Resting tremors are among the most noticeable features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The tremors are believed to be caused by complex interactions between a number of factors. Alterations in the activity of several areas of the brain including the substantia nigra, the basal ganglia, and the thalamus, as well as changes in the level and action of the neurotransmitter dopamine, are all related to each other and to the production of the tremors....
Coconut oil has been used as a treatment for yeast infection, a lubricant to alleviate vaginal dryness, and a natural remedy to ease the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. However, there is a lack of research that shows these uses of coconut oil are safe or even effective. What Is Coconut Oil? Coconut oil is derived from coconut fruits, specifically from their wick, meat, and milk. It is a white, solid-fat, edible oil that melts only if the temperature reaches 77 degrees Fahrenheit and above....
COVID-19 cases are falling in the United States and throughout much of the world. Key Takeaways COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are declining in the U.S. and worldwide.It’s unclear what is driving the trend, but experts say vaccinations likely play a key role.Experts say to remain cautious of the virus, as the spread of new variants and changing social behaviors could cause another spike, especially among under-vaccinated communities. After reaching a peak at the beginning of September, the number of new daily cases in the U....
Last week, infectious diseases experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health met to discuss two major public issues of the pandemic: the Delta variant and long-COVID. The July 14 media briefing came on the heels of Delta becoming the dominant COVID-19 strain in the United States. Key Takeaways The Delta variant has become the dominant strain of coronavirus in the U.S.Available vaccines are effective against the Delta variant, but the infection rate from the virus is expected to go up in the pockets of the country where vaccination rates are low....
There are a few dietary restrictions when it comes to consuming certain foods for individuals who have diabetes. This is due to the carbohydrates, additives, and glycemic levels in certain foods. While white rice is known to have a high glycemic index and is low in fiber, micronutrients, and polyphenols, there are diabetic-friendly rice options you can consider. When choosing a healthy diet plan, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional regarding the best options for your lifestyle....
Frozen shoulder is a common cause of restricted mobility of the shoulder joint. It is often characterized by severe shoulder pain—even with simple activities. Frozen shoulder often starts with a gradual onset of shoulder discomfort and stiffness. The condition most commonly affects: WomenPeople age 40 to 60Those who haven’t had a significant injury With a frozen shoulder, you might remember a minor event that happened the first time you noticed your symptoms (such as bumping into something or heavy lifting)....
Acetaminophen is a well-known pain relief medication, marketed under the brand name Tylenol. Despite its brand popularity, many parents don’t realize that Tylenol and acetaminophen are the same drugs and, as a result, may sometimes double-dose a child if using another medication containing acetaminophen. Others confuse acetaminophen with aspirin or believe that it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like aspirin (salicylate), Aleve (naproxen), or Advil (ibuprofen). Confusion like this can sometimes lead to the inappropriate use of Tylenol in both children and adults....
Tea (green, black, and oolong) is considered one of the most popular beverages in the world. Green tea is ranked among the top three, thanks to its high antioxidant content. Although it is generally well-tolerated, it may cause an allergic reaction in some people. This article will explain the symptoms of a green tea allergy, how it is diagnosed and treated, and healthy alternatives. Green Tea Allergy Symptoms Like other allergies, a green tea allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen by producing antibodies, which trigger an allergic reaction....
Anyone who previously had a COVID-19 infection—no matter how mild or severe it was—is at risk of long COVID, a wide range of new or continuing symptoms that persist after recovery from acute infection. Key Takeaways Researchers conducted the longest follow-up study on long COVID patients and found that neurologic symptoms persist for at least 11 to 18 months after initial infection.The prevalence of loss of smell and altered sense of taste decreased over time, but heart rate and blood pressure variations increased....
To diagnose oligodendroglioma, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test or a computed tomography (CT) scan can be ordered to detect a tumor. Additionally, a biopsy (the sampling of tumor tissue) is used to assure an accurate diagnosis and to establish the grade of the tumor. A healthcare provider may also conduct a physical examination or use a differential diagnosis approach—the process of considering the types of tumors that could be causing symptoms....
Medicare is not only for those older than 65 years of age. It is a benefit offered to those who have disabilities, assuming they meet certain disability criteria. When you are under 65, you may wonder if Medicare is the best effective option for you. You could even be tempted to decline Medicare in favor of a cheaper health insurance option. Don’t act on that impulse! What Disabilities Qualify You for Medicare?...
Can you really cure leg cramps or a sleep disorder such as restless legs syndrome (RLS) by placing a bar of soap in your bed? What was once an old wives’ tale is being discussed on television programs like the “Dr. Oz Show” and in online forums. This article explores the concept behind this home remedy and whether it is something that can actually help you sleep better. RLS vs. Leg Cramps There are some similarities and differences between these two sleep-disrupting conditions....
Hydrolethalus syndrome is a fatal group of birth defects caused by a genetic disorder. Hydrolethalus syndrome was discovered when researchers were studying another disorder, called Meckel syndrome, in Finland. They found 56 cases of hydrolethalus syndrome in Finland, which means an incidence of at least 1 in 20,000 babies there. There have been at least 5 other reported cases of hydrolethalus syndrome published in the worldwide medical literature. Using the Finnish babies and their families, researchers discovered the gene mutation responsible for hydrolethalus syndrome in the Finnish population....
At first glance, it does not seem to make any sense that there would be a connection between heartburn and gut bacteria. How could something downstream (the intestines) have anything to do with anything upstream (heartburn)? However, there is an intriguing theory that connects the two. Let’s take a look. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth In his book “Fast Tract Digestion,” Norman Robillard, Ph.D., makes a case that small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be the real cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)....
The number and location of your affected lymph nodes are an important part of the diagnosis of breast cancer. The information is used—along with characteristics of the primary tumor and the degree of cancer metastasis (spread)—to determine the stage of the malignancy and your prognosis (long-term outlook) after cancer treatment is completed. Role of Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes are clustered in different parts in the body and serve as filters to help trap and neutralize disease-causing microorganisms....
The olfactory epithelium is membranous tissue located inside the nasal cavity. It measures about 3 square centimeters (cm²) in adults. Containing olfactory receptor cells, it is involved in the sense of smell. Olfactory disorders can range from a mild decrease in the ability to smell to a complete loss of smell. A loss of smell can indicate a mild illness or injury or something more serious. A decrease in the ability to smell can be an early indicator of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease....
A knee replacement surgery is a procedure performed on people who have worn out the smooth cartilage lining of their knee joint, and are left with exposed bone-on-bone surfaces in the joint. This leads to pain and difficulty with activities that are seen in severe knee arthritis. Fortunately, knee replacement surgery, a procedure that replaces the worn out joint with a metal and plastic joint, is very successful at relieving pain and improving function....
Rasmussen’s encephalitis, which sometimes is referred to as Rasmussen’s syndrome, is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of one side of the brain that causes seizures that are difficult to control. It can lead to progressive neurological deficits. Rasmussen’s encephalitis is rare. The disorder usually becomes apparent before age 10. Symptoms The symptoms of Rasmussen’s encephalitis include: Seizures that often predominantly affect one side of the body Weakness, usually on one side of the body Language problems if the dominant hemisphere is affected (usually the left) Cognitive deficits (thinking and problem-solving difficulties) Generally, the seizures caused by Rasmussen’s encephalitis are difficult to control with medication....
External fixation is a surgical method of immobilizing bones to allow a fracture to heal properly. It is used to provide stability to bone and soft tissue after a serious break but can also be applied as a procedure to correct bone misalignment, restore limb length, or protect soft tissue after a serious burn or injury. External Fixation to Repair Broken Bone External fixation is accomplished by placing pins or screws into the bone on both sides of the fracture....
If your child rocks or rhythmically moves part of her body just before or even during sleep, this may represent a condition called sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD). This condition may even persist in adults. What is RMD? What conditions are associated with it and what similar disorders should be ruled out? Learn about rhythmic movement disorder, including treatment options to keep your child safe. The Findings in Rhythmic Movement Disorder Rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) may be observed in young children during the period just prior to or during sleep....
