Hydroxyapatite crystal disease facts Hydroxyapatite is an essential mineral of normal bone. Crystals of hydroxyapatite deposited in and about the joints cause inflammation. Inflammation and pain are part of hydroxyapatite crystal disease. This disease is distinct and different from gout and pseudogout. Treatment includes measures to reduce inflammation and pain. What is hydroxyapatite? Readers Comments …

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum facts Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare disorder involving degeneration of the elastic fibers. PXE is inherited from the parents. PXE typically causes yellow-white small raised areas in the skin folds (flexure areas). PXE can affect areas of the body other than the skin. Treatment of PXE involves monitoring by the doctor and measures to prevent injury and …

What is the operation (procedure) that is recommended? Ask your surgeon for a simplified explanation of the type of operation, technique used, and reasons it should be performed. (Pictures and drawings can tell patients and family a great deal.) Why was this specific procedure chosen over possible alternatives? What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure? Readers Comments 1 Share …

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy facts Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a procedure that allows nutritional support for patients who cannot take food orally. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy involves placement of a tube through the abdominal wall and into the stomach through which nutritional liquids can be infused. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a surgical procedure; however, it does not require opening the abdomen or …

What is a stool acidity test? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story The stool acidity test is a test for diagnosing intolerance to lactose, the sugar contained in milk, in infants and very young children. What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the lactose sugar in milk. Milk containing the sugar lactose is a main source …

Introduction to trigeminal neuralgia (TN) The brain is connected to the body by the spinal cord with spinal nerves sending and receiving impulses and messages to and from the brain. However, there are twelve cranial nerves that directly connect to the body. These nerves are involved with the muscle and sensory function of the head and neck. (The exception is …

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a specific type of abnormality of the electrical system of the heart. This syndrome causes a specific pattern on an electrocardiogram (Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern) and is linked to an episode of rapid heart rates, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial fibrillation. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a treatable medical condition. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is also referred …

Prolactinoma facts A prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas cause secretion of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the breast to produce milk. The aims of treatment are the reduction of prolactin level to normal, reduction of tumor size, and restoration of normal pituitary function. Most prolactinomas occur sporadically with a low risk of recurrence in the …

Introduction to pain management Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain …

Shaken baby syndrome facts Inflicted trauma (especially shaken baby syndrome) is a leading cause of childhood (especially infant) mortality. There are several risk factors associated with an increased risk for shaken baby syndrome. Multiple behavioral symptoms and physical signs enable physicians to establish the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. Successful treatment for shaken baby syndrome demands accurate diagnosis and removal …