What is dexamethasone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dexamethasone is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are naturally-occurring chemicals produced by the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. Corticosteroids affect the function of many cells within the body and suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids also block inflammation and are used in a wide …
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What is a posterior tibial nerve block? A posterior tibial nerve block is used to deaden sensation in the foot, usually as part of a surgical procedure. A posterior tibial nerve block is a procedure for numbing a portion of the foot. An anesthetic injection is administered near the ankle on the inside of the leg, close to the posterior …
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What is an IUD? Getting an IUD is generally not excessively painful. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped birth control device, about the size of a quarter, that is placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a reversible contraceptive, meaning it can be removed if pregnancy is desired. IUDs are one of the most popular …
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What is an amygdalohippocampectomy? An amygdalohippocampectomy is a surgical operation to remove a portion of the brain as a treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy. An amygdalohippocampectomy is a surgical operation to remove a portion of the brain as a treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy. The procedure involves the selective removal of certain portions of the brain’s temporal lobe. The temporal …
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What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that causes unusual and extreme shifts in mood. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of deep, prolonged and profound depression that alternate with periods of an excessively elevated or irritable mood known as mania. Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. Bipolar disorder does not have any cure, …
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What is a sural nerve block? A sural nerve block is a procedure to numb the outer (lateral) side of the calf, lower leg, heel, edge of the foot and the top part of the little toe. A sural nerve block is most often performed as an outpatient procedure in the emergency department to treat injuries in the lower leg. …
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What is hypnotherapy? Though there is no robust body of scientific evidence for its effectiveness, hypnosis or hypnotherapy may help control symptoms of addiction and other mental health problems. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique to produce an altered state of consciousness (hypnosis) in a person by inducing deep relaxation. While the person in this state, the therapist makes suggestions for …
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What is a maxillary nerve block? A maxillary nerve block is administered to nerves near the upper bone plate of the jaw to numb the face. A maxillary nerve block is a procedure that provides regional anesthesia to parts of the nose, upper jaw, cheek, and mouth. Maxilla is the plate of bone in the front of the face from …
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What is a person with bipolar disorder like? People with bipolar disorder frequently display extreme, intense, and disturbing emotional states known as mood episodes. Bipolar disorder is a serious, persistent mental illness characterized by changes in mood, energy, and the ability to function. People with bipolar disorder frequently display extreme, intense, and disturbing emotional states known as mood episodes. Extreme …
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What is congestive heart failure? Several factors can cause congestive heart failure including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and others. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood to body tissues efficiently. Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease that progresses with time if left untreated. Heart failure can occur due …
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