Normally, the aorta (i.e., the main artery transporting blood from our heart to the rest of our body) originates from the left ventricle, while the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs, originates from the right ventricle. These two vessels are commonly referred to as the ‘great arteries’ and in the rare congenital disorder known as […]
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Individuals who suffer from chronic hand pain may find it difficult to adjust to the changes and cope with the challenges that the condition presents. Activities If there are certain activities that tend to cause or worsen symptoms of hand pain, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of these tasks or alter them so that the pain is more […]
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Anxiety is an adaptive response that is of great benefit to all life forms. It triggers fear learning, i.e., survival instincts that alert an organism to its surroundings and the dangers that prevail in it. However, extreme anxiety that is inappropriate to a circumstance and is prolonged is a negative emotion, labeled as a social anxiety disorder (SAD). In SAD, […]
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The treatment of hyponatremia is aimed at addressing the underlying cause of the condition and replenishing the blood sodium levels, without causing the blood to become too dilute. Depletional hyponatremia and dilutional hyponatremia Depletional hyponatremia refers to reduced levels of fluid and salt, as seen in cases of gastrointestinal loss due to recurrent vomiting or diarrhea, for example. A hyponatremic […]
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Low back pain resulting from degenerative disc disease is one of the most prevalent pathologies in the developed world. In the US, low back pain is the most common health problem for those younger than the age of 50. While there can be many causes of low back pain, the condition often is associated with the degeneration of the intervertebral […]
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Procalcitonin is a peptide biomarker used in the diagnosis of a number of infectious conditions. Detection of procalcitonin indicates the presence of inflammation, and is thus often used to diagnose respiratory tract infections. Image Credit: science photo / Shutterstock Procalcitonin structure and production Made up of a protein structure containing 116 amino acids, procalcitonin acts as a substrate for production […]
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The limbic system is defined as the brain networking system responsible for controlling emotional drives and memory formation. There exists no universal agreement on the entire list of structures composing the system, but the regions considered include the limbic cortex, hippocampal formation, amygdala, septal area and hypothalamus. Cross section through the brain showing the limbic system and all related structures. […]
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Cuts and wounds are injuries involving an external or internal break in body tissue, which can be caused by an external action and include bruising, cuts and hematomas. Wounds are extremely common, and most individuals will experience having one over their lifetime. Some of the wounds can be minor, requiring home treatment, while others, may be life-threatening and need further […]
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Nearly one half of all patients who suffered from abdominal pain in childhood have been seen to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome after three decades. The symptoms usually persist throughout life and may get aggravated with certain stressful life situations. Outcome of post infectious irritable bowel syndrome Most patients with infectious gastric enteritis recover rapidly without any residual symptoms. Some […]
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Depression in childhood affects 1-2% of very young children, and 5-8% of adolescents. It manifests as symptoms which may not be immediately recognizable as depressive features: symptoms of anger or irritability a depressed mood loss of interest or pleasure in formerly enjoyable pursuits and hobbies anxiety somatic symptoms such as aches in the head or the belly aberrations in the […]
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