What is intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring? Intraoperative neurophysical monitoring is one way surgeons can make sure they aren't severing nerves by accident during delicate surgeries. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is the continuous evaluation of a patient’s nervous system during surgery, especially procedures involving the brain and spinal cord. Electrical and electromagnetic sensors connected to the patient via …
Read More »What Is an Infraclavicular Nerve Block?
What is an infraclavicular nerve block? An infraclavicular nerve block is injected just below the collarbone to numb the brachial plexus, which provides nerve function to the arm. An infraclavicular nerve block is a procedure to numb the brachial plexus nerves, which transmit sensation of the arms. An anesthetic injection is administered below the collarbone (clavicle), adjacent to the brachial …
Read More »What Is a Sural Nerve Block?
What is a sural nerve block? A sural nerve block is a procedure for anesthetizing a part of the calf, lower leg, heel and foot. An anesthetic solution is injected adjacent to the Achilles tendon on the outer side of the foot. The anesthetic blocks the transmission of pain signals from injury or surgery in these parts of the lower …
Read More »What Does a Blood Clot Feel Like?
What is a blood clot? A blood clot itself may not be something that you directly feel. However, the signs and symptoms of blood clots vary depending on their location. Normally, blood clotting is a natural mechanism of the body that prevents excessive blood loss when a blood vessel is injured. Platelets, proteins, and blood cells in the blood aggregate …
Read More »What Causes Hepatitis?
What is hepatitis? Common causes of hepatitis are viruses, infections, alcohol, drugs, toxins, and others. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can occur due to a variety of factors, but the most common cause is a virus infection. Hepatitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and can have fatal complications. The liver is in the right upper …
Read More »What Are the Three Types of Insomnia? How to Treat
What is insomnia? Three types of insomnia are acute, transient, and chronic insomnia. Insomnia is defined as repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate time and opportunity for sleep and results in some form of daytime impairment. What are the three types of insomnia? Acute insomnia Lasts up to one month Commonly referred to …
Read More »What Are the Three Stages of Lyme Disease?
What is Lyme disease? 3 stages of Lyme disease are early localized Lyme, early disseminated Lyme, and late disseminated Lyme. Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted to humans via ticks. The ticks transfer, during their bite, spiral-shaped bacteria known as spirochetes. Spirochetes may enter the blood after remaining localized in the skin. Lyme disease has the potential to affect …
Read More »How Long Does Ulnar Nerve Block Last?
What is an ulnar nerve block? An ulnar nerve block is an injection of anesthesia to numb parts of the hand for surgery. An ulnar nerve block is a procedure to numb the side of the hand with the little finger. An anesthetic solution is injected adjacent to the ulnar nerve in the wrist or the elbow. The anesthetic blocks …
Read More »How Does Leukemia Kill? Symptoms, Signs & Treatment
What is leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and blood-forming cells, such as white blood cells. Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells of the bone marrow. Patients with leukemia have an over-production of a particular blood cell type in the body, the white blood cells (cells that fight infection and provide immunity). The excessive number …
Read More »Dexpak (Dexamethasone): Uses for COVID-19, Side Effects, Interactions
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 variety of inflammatory diseases affecting …
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