What are the parathyroid glands? Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands, and it is used to treat hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid glands are four, small, pea-shaped glands that are located in the neck on either side of the trachea (the main airway) and next to the thyroid gland. In most cases, there are two glands...
Phenylketonuria, PKU Causes, Symptoms, Testing, Diet & Stats
Phenylketonuria (PKU) definition and facts* *Phenylketonuria (PKU) medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disease that’s inherited that increases the levels of phenylalanine in the blood. If left untreated, high phenylalanine levels can cause intellectual disability and other problems. Phenylketonuria disease was discovered in 1934 by Dr. A. Folling. Signs and symptoms of PKU vary...
What Is Stillbirth? Stillborn Babies, vs Miscarriage, Causes & Symptoms
What does stillborn mean? Stillbirth statistics Share Your Story What is stillbirth vs. miscarriage? Can you have a healthy pregnancy after stillborn baby? Stillborn (stillbirth) means the death of a baby prior to birth. This can occur before or during delivery of the baby. About 1% of pregnancies overall result in stillbirth, meaning that there are about 24,000 stillbirths each...
Temporal Lobe Resection: Read About Surgery and Side Effects
Introduction The largest part of the brain, the cerebrum, is divided into four paired sections — the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes. Each lobe controls a specific group of activities. The temporal lobe, located on either side of the brain just above the ear, plays an important role in hearing, language, and memory. In people with temporal lobe epilepsy,...
Sinus Infection vs. Cold: Symptoms, Treatments, Similarities & Differences
What is a cold? What is a sinus infection (sinusitis)? Share Your Story Signs and symptoms of a sinus infection often mimic those of a cold. A cold is a common viral infection of the nose and throat that causes inflammation, runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. Some people also develop a fever. Cold symptoms typically last about 7-11...
Senior Sex: Get the Facts on Age-Related Sexual Problems
Sexuality in Later Life Foods That Will Bump Up Your Libido! Viewer Question: Is there anything I can eat to improve my sex drive? Dietician’s Response: If the recipe for a better sex drive was found in food, grocery shopping would take on a whole new meaning! This is a great question that has some compelling and some controversial answers....
What Is Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation? Procedure
What is pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation? An ECMO system works by drawing blood from the patient’s body to artificially oxygenate the red blood cells in the blood and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also called extracorporeal life support (ECLS), is a technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs...
Polio Facts on Vaccine, Symptoms, Causes, Outbreak & History
Polio facts Picture of a Polio Vaccine Bottle Polio is an infectious disease caused by viruses. The symptoms may range from none to paralysis and death. Polio has been traced back almost 6,000 years. Great strides have been made in preventing this disease. Polio is caused by person-to-person transmission of polio viruses (enteroviruses, three main types). Not receiving the polio...
What Are the Signs That You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
What is hormone replacement therapy? (HRT) Signs you may need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) include replacing low estrogen and progesterone levels. The treatment helps provide relief from the symptoms of menopause and conditions such as bone loss, breast cancer, and infertility. Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment usually given to women to replace declining estrogen and progesterone levels. It...
Priapism (Penis Disorder): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Stuttering & Ischemic
What is the definition of priapism? Most clinicians consider priapism a medical emergency because the condition can result in impotence, sexual dysfunction or penile infection. Priapism is a prolonged, unwanted erection of the penis. It is usually painful and not related to sexual stimulation or arousal. Most clinicians consider priapism a medical emergency because the condition can result in impotence,...