implant the penis is always semi-rigid and merely needs to be...
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)
Summary Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) occurs when an excessive amount of antidiuretic hormone is released resulting in water retention and a low sodium level. It is most common among older people. It has many causes including, but not limited too, pain, stress, exercise, a low blood sugar level, certain disorders of the heart, thyroid gland, kidneys, or adrenal...
Urodynamic Testing: Facts on Results and Side Effects
What is the urinary tract? The urinary tract is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Blood flows through the kidneys, and the kidneys filter out wastes and extra water, making urine. The urine travels down two narrow tubes called the ureters. The urine...
Fitness: Get Information on Health Benefits
Energize Your Life! Who said physical activity is all work and no play? In fact, it can be just the opposite! There is no need to think of strenuous workouts that are painful and boring. Instead, imagine doing fun physical activities you enjoy and look forward to. Do physical activity for enjoyment and watch the health benefits follow! The importance...
Growth Plate Fractures and Injuries: Get the Facts
What Is the Growth Plate? The growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate or physis, is the area of growing tissue near the end of the long bones in children and adolescents. Each long bone has at least two growth plates: one at each end. The growth plate determines the future length and shape of the mature bone. When...
Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Read About Symptoms and Stages
Kidney Disease of Diabetes Facts* *Kidney Disease of Diabetes Facts Medically Edited by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Symptoms of chronic kidney disease vary greatly and can include the need to urinate frequently, especially at night; swelling of the legs and puffiness around the eyes, high blood pressure, fatigue and weakness; loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting; itching and easy bruising;...
Fitness: Get Information on Health Benefits
Energize Your Life! Who said physical activity is all work and no play? In fact, it can be just the opposite! There is no need to think of strenuous workouts that are painful and boring. Instead, imagine doing fun physical activities you enjoy and look forward to. Do physical activity for enjoyment and watch the health benefits follow! The importance...
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome: Get the Facts on Symptoms
What is Landau-Kleffner syndrome? Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a childhood disorder. A major feature of LKS is the gradual or sudden loss of the ability to understand and use spoken language. All children with LKS have abnormal electrical brain waves that can be documented by an electroencephalogram (EEG), a recording of the electric activity of the brain. Approximately 80 percent...