For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Elevated levels of bilirubin may indicate that a person is having a problem with their blood count or with their liver function. In addition, infants may also have high bilirubin levels for a few days following birth.
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Shoulder and bicep pain can be caused by a pinched nerve. Despite the location of the pain, this pinched nerve is often located in or near the neck, and causes pain to radiate down the arm as far as the fingers.
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Human chorionic gonadotropin is usually considered the pregnancy hormone, although even women who are not pregnant produce small amounts. Women transitioning into menopause often have higher levels of hCG than the average woman, making the hormone a useful marker for the life change.
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An occipital stroke occurs when the occipital lobes of the brain are damaged due to a lack of oxygenated blood. A stroke is often caused by problems with blood flow in the brain, such as a blocked artery or an artery that has burst.
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Confusion is a common problem after a stroke. When different areas of the brain are damaged, the pathways that control thoughts and behaviors can become jumbled. Stroke confusion is different for everyone, depending on where in the brain the stroke takes place.
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Melatonin is a natural sleep supplement often used for those with jet lag or other disorders related to circadian rhythms. However, it is possible that in addition to regulating sleep, it may be a useful treatment for some chronic conditions, including high blood pressure.
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Cervical radiculopathy, the medical term for a pinched nerve in the neck, can cause sharp pain and tingling in the shoulders, arms, hands and fingers. The specific symptoms depend on which of the 8 nerves in the neck area is involved.
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If you are pregnant you will likely be tested during your second trimester for a condition known as gestational diabetes, which is a form of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. However, the test may have borderline results. You may be labeled as prediabetic.
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The medical collateral ligament, or MCL, is the piece of connective tissue that joins the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It is one of four ligaments that stabilize the knee, and is prone to injury especially for those who engage in impact sports. Injury to the MCL includes strain, sprain, tear or rupture.
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Facial paralysis can occur after a stroke, according to MedlinePlus. In fact, several facial symptoms may result from a stroke. Early recognition of the facial signs of stroke can be key to stroke recovery.
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Evening primrose oil is a rich source of essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and its effect on many health conditions. Evening primrose oil is a natural supplement that you can purchase over the counter.
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Rogaine is the brand name for the drug minoxidil, which is designed to decrease hair loss and encourage new hair growth in both men and women. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact way in which Rogaine works is not completely understood. However, its effects tend to last as long as the treatment.
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Melatonin is promoted as a fast and natural sleep aid, with fewer side effects than traditional prescription sleep medications. Its natural quality is part of what makes it so appealing; however, it may not be appropriate for everyone.
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Spinal stenosis causes narrowing of the bones that make up the spinal canals, or the areas through which the spinal cord and spinal nerves pass. The Mayo Clinic reports that spinal stenosis causes symptoms only when the spinal nerves or spinal cord are compressed.
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A mini stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack or a TIA, occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked temporarily. It often causes symptoms that mimic those of a stroke; however, according MayoClinic.com, these symptoms completely resolve between two and 24 hours.
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Both creatinine and BUN counts provide an overall picture of a person’s kidney function. Low levels are generally a good thing, while high levels can indicate varying degrees of kidney problems. A few lifestyle changes as well as medical management can help get your creatine and BUN counts under better control.
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Vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the term for cognitive impairments that result from a problem with the brain’s blood supply. There are many different types of vascular dementia, and as many as one to four percent of those over the age of 65 will experience some form of the condition.
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Paranoia and depression do not commonly occur together, but when they do they can be signs of a serious underlying psychiatric condition.
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