breast cancer

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis facts Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story Polymyositis is a disease of muscle featuring inflammation of the muscle fibers. The cause of the disease is not known. It begins when white blood cells, the immune cells of inflammation, spontaneously invade muscles. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) are chronic inflammatory diseases of muscle. Muscle …

What is Hyperlipidemia? Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for high cholesterol. Hyperlipidemia usually has no symptoms, so many people may not be aware that they have high cholesterol. Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for high cholesterol. Specifically, it’s an umbrella term referring to the different disorders that result in high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.  Hyperlipidemia is a …

What are cranial nerves? The 12 cranial nerves extend from your brain and brain stem, responsible for helping you control different motor and sensory functions. Twelve cranial nerves extend from your brain and brain stem, responsible for helping you control different motor and sensory functions. Cranial nerves facilitate communication between the brain and other parts of the body, mainly to …

What is cervical mucus? During ovulation, rising estrogen causes an increase in cervical mucus. At the peak of your fertility, your cervical mucus may be stretchy and “egg white”-like in texture. When it comes to monitoring your fertility, your body is the most important resource. For women, your cervical mucus can provide important information about your cycles and reproductive health. …

What is Eryped (erythromycin ethylsuccinate)? E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) is indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the diseases listed below Upper respiratory tract infections of mild to moderate degree caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides, since many strains of H. influenzae …

Radiculopathy facts The vertebrae, or bony building blocks of the spine, are cushioned by gel-like discs in between the vertebrae. These discs can degenerate with aging and are prone to injury as a result. Radiculopathy is caused by compression or irritation of a nerve as it exits the spinal column. Symptoms of radiculopathy include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in …

What is Hetlioz (tasimelteon)? Hetlioz is indicated for the treatment of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24). The precise mechanism by which tasimelteon exerts its therapeutic effect in patients with Non24 is not known. Tasimelteon is an agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. These receptors are thought to be involved in the control of circadian rhythms. What are the side effects …

Meningitis facts Inflammation of the meninges is called meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Infectious diseases like bacteria or viruses, a fungus, or parasites can cause meningitis. Some cases of meningitis can be noninfectious in origin. Headache, fever, and stiff neck are the most common symptoms of meningitis. Confusion or lethargy …

What is sepsis? Sepsis, or blood poisoning, is a potentially life-threatening by the body in response to an infection. Warnings signs include high fever, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties, drastic body temperature change, worsening infection, mental decline, and severe illness. Sepsis, or septicemia, is the body's extreme and life-threatening response to an infection. This condition is also called …

What is melasma? Melasma is a condition that causes blotchy patches of skin discoloration usually on the face. It is common during pregnancy and while the exact cause is unknown, some possible triggers are an increase in active skin cells, increased hormones, medications, skin care products, sun exposure, and certain thyroid conditions. Melasma is a skin condition that most often …