Paraplegia is a condition characterized by paralysis that primarily affects the legs, but it can also involve the lower body and, in some cases, impair arm function. It most commonly results from damage to the spinal cord, but can also be caused by other medical conditions and diseases that affect the nervous system. Overview The … Read more
Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rhythm. A normal heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. With bradycardia, the rate is less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia results from an abnormality in the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. A disruption in the sinus node can cause slow or missed beats. … Read more
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a short episode of symptoms resembling a stroke. A TIA or “mini-stroke” only lasts a few minutes and doesn’t harm the brain permanently. However, a TIA may be a warning sign of a future stroke. Overview With a TIA, blood flow to the brain is only temporarily obstructed and … Read more
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but most commonly affects the small bowel. It causes thickening and scarring, leading to obstruction, fistulas, ulcerations, and abscesses. Remissions and exacerbations characterize Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease originates from an inappropriate autoimmune response in the … Read more
Benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH) is a gradual enlargement of the prostate gland (hyperplasia) due to an increase in the size of the cells (hypertrophy). The breakdown of the balance between cellular proliferation and cell death results in excess prostate cells, causing BPH. BPH is very common, affecting half of men by age 60. … Read more
A tracheostomy or tracheotomy is a surgical incision of the front of the neck into the trachea to open the airway. A tracheostomy tube is placed into the opening and may be connected to a mechanical ventilator or another oxygen delivery device. The term “trach” is used as an abbreviation. Overview If the normal breathing … Read more
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the rectum and extending proximally toward the colon. The specific cause is unknown, but there is a genetic predisposition. There may also be a higher incidence among Jewish populations. Peak incidence often occurs between 15-30 years of age. Although food and stress do not cause UC, … Read more
Vertigo is a sensation that makes the patient feel that the surrounding environment is spinning or moving, resulting in dizziness and poor balance. Overview Vertigo is often caused by a problem with the inner ear but may also occur due to infections or tumors in the brain. Typical causes include: Clinical manifestations of vertigo are … Read more
When an urinary tract infection is left untreated, it can spread systemically, leading to urosepsis, causing organ failure and death. Urosepsis is sepsis due to an infection of the urinary tract, bladder, or kidneys. Nearly a quarter of sepsis cases occur from a urogenital infection. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of urosepsis depend on the infected … Read more
The pancreas, a flat, pear-shaped gland that is part of the digestive system, is located behind the lower part of the stomach and surrounded by the liver, small intestines, gallbladder, and spleen. It is composed of endocrine cells that secrete hormones like insulin and exocrine cells that secrete enzymes to aid digestion. Pancreatic cancer develops … Read more