Hdkino Health and Medical Information

What is a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV)? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) is an electrical test that is used to determine the adequacy of the conduction of the nerve impulse as it courses down a nerve. This test is used to detect signs of nerve injury. In …

Loeys-Dietz syndrome facts Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a recently-described connective tissue disorder that predisposes to the development of aortic aneurysms and other connective tissue defects. Loeys-Dietz syndrome is known to be a result of mutations in the TGF-beta-receptor I (TGFBR1) or II (TGFBR2) genes and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Genetic testing is performed to identify the mutation and …

What is Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome? Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by a triad of findings: Port-wine stain or "birthmark" (capillary malformations in the skin) Soft tissue and bony hypertrophy (excessive growth of the soft tissue and/or bones) most often involving a single limb. Vascular anomalies such as varicose veins. What is a …

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 14 Share Your Story Hydroxyapatite …

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 …