The human immunodeficiency virus--HIV--is a disease that causes progressive degradation of the immune system. As a result, patients with HIV are at a high risk of developing recurrent infections that can include gastrointestinal complications.
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A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a small portion of the skull is removed, allowing a surgeon to access the brain. This type of surgery may be beneficial for people who develop a brain aneurysm or tumor, or experience significant brain trauma.
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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infectious, contagious virus that can be passed from an infected mother to her newborn infant during childbirth. Over two million children under the age of 15 throughout the world are infected by HIV.
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The blood vessels that lie on either side of your neck and carry blood from your heart to your brain are called the carotid arteries.
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Prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate is painfully swollen or inflamed. It can be caused by infection, stress, injury or an immune or nervous system disorder. There are three major types of prostatitis: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis and nonbacterial prostatitis.
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A vaccination or immunization is used to help the body protect itself against specific types of viruses or bacteria. Typically, a vaccine is administered as an injection in the upper portion of the arm.
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An interscalene nerve block is a form of local anesthetic used prior to shoulder surgery. This anesthetic is applied to specific nerves within the shoulder by an anesthesiologist using a thin needle.
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Cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone that is secreted by the adrenal glands located on your kidneys. The levels of cortisol within your body fluctuate normally throughout the day and night.
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Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of woman's uterus abnormally grows outside of this reproductive organ. Certain women with this condition can develop endometriosis cysts within the ovaries, which are referred to as endometriomas.
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If you or your child experience recurrent ear infections, your doctor or pediatrician may recommend ear tube surgery to help alleviate symptoms. During this procedure, which is also called a myringotomy or tympanotomy, the surgeon inserts a small tube into a tiny hole that she puts in the eardrum.
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Platelets are a component of the blood that help prevent bruising or stop bleeding. If you do not have enough platelets in your blood, you may need to have a blood platelet transfusion. This treatment infuses your body with blood platelets that have been donated by another healthy person.
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Vitamin B-6 is a nutrient your body requires to maintain the proper function of your immune and central nervous systems. As an adult, if you don't consume the recommended 1.3 to 2 milligrams of vitamin B-6 daily, you may be at risk of developing a vitamin B-6 deficiency, the Office of Dietary Supplements warns.
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An arthrogram, also called arthrography, is a procedure used to evaluate the internal structure of a joint, including ligaments, tendons and cartilage. During this procedure, a doctor injects a contrast material, such as air, dye or water, into a patient's joint.
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An aneurysm refers to a dilated segment of an artery caused by weakness and thinning of the wall. Leg aneurysms are relatively rare, but occur more commonly than arm aneurysms. Most leg aneurysms develop in the popliteal artery, which passes behind the knee before branching to supply blood to the lower leg and foot.
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Partial or unicompartmental knee replacement is a surgical procedure used to increase knee function and alleviate chronic knee pain in affected people. During this procedure, a surgeon specifically replaces the damaged portions of the knee, while keeping all healthy bone and cartilage intact.
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A kidney tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that forms within the tissues of the kidney. Your kidneys are located on either side of your body. Kidney tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. Small kidney tumors may not cause any symptoms initially.
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For patients without a family history of colorectal cancer, routine colonoscopy screening should begin at age 50, advises the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. During this testing procedure, a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube called a colonoscope to examine the inside of the colon.
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Ciplactin, the brand name for cyproheptadine hydrochloride, is a prescription medication indicated to alleviate symptoms associated with nasal allergies and the common cold. In the United States, this medication is marketed under the brand name Periactin.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1 million people are infected by the human immunodeficiency virus -- HIV -- in the United States. Early on, symptoms of this disease may mimic other illnesses, such as the flu.
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An incisional hernia is a medical condition in which the intestine protrudes through an incision within the abdominal wall following abdominal surgery. This condition is caused by the deterioration of scar tissue, which creates a weak point within the abdominal wall.
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