Best Treatment for Bipolar Disorder: Medications & Therapy

While bipolar disorder cannot be cured, treatment aims to stabilize moods and untangle patients from the dramatic ups and downs of mania and depression through the use of medications and therapy. Medications, called mood stabilizers, which are generally the first and most important step in therapy, are used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing moods …

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What Is B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL)?

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) is a type of blood cancer that affects B lymphocytes, which are white blood cells found in the bone marrow that develop into cells and aid in immunity. B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) is a type of blood cancer (leukemia) in which too many B-cell lymphoblasts (immature B lymphocytes) are found in the …

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Schizotypal Personality Disorder Treatment, Symptoms & Causes

Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd behaviors, feelings, perceptions, and ways of relating to others that interfere with one's ability to function. Medication and psychotherapy can help the sufferer to manage their symptoms. Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental disorder that belongs to the group of mental illnesses called personality disorders. Therefore, like other personality disorders, it is …

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Yaws Definition, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Yaws is an infectious disease that mainly occurs in the tropical areas of South and Central America, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pertenue, which causes lesions that look like bumps on the skin of the feet, hands, face, and genital area. Yaws is treated with penicillin or another antibiotic. Yaws …

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What is Adenitis? Swollen Lymph Nodes from Lymphadenitis

Adenitis, a general term for lymphadenitis, is an inflammation of the lymphatic system that results in the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes due to an infection. Adenitis, a general term used to refer to lymphadenitis, means inflammation of the lymphatic system. Lymphadenitis is an enlargement in one or more lymph nodes, usually due to an infection, and is …

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West Nile Virus Infection Symptoms, Treatment, Definition & Transmission

Facts you should know about West Nile virus Picture of a mosquito transmitting West Nile virus to a human West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus capable of causing disease in humans. Symptoms and signs of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Severe symptoms and signs may include stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, …

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Valley Fever Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a disease caused by the inhalation of the Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii fungus. Symptoms are flu-like and resolve over two to six weeks. Infection typically requires no treatment, though there are many antifungal drugs to treat valley fever. Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a disease caused by fungi (Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii species) that in …

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Baby Ear Infection Symptoms: Spot the Signs of Ear Infection

Baby ear infection symptoms can include signs of irritability, tugging on the ears, an unpleasant smell and discharge coming from the ears, and more. Learn all the signs here. Ear infections are painful and often happen to babies before they even learn how to talk. Fortunately, learning the signs and symptoms of an ear infection could help alleviate your child’s …

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Scombroid Food Poisoning: Scombrotoxin in Fish

Scombroid poisoning is caused by accumulated bacteria that turn histidine into scombrotoxin (histamine) in improperly stored fish. Scombroid poisoning (scombroid food poisoning or scombroid) is a foodborne illness that is typically caused by consuming spoiled fish, which contains a chemical called histidine. Bacteria can multiply in fish when stored at warm temperatures (59°F) and turn histidine into scombrotoxin (histamine). Histamine is responsible for the …

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Avascular Necrosis of the Hip: Causes of AVN & Osteonecrosis

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip may be caused by a fracture, joint dislocation, excessive alcohol intake, long-term steroid use or secondary to certain medical conditions. Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply.  Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, also called femoral head avascular necrosis, is most common. The thigh bone …

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