What is saphenous nerve block? Saphenous nerve block is an anesthetic procedure to numb the saphenous nerve, killing sensation in the leg. Saphenous nerve block is a type of anesthetic procedure that blocks the saphenous nerve, a pure sensory nerve of the leg, to anesthetize the lower extremity. Saphenous nerve block is performed by injecting …

What is an umbilical hernia repair surgery? When an organ protrudes through a weak point in the muscle wall or other surrounding tissue, it’s called a hernia. “Umbilical” refers to the navel region. A hernia is a protrusion of an internal body part, such as the intestine, through a weak spot in the muscle or the surrounding tissue wall. An …

Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Abilify (aripiprazole): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Abilify (aripiprazole) are antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and Tourette's syndrome. Haloperidol is also used to treat acute psychosis. Abilify is also used to treat bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and it is used with other medications to treat major depression in adults. A brand name for …

Sprains and strains facts Is it a Sprain or Strain? A sprain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a ligament that supports a joint. A strain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive activities or by a single overuse injury. Pain, swelling, and bruising are common signs and symptoms …

What is a colon resection? Colon resection surgery (colectomy) removes a length of intestine that is diseased or dead, and then re-connects the severed ends to each other or to an ostomy in the abdomen attached to a colostomy bag to catch feces.. Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or all of the colon. The surgeon removes …

What is lopinavir and ritonavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Kaletra is an oral medication that is a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir. It is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which, among others, includes ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). …

What is interferon beta-1a (Rebif), and what is it used for? Interferon beta-1a (Rebif) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells into which the human interferon beta genes have been introduced. It is used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon beta-1a is designed to be identical to interferon beta that is naturally …

What is Avonex (interferon beta-1a), and what is it used for? Avonex (Interferon beta-1a) is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It reduces the occurrence of MS flares and reduces physical disability caused by MS. Interferon beta-1a (Avonex) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovary …

What are interferons and how do they work? Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring proteins that are made and secreted by cells of the immune system (for example, white blood cells, natural killer cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells). Three classes of interferons have been identified: alpha, beta, and gamma. Each class has many effects, though their effects overlap. Commercially available …

What is back pain? Symptoms associated with kidney pain are discomfort (acute or chronic), aches, or sharp pain that occurs in the back between approximately the lowest rib and the buttock by iStock. People may feel the pain almost anywhere in the back, from the base of the neck down to the tailbone. The pain may originate from any of …