Question: What do I need to know about gout?

Answer: You may also have: Fatigue Fever Weight loss Eye inflammation Bumps under the skin called nodules Lung inflammation Gout is another form of arthritis that can be very painful. Uric acid buildup in the body causes needle-like crystal deposits to form in your joints. You might notice lumps under your skin called tophi. A lot of people see the first symptoms of gout in their big toe, which can get swollen, sore, red, and warm.


Question: What are basics of arthritis?

Answer: It has everything to do with your joints -- the places where your bones connect -- such as your wrists, knees, hips, or fingers. But some types of arthritis can also affect other connective tissues and organs, including your skin. About 1 out of 5 adults have some form of the condition. It can happen to anyone, but it becomes more common as you age. With many forms of arthritis, the cause is unknown.


Question: How is arthritis treated?

Answer: She might recommend: Medications Physical therapy Splints or other aids Weight loss In rare cases, surgery The types of medicines your doctor might suggest are: Painkillers: over-the-counter or prescription Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) Biologics: medications that are designed to counteract inflammatory signals in the body and are made by complex methods involving genetically-modified bacteria Steroids to cut down on inflammation Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs ( DMARDs): meds that slow or stop inflammation Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, and physical therapy may help ease your symptoms, too. The sooner you're treated, the more likely you are to avoid permanent joint damage.


Question: How is arthritis diagnosed?

Answer: For example, an athletic injury like a torn anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL) or a fracture near a joint can lead to arthritis. It can give you pain, swelling, stiffness, and trouble with moving. But get help from your doctor if: The pain, swelling, or redness isn't going away. Take samples of your joint fluid and test them. Do imaging scans, which may include X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds.


Question: What are symptoms of arthritis?

Answer: You might also have: One or more joints that are swollen or stiff Joints that look red or feel warm to the touch Tenderness Trouble moving Problems doing everyday tasks The symptoms can be constant, or they may come and go. They can range from mild to severe. More-severe cases may lead to permanent joint damage. Uric acid buildup in the body causes needle-like crystal deposits to form in your joints.


Question: When should I see a doctor about my arthritis?

Answer: You might feel pain in your fingers, knees, or hips. But get help from your doctor if: The pain, swelling, or redness isn't going away. Your symptoms get worse quickly. You have relatives with autoimmune disorders. You've got relatives with other arthritis-related diseases. Don't ignore joint pain. In some cases, it can cause damage that can't be reversed, even with treatment. When in doubt, talk to your doctor.


Question: How can I manage arthritis?

Answer: As you get older, your joints tend to get worn down. You doctor can help you manage your pain, prevent damage to the affected joint, and keep inflammation at bay. Exercise can help you move better, lessen pain, and put off disability. Watch your weight. Extra pounds raise your chances of related health problems. Don't put off treatment. The sooner you're treated, the more likely you are to avoid permanent joint damage.


Question: What do I need to know about rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: This can damage the joint surface and underlying bone. RA mostly targets your fingers, thumbs, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, feet, and ankles. It can give you pain, swelling, stiffness, and trouble with moving. You may also have: Fatigue Fever Weight loss Eye inflammation Bumps under the skin called nodules Lung inflammation Gout is another form of arthritis that can be very painful. Lupus is a long lasting, autoimmune disease that can damage almost any part of the body, including joints and skin.


Question: How does a doctor determine the cause of your  back problems?

Answer: Unless you are totally immobilized from a back injury, your doctor probably will examine your range of motion and nerve function and touch your body to locate the area of discomfort. Blood and urine tests may be done to determine if the pain is caused by an infection or other systemic problem. X-rays are useful in pinpointing broken bones or other skeletal defects. They can sometimes help locate problems in connective tissue. To analyze soft-tissue or disc damage, computed tomography ( CT) or magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) scans may be needed. To determine possible nerve or muscle damage, an electromyogram ( EMG) may be ordered.


Question: What does PRICE mean for treating knee pain?

Answer: Some common home care techniques for knee pain that control inflammation and help to break the inflammatory cycle are protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This regimen is summarized by the memory device PRICE.


Question: How is Osgood-Schlatter disease described and treated?

Answer: Osgood- Schlatter Disease Description: Osgood- Schlatter disease occurs in adolescent athletes where repetitive extension of the knee causes inflammation and injury of the tibial tubercle (the bony protrusion at the top of the shin, just below the kneecap). Symptoms: Children suffering from this syndrome report pain at the tibial tubercle. This pain is typically worse when extending the leg. The tibial tubercle is tender to touch and over time begins to protrude more because the chronic inflammation stimulates the bone to grow. Treatment: Osgood- Schlatter disease is a self-limited condition that usually resolves as the the tibial tubercle stops growing with the end of adolescence (at about age 17 in males and age 15 in females). Treatment includes PRICE and NSAID therapy to minimize acute pain from activity. Physical therapy to identify limitations will reduce stress to the tibial tubercle and often includes strength training of the hip and core. In severe cases, splinting the knee for a few weeks may help reduce the pain and halt the inflammation cycle.


Question: How is bursitis described and treated?

Answer: Bursitis Description: As a result of trauma, infection, or crystalline deposits, the various bursae of the knee may become inflamed. Symptoms: Acute or chronic trauma causes a painful and often swollen knee from the inflammation of the bursae. A particularly common bursitis is prepatellar bursitis. This type of bursitis occurs in people who work on their knees. It is often referred to as housemaid's knee or carpet layer's knee. Another type of bursitis is anserine bursitis. The anserine bursa is located about 2 inches below the knee along the medial side of the knee. More commonly occurring in the overweight and in women, but also affecting athletes and others, anserine bursitis often causes pain in the region of the bursa and is often worse with bending the knee or at night with sleep. Treatment: Treatment will usually include home care with PRICE therapy and NSAIDs. Severe forms, however, can be treated with periodic steroid injections.


Question: What bones are in the anatomy of the knee?

Answer: Bones The knee joint involves four bones. The thighbone or femur comprises the top portion of the joint. One of the bones in the lower leg (or calf area), the tibia, provides the bottom weight-bearing portion of the joint. The kneecap or patella rides along the front of the femur. The remaining bone in the calf, the fibula, is not involved in the weight-bearing portion of the knee joint but provides ligament attachments for stability.


Question: What is the knee joint's main function?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } The knee joint's main function is to bend, straighten, and bear the weight of the body, along with the ankles and hips. The knee, more than just a simple hinged joint, however, also twists and rotates. In order to perform all of these actions and to support the entire body while doing so, the knee relies on a number of structures including bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.


Question: How is a fluid removal done to diagnose knee pain?

Answer: Fluid removal The knee and all bursae of the knee are filled with fluid. If your symptoms suggest infection or crystalline arthritis, such as gout, your physician may remove fluid, with a needle, from the knee. This fluid will then be analyzed to better clarify the diagnosis. Crystals, which suggest crystalline arthritis, often can be seen under the microscope. Infection may also be detected under a microscope by finding bacteria and pus in the fluid.


Question: What over-the-counter pain medicine is used for knee pain?

Answer: Over-the-counter pain medicine: Commonly used pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like naproxen ( Aleve or Naprosyn) and ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin), also play a role in the treatment of knee pain. These drugs directly control pain and, at higher doses, act as anti-inflammatory agents, helping to break the inflammatory cycle.


Question: When should you call the doctor for knee pain?

Answer: When you are deciding whether to call the doctor about your knee pain, a good rule of thumb exists for most long-term knee injuries. If your symptoms have not gone away after trying a week of PRICE therapy and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain meds, you should set up an appointment with your doctor, physical therapist, or a sports medicine orthopaedic (bone and muscle) specialist to further evaluate the pain. This rule can also be applied to new knee injuries that are not disabling. Remember, however, that this rule should only serve as a guide. If you are concerned about the pain, you should call the doctor.


Question: How are X-rays, CT scans, and other tests used to diagnose knee pain?

Answer: X-rays, CT scans, and other tests Depending on your particular history and exam, the doctor may suggest X-rays of the knee. X-rays show fractures (broken bones) and dislocations of bones in the knee as well as arthritis and abnormally large or small joint spaces. Rarely, the doctor may order a CT scan (a 3-dimensional X-ray) of the knee to precisely define a fracture or deformity. Both X-rays and CT scans are excellent for diagnosing fractures. They both are also poor, however, at evaluating soft tissue structures of the knee, such as ligaments, tendons, and the menisci.


Question: When should you go to the hospital for knee pain?

Answer: If you are concerned about the pain, you should call the doctor.


Question: What tendons are in the anatomy of the knee?

Answer: Instead of connecting bones to other bones as ligaments do, tendons connect muscles to bones. The two important tendons in the knee are (1) the quadriceps tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle, which lies on the front of the thigh, to the patella and (2) the patellar tendon connecting the patella to the tibia (technically, this is a ligament because it connects two bones).


Question: How is arthroscopy used to diagnose knee pain?

Answer: This is a surgical procedure where the doctor will place a fiber optic telescope within the knee joint. The arthroscope is attached to a camera that relays real-time images to a video monitor. By doing so, the surgeon may be able to see small particles in the knee or to look more closely at damaged menisci or cartilage. The doctor may also be able to treat damage by shaving down torn cartilage or removing particles from the knee while looking at the inside of your knee on a video monitor.


Question: How are tendon ruptures described and treated?

Answer: Tendon Ruptures Description: Both the quadriceps and patellar tendons may rupture partially or completely. A quadriceps tendon rupture typically occurs in recreational athletes older than 40 years (this is the injury former President Clinton suffered while jogging), and a patellar tendon rupture typically occurs in younger people who have had previous tendonitis or steroid injections to the knee. Symptoms: Rupture of either the quadriceps or patellar tendon causes pain (especially when trying to kick or extend the knee). Those people with complete ruptures are unable to extend the knee. The patella is also often out of place either upward (with patellar tendon rupture) or downward (with quadriceps tendon rupture). Treatment: Tendon ruptures require urgent care. They typically need surgical repair, while a partial rupture may be treated with splinting alone.


Question: What ligaments are in the anatomy of the knee?

Answer: The knee includes four important ligaments, all of which connect the femur to the tibia: The anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament ( PCL) provide front and back (anterior and posterior) and rotational stability to the knee. The medial collateral ligament ( MCL) and lateral collateral ligament ( LCL) located along the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) sides of the knee provide medial and lateral stability to the knee.


Question: What other signs and symptoms of knee pain demand emergency evaluation?

Answer: Other signs and symptoms that demand emergency evaluation: Unbearable pain Pain that does not improve with rest Pain that wakes you Drainage Large wounds Puncture wounds Swelling, if you are on a blood thinner (warfarin or Coumadin) or have a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia) History: Even in today's world of technology, doctors rely on a detailed history and physical exam more than any single test.


Question: How are sprained and torn cruciate ligaments described and treated?

Answer: Sprained and Torn Cruciate Ligaments Description: An anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL) injury is a common sports injury generally caused by a hard stop or a violent twisting of the knee. The posterior cruciate ligament ( PCL) is stronger than the ACL and much less commonly torn. A PCL injury may happen with a serious blow, such as when the knee strikes the dashboard in a car accident; this is why a PCL injury is often associated with other ligament and bone injuries. Symptoms: If you tear your ACL, you may hear a pop. You will also notice your knee give way or become unstable and feel pain that is bad enough that you might feel like vomiting. This will, almost always, be followed by marked knee swelling over the next couple of hours because the ACL bleeds briskly when torn. Treatment: Surgical repair is often recommended for high-level athletes who demand optimal outcomes. Conservative treatment and knee braces may prove sufficient for those who do not demand quite so much from their knees.


Question: Are there different types of knee pain?

Answer: Knee pain, therefore, can arise from the knee itself or be referred from conditions of the hip, ankle, or lower back. All of the following sources of knee pain arise from the knee joint itself. In general, knee pain is either immediate (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute knee pains can be caused by an acute injury or infection. Chronic knee pain is often from injuries or inflammation (such as arthritis) but can also be caused by infection.


Question: How can keeping limber and fit help with knee pain?

Answer: Keep Limber, Keep Fit Many knee problems are caused by tight or imbalanced musculature. Stretching and strengthening, therefore, also help to prevent knee pain. Stretching keeps your knee from being too tight and aids in preventing both patellofemoral syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome. Strengthening exercises, particularly of the quadriceps (straight leg raises and leg extensions are among the prescribed exercises), can help prevent knee injury and are essential to reducing arthritis and associated complications.


Question: How can you protect your knee?

Answer: Protect the Knee Wearing proper protection for the activity at hand can help avoid knee injuries. When playing volleyball or when laying carpet, protecting your knees may include kneepads. When driving, knee protection may include wearing a seatbelt to avoid the knee-versus-dashboard injuries as well as injuries to other parts of your body.


Question: What happens in a physical exam for knee pain?

Answer: Physical exam The doctor will likely have you disrobe to completely expose the knee. If possible, wear shorts to your appointment. The doctor will then inspect the knee and press around the knee to see exactly where it is tender. In addition, the doctor may perform a number of maneuvers to stress the ligaments, tendons, and menisci of the knee and evaluate the integrity of each of these.


Question: How is a dislocated kneecap (patella) described and treated?

Answer: Dislocated Kneecap (patella) Description: A common injury caused by direct trauma or forceful straightening of the leg, such as an injury that happens when serving in volleyball or tennis. Kneecap dislocation is more common in women, the obese, knock-kneed people, and in those with high-riding kneecaps. Symptoms: If you have this injury, you will notice the patella being out of place and may have difficulty flexing or extending your knee. Treatment: The doctor will move the patella back into place (reduce the dislocation). Even if the patella goes back into place by itself, it needs to be X-rayed for a fracture. After reducing the dislocation and ensuring the absence of a fracture, the doctors will treat these injuries by splinting the knee to allow the soft tissues around the patella to heal followed by strengthening exercises to keep the patella in line.


Question: What cartilage are in the anatomy of the knee?

Answer: Cartilage Cartilaginous structures called menisci (singular form is "meniscus") line the top of the tibia and lie between the tibia and the 2 knuckles at the bottom of the femur (called the femoral condyles). The menisci's primary job is to provide cushioning for the knee joint.


Question: What bursae are in the anatomy of the knee?

Answer: Bursae Bursae (one is a bursa) are fluid-filled sacs that help to cushion the knee. The knee contains 3 important groups of bursae: The prepatellar bursae lie in front of the patella. The Pes anserine bursae is located on the inner side of the knee about 2 inches below the joint. The infrapatellar bursae are located underneath the patella.


Question: How can staying slim help with knee pain?

Answer: Stay Slim Staying slim reduces the forces placed on the knee during both athletics and everyday walking and may, according to some medical research, reduce osteoarthritis. Keeping your weight down may also reduce the number of ligament and tendon injuries for similar reasons.


Question: How can exercising wisely help with knee pain?

Answer: Exercise Wisely If you have chronic knee pain, consider swimming or water exercises. In water, the force of buoyancy supports some of our weight so our knees aren't burdened. If you don't have access to a pool or do not enjoy water activities, at least try to limit hard pounding and twisting activities such as basketball, tennis, or jogging. You may find that your aching knees will act up if you play basketball or tennis every day but will not if you limit your pounding sports to twice a week. Whatever you do, respect and listen to your body. If it hurts, change what you are doing. If you are fatigued, consider stopping -- many injuries occur when people are tired.


Question: How is crystalline arthritis (gout and pseudogout) described and treated?

Answer: Crystalline Arthritis (gout and pseudogout) Description: These severely painful forms of arthritis are caused by sharp crystals that form in the knee and other joints. These crystals can form as a result of defects in the absorption or metabolism of various natural substances such as uric acid (which produces gout) and calcium pyrophosphate (pseudogout). Treatment: Treatment is aimed at controlling inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications, and at aiding the metabolism of the various chemicals that may lead to crystal formation.


Question: How is rheumatoid arthritis of the knee described and treated?

Answer: Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee Description: Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) is a connective tissue disease of the whole body that affects many joints, often the knee. Symptoms: In addition to knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis may produce morning stiffness and pain in other joints. Treatment: Treatment includes pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and prescription drugs (such as Rheumatrex) that are aimed at slowing disease progression.


Question: Can you prevent knee pain?

Answer: Knee pain has a host of causes. Many types of pain are difficult to prevent, but you can do some general things to reduce the likelihood of sustaining a knee injury. Keep Limber, Keep Fit Many knee problems are caused by tight or imbalanced musculature.


Question: How common is knee pain?

Answer: With today's increasingly active society, the number of knee problems is increasing. This type of bursitis occurs in people who work on their knees.


Question: How is a patellofemoral syndrome and chondromalacia patella described and treated?

Answer: This injury often causes damage to the cartilage on the back of the patella. Bursitis Description: As a result of trauma, infection, or crystalline deposits, the various bursae of the knee may become inflamed. Treatment: Home care with PRICE therapy, NSAIDs, and exercises (such as straight leg raises) that balance the muscles around the patella work for most people. Physical therapy to assess factors that may contribute to the disease process guides management to include exercise, bracing or taping of the patella, commercial arch supports (for the arch of the foot), or orthotic supports that correct foot mechanics and may reduce abnormal forces on the knee. Severe cases of patellofemoral syndrome or chondromalacia may be treated surgically through a variety of procedures. When this band is tight it may rub against the bottom outer portion of the femur (the lateral femoral condyle).


Question: How is iliotibial band syndrome described and treated?

Answer: Iliotibial Band Syndrome Description: A fibrous ligament, called the iliotibial band, extends from the outside of the pelvic bone to the outside of the tibia. When this band is tight it may rub against the bottom outer portion of the femur (the lateral femoral condyle). Symptoms: Distance runners typically suffer from this condition. These runners complain of outside knee pain usually at the lateral femoral condyle. Early on, the pain will typically come on 10 minutes to 15 minutes into a run and improve with rest. Treatment: The most important aspect of treating iliotibial band syndrome is to identify why it is tight. A physical therapist can evaluate mechanics and prescribe treatments, which may include stretching the iliotibial band. In addition to stretching the iliotibial band, PRICE therapy and NSAIDs may be of some help.


Question: What characteristics are common in a person with Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP)?

Answer: Certain characteristics are common in a person with MSP, including: Is a parent or caregiver, usually a mother May be a health care professional Is very friendly and cooperative with the health care providers Appears quite concerned (some may seem overly concerned) about their child May suffer from Munchausen syndrome (a related disorder in which a person repeatedly acts as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when he or she is not really sick) Other possible warning signs of MSP include: The child has a history of many hospitalizations, often with a strange set of symptoms.


Question: How can psychotherapy help with treating Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP)?

Answer: Psychotherapy (a type of counseling) generally focuses on changing the thinking and behavior of the individual with the disorder (cognitive-behavioral therapy). The goal of therapy for MSP is to help the person identify the thoughts and feelings that are contributing to the behavior, and to learn to form relationships that are not associated with being ill.


Question: What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP)?

Answer: It affects a primary caretaker, often the mother. The person with MSP gains attention by seeking medical help for exaggerated or made-up symptoms of a child in his or her care. As health care providers strive to identify what's causing the child's symptoms, the deliberate actions of the mother or caretaker can often make the symptoms worse. Psychotherapy (a type of counseling) generally focuses on changing the thinking and behavior of the individual with the disorder (cognitive-behavioral therapy).


Question: How is Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP) treated?

Answer: The first concern in MSP is to ensure the safety and protection of any real or potential victims. In fact, managing a case involving MSP often requires a team that includes a social worker, foster care organizations, and law enforcement, as well as doctors. Successful treatment of people with MSP is difficult because those with the disorder often deny there is a problem. In addition, treatment success is dependent on the person telling the truth, and people with MSP tend to be such accomplished liars that they begin to have trouble telling fact from fiction. In general, MSP is a very difficult disorder to treat and often requires years of therapy and support.


Question: How many carbs are in sugar-free cookies?

Answer: Sorry, but sugar-free doesn't equal carb-free. Some sugar-free cookies have nearly as many carbs per serving as their regular counterparts. Check the nutrition facts label before making your choice.


Question: How many carbs are in salad dressing?

Answer: Practically any bottle you reach for will have some sugar. The amount varies by brand, so check labels. Consider making your own. Olive oil and vinegar is an easy option. Or at least stick to the recommended serving size on the bottle. A tablespoon or two is unlikely to send your blood sugar soaring, but if you drown your salad, you could be in trouble.


Question: How many carbs are in tomato sauce?

Answer: If it comes from a jar, you can almost bet that there's added sugar and carbs in there (about 12 grams per half-cup). Look at the nutrition facts closely, and be aware that many brands are also high in sodium. When in doubt, drizzle it on your (whole-grain) pasta sparingly.


Question: What are some healthy milk substitutes for people with diabetes?

Answer: But watch out for flavored varieties, which tend to have more sugar. For example, a cup of vanilla almond milk has 16 grams of carbs. A cup of chocolate soy milk has 23 grams, compared to plain soy milk, which has about 12 grams of carbs.


Question: How many carbs are in barbecue sauce?

Answer: One tablespoon will cost you about 7 grams of carbs. If you keep dipping and dipping until you've consumed one-half cup, you'll have eaten 58 grams of carbs from the sauce alone.


Question: How much carbs are in salad dressing?

Answer: Practically any bottle you reach for will have some sugar. The amount varies by brand, so check labels.


Question: How much carbs are in barbecue sauce?

Answer: One tablespoon will cost you about 7 grams of carbs. If you keep dipping and dipping until you've consumed one-half cup, you'll have eaten 58 grams of carbs from the sauce alone.


Question: How many carbs should people with diabetes have per meal?

Answer: Many people with diabetes aim for 45-60 grams of carbs per meal. But you should talk to your doctor or diabetes educator to find out the right amount of carbs for you.


Question: How much carbs are in milk substitutes?

Answer: For example, a cup of vanilla almond milk has 16 grams of carbs. A cup of chocolate soy milk has 23 grams, compared to plain soy milk, which has about 12 grams of carbs.


Question: How much carbs are in yogurt?

Answer: But some low-fat, fruit-flavored varieties have upward of 40 grams of carbs for an 8-ounce serving. For a lower-carb alternative, try Greek yogurt. The plain, no-fat variety has about 9 grams of carbs for the same size serving, and it also packs more protein than the regular stuff.


Question: How much carbs are in split pea soup?

Answer: Peas are starchy veggies, which means you'll be getting a hefty amount of carbs (26 grams per cup) along with other nutrients like fiber. Many soups also have a lot of salt, so pick reduced-sodium varieties.


Question: How much carbs are in protein bars?

Answer: Don't assume that high-protein means low-carb. Many bars, especially those aimed at athletes who need extra energy, have plenty of both. Need a healthy snack before your workout? A banana with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter might be a better option.


Question: How much carbs are in tomato sauce?

Answer: When in doubt, drizzle it on your (whole-grain) pasta sparingly. If you keep dipping and dipping until you've consumed one-half cup, you'll have eaten 58 grams of carbs from the sauce alone. Check the nutrition facts label before making your choice.


Question: How much carbs are in baked beans?

Answer: For example, a cup of vanilla almond milk has 16 grams of carbs. A tablespoon or two is unlikely to send your blood sugar soaring, but if you drown your salad, you could be in trouble.


Question: What can be used to diagnose sinus problems?

Answer: Symptoms include: Nasal congestion Pain or discomfort around the eyes, forehead or cheeks Cough Headache Thick nasal or post-nasal drainage Sometimes other tests such as computed tomography ( CT) scan or cultures are used to help make the diagnosis. Despite the recommendations that antibiotic use be judicious, they are still overused for sinusitis, according to many physicians who specialize in treating sinus problems. Some physicians say they give patients with sinusitis a prescription for antibiotics, and recommend they wait three to five days before filling it, and only fill it if symptoms are not better by then. A decongestant can be used to help relieve your symptoms and promote drainage. The longer symptoms last, the more likely a sinus problem is to be a bacterial infection, some experts say.


Question: When should antibiotics be used to treat sinus problems?

Answer: Antibiotics may be more appropriate to give to certain patients who are less able to fight off infection, such as those with diabetes, or serious heart or lung disease. And antibiotics should be considered in patients with severe sinusitis symptoms, according to the practice guidelines from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If antibiotics are given, a 10- to 14-day course is recommended, according to the practice guidelines. Amoxicillin is typically the first choice for people who are not allergic to penicillin.


Question: What do triglyceride levels mean from a cholesterol test?

Answer: Sometimes your doctor will tell you that you may eat normally the day of the test. High levels, in combination with either low HDL or high LDL, can clog your arteries. As with LDL levels, you want this number to be low: Less than 150 mg/d L: A healthy level150 to 199 mg/d L: An almost unhealthy level200 to 499 mg/d L: An unhealthy level500 mg/d L and higher: A very unhealthy, dangerous level Not everyone's target levels are the same.


Question: What are the symptoms of dissociative fugue?

Answer: A fugue in progress often is difficult for others to recognize because the person's outward behavior appears normal. Symptoms of dissociative fugue might include the following: Sudden and unplanned travel away from home Inability to recall past events or important information from the person's life Confusion or loss of memory about his or her identity, possibly assuming a new identity to make up for the loss Extreme distress and problems with daily functioning (due to the fugue episodes) Dissociative fugue has been linked to severe stress, which might be the result of traumatic events -- such as war, abuse, accidents, disasters, or extreme violence -- that the person has experienced or witnessed.


Question: How is dissociative fugue diagnosed?

Answer: If symptoms of dissociative fugue are present, the doctor will often begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no lab tests to specifically diagnose dissociative disorders, the doctor might sometimes recommend various diagnostic tests, such as neuroimaging studies, electroencephalograms ( EEGs), and blood tests, to rule out physical illness or medication side effects if these are suspected as causing the symptoms. Certain conditions -- including brain diseases (such as epilepsy), head injuries, drug and alcohol intoxication, and sleep deprivation -- can lead to symptoms similar to those of dissociative disorders, including amnesia (loss of memory). If no physical illness is found, the person might be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, health care professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interviews and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a dissociative disorder.


Question: Can dissociative fugue be prevented?

Answer: Treatment also aims to develop new coping methods to prevent further fugue episodes.


Question: How is dissociative fugue treated?

Answer: The goal of dissociative fugue treatment is to help the person come to terms with the stress or trauma that triggered the fugue. Creative therapies (art therapy, music therapy): These therapies allow the patient to explore and express his or her thoughts and feelings in a safe and creative way.


Question: How common is dissociative fugue?

Answer: Dissociative fugue, formerly called psychogenic fugue, is one of a group of conditions called dissociative disorders. The frequency of dissociative fugue tends to increase during stressful or traumatic periods, such as during wartime or after a natural disaster.


Question: How can you manage fatigue from immunotherapy?

Answer: It sounds strange, but sleeping as much as you want can make you more tired. Limit daytime naps to less than 1 hour. Try short walks and light exercise to build more energy. Eat healthy meals with lean protein, and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep up your strength. Find ways to lower stress: Talk with a friend, draw, or listen to music. Lots of things can help you recharge.


Question: Can you get flu-like symptoms after immunotherapy?

Answer: Flu-like symptoms: Some immunotherapy drugs can make you feel like you have the flu. Along with a fever, you could have a headache, nausea, muscle or joint aches, chills, weakness, and dizziness. Some people also get a runny nose, dry cough, or diarrhea.


Question: What should I do if I have a high fever after immunotherapy?

Answer: Fever: If your temperature's 100.5 F or higher, you can often lower it with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, but check with your doctor first. If you have other health issues, like a bleeding disorder, NSAIDs could make it worse.


Question: How can you manage flu-like symptoms from immunotherapy?

Answer: Flu-like symptoms: Some immunotherapy drugs can make you feel like you have the flu. Along with a fever, you could have a headache, nausea, muscle or joint aches, chills, weakness, and dizziness. Some people also get a runny nose, dry cough, or diarrhea. There's no single way to treat all these symptoms. Instead, your doctor will suggest ways to ease them. Sometimes, an over-the-counter pain reliever can make you more comfortable. You may need a stronger prescription drug for symptoms like diarrhea and severe vomiting. Your doctor will also suggest ways to manage your symptoms at home. For instance, to calm your stomach, you can try cold foods that don't have a strong smell. If you're throwing up, sip ice water, juice, or ginger ale throughout the day so you don't get dehydrated. A heating pad or ice pack can ease sore muscles. Alternative treatments like massage, acupuncture, and hypnosis may help with some of these symptoms, too.


Question: What are the side effects of immunotherapy?

Answer: How you'll feel during and after treatment will depend on a few things: The cancer you have The type of drug and the dose you get How healthy you are when you start treatment Most people have these problems when they go through immunotherapy, but you can manage them.


Question: How can you manage skin problems from immunotherapy?

Answer: To keep inflamed skin from getting worse, use a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm -- not hot -- water in the shower or bath. Within 5 minutes of getting out, moisturize your skin. ( Choose a brand that doesn't have perfume in it.) Stay out of the sun as much as you can, and if you are outside, use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. It's also a good idea to speak to a dermatologist (a skin doctor). If your symptoms don't clear up, they can prescribe a stronger cream or antibiotic.


Question: What should I do if I have skin problem after immunotherapy?

Answer: Skin problems: Many people who get immunotherapy have a skin reaction. To keep inflamed skin from getting worse, use a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm -- not hot -- water in the shower or bath. Within 5 minutes of getting out, moisturize your skin. ( Choose a brand that doesn't have perfume in it.) Stay out of the sun as much as you can, and if you are outside, use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. If your symptoms don't clear up, they can prescribe a stronger cream or antibiotic.


Question: How can immunotherapy help your immune system?

Answer: It's an exciting new treatment that can work well for many types of the disease. Still, it can cause side effects. It only affects your immune system.


Question: What are follow-up treatments for toxic shock syndrome?

Answer: Go to a hospital emergency room or see a doctor for these symptoms, especially if the person has been using tampons, a diaphragm, or contraceptive sponge or has a skin wound or infection: High fever that appears suddenly Faintness Headache Muscle aches Vomiting Diarrhea Sunburn-like rash Confusion The doctor will do an exam and blood tests. If toxic shock syndrome is diagnosed, the person will likely be hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics.


Question: What should you do about toxic shock syndrome?

Answer: The person shows signs of shock. See Shock Treatment. Go to a hospital emergency room or see a doctor for these symptoms, especially if the person has been using tampons, a diaphragm, or contraceptive sponge or has a skin wound or infection: High fever that appears suddenly Faintness Headache Muscle aches Vomiting Diarrhea Sunburn-like rash Confusion The doctor will do an exam and blood tests.


Question: What is a risky level of LDL (bad cholesterol) level?

Answer: Doctors recommend your total cholesterol stay below 200 mg/d L. Here is the breakdown: Total Cholesterol Category Less than 200 Desirable 200 - 239 Borderline high 240 and above High An LDL (bad cholesterol) level of 190 or above is considered a serious risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and other problems caused by clogged arteries.


Question: How much cholesterol is too much?

Answer: Doctors recommend your total cholesterol stay below 200 mg/d L. Here is the breakdown: Total Cholesterol Category Less than 200 Desirable 200 - 239 Borderline high 240 and above High An LDL (bad cholesterol) level of 190 or above is considered a serious risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and other problems caused by clogged arteries.


Question: What's the difference between "good" and "bad" cholesterol?

Answer: HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol. HDL takes the "bad," LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol out of your blood and keeps it from building up in your arteries. LDL cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol because it leads to the development and build up of plaque on the walls of your arteries. That increase your chances of getting cardiovascular disease. When being tested for cholesterol, make sure you get numbers of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.


Question: What makes my cholesterol levels go up?

Answer: Eating foods such as red meat, whole milk dairy products, egg yolks, and some kinds of fish can make your cholesterol levels go up. Being overweight can make your bad cholesterol go up and your good cholesterol go down.


Question: How will your doctor assess the risk of your cholesterol level?

Answer: Your doctor will first work with you to determine your current level of risk, considering such things as your age, whether or not you smoke, and your blood pressure.


Question: What are high triglyceride levels?

Answer: Then together, the two of you will consider the options you have for achieving that percentage Triglyceride levels that are borderline high (150-199) or high (200 or more) may require treatment in some people.


Question: If a product's package reads "low cholesterol," does that mean it is low in fat?

Answer: Numerous foods marked "low cholesterol" can contain oils that may be high in saturated fats, which are not healthy. In addition, unsaturated fats like vegetable oil can also be high in calories.


Question: What can I do to lower my cholesterol levels?

Answer: You can lower your cholesterol levels by making changes to your lifestyle. Here are some tips. Eat foods with less fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Take off the skin and fat from meat, poultry, and fish. Eat food that has been broiled, baked, roasted, or poached instead of fried. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables everyday. Eat cereals, breads, rice, and pasta made from whole grains, such as whole wheat bread or spaghetti. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise everyday. Talk to your doctor about the safest and best ways for you to exercise. Lose weight if you are overweight. Stop smoking. Take your cholesterol medication as prescribed by your doctor.


Question: Why should I be concerned about cholesterol?

Answer: Too much cholesterol in your body means that you have an increased risk of getting cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, the cholesterol can build up inside the walls of the arteries that carry blood to your heart. This buildup, which occurs over time, causes less blood and oxygen to get to your heart. This can cause chest pain and heart attacks. Too much cholesterol can also increase your risk of stroke.


Question: What is a good level of HDL (good) cholesterol?

Answer: A level less than 40 is low and is considered a risk factor because it increases your risk for developing heart disease. HDL levels of 60 or more help to lower your risk for heart disease. Remember, a higher HDL number is better, however.


Question: At what age should people begin having their cholesterol checked?

Answer: If you have too much cholesterol in your body, the cholesterol can build up inside the walls of the arteries that carry blood to your heart. Total cholesterol should be measured at least every five years starting at age 20 and more often if you have a family history of high cholesterol. Note: If you have high cholesterol and your doctor has told you there may be an underlying genetic cause, you may want to have your children, under age 20, get their cholesterol levels tested. Talk to your children's health care providers about cholesterol testing.


Question: How does kidney exchange work?

Answer: Another possibility is called paired kidney exchange in which recipients who have donors that are not compatible can enter programs where they are able to "swap" donors. Those who need a transplant often ask if they can buy an organ.


Question: What is organ transplantation?

Answer: Organ transplantation -- the surgical removal of a healthy organ from one person and its transplantation into another person whose organ has failed or was injured -- is often lifesaving and gives the recipient a wonderful new lease on life. But organ transplantation is also a major surgery that carries potential risks and drawbacks, such as the chance of organ rejection.


Question: What types of topical retinoids do doctors use to treat psoriasis?

Answer: Types of topical retinoids: Tazarotene ( Tazorac) cream Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity to sunlight (you need to wear sunscreen while using this medicine).


Question: How are vitamin D analogues used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: What it is: A form of synthetic vitamin D that you rub on your skin.


Question: How is anthralin used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: What it is: A man-made form of a substance that comes from the South American araroba tree.


Question: What does mild to moderate psoriasis mean?

Answer: Usually doctors start with the mildest treatments for people with mild-to-moderate psoriasis.


Question: Should I discuss medications for psoriasis with my doctor?

Answer: Always discuss medications with your doctor, including over-the-counter remedies, to see if they are right for you. Your doctor may also recommend light therapy or an injected drug called a biologic that works throughout your body if your psoriasis is bothering you or having a big impact on your life.


Question: What types of anthralin are used to treat psoriaisis?

Answer: Types of anthralin: Dritho- Scalp Drithocreme Micanol Zithranol- RR Side effects include skin irritation.


Question: What is the Koo-Mentor psoriasis instrument?

Answer: That's why your doctor will use a few factors to decide which treatment to try: The type of psoriasis you have How much of your skin is covered How big of an impact psoriasis has on your life Your health Your doctor may use the Koo- Menter Psoriasis Instrument to help decide on a treatment. This one-page tool asks questions to find out how much psoriasis affects your life. The doctor can use your answers to determine whether you need a skin cream, light therapy, or a drug that works throughout your body.


Question: What is coal tar?

Answer: What it is: Coal tar is one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis.


Question: Which types of anthralin are used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: Types of anthralin: Dritho- Scalp Drithocreme Micanol Zithranol- RR Side effects include skin irritation.


Question: What are the side effects of vitamin D analogues for mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: Vitamin D creams include: Calcipotriene ( Dovonex, Sorilux, Taclonex) Calcitriol ( Vectical) Side effects include skin irritation, burning, itching, dry skin, peeling skin, or rash. In rare cases, too much vitamin D can be absorbed into the body, which can lead to increased levels of calcium.


Question: What are the side effects of using retinoids for mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: Types of topical retinoids: Tazarotene ( Tazorac) cream Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity to sunlight (you need to wear sunscreen while using this medicine). Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or might become pregnant, because this medicine may harm an unborn baby.


Question: What is the first treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: Often the first treatment you'll try is a skin cream or ointment. If a mild treatment doesn't work, you'll move up to stronger treatments until your doctor finds one that helps you.


Question: Are there certain over-the-counter treatments that are used to treat psoriasis?

Answer: Bath solutions containing oil, oatmeal, or Dead Sea salts can help remove scale. Scale lifters containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea also remove scale. Anti-itch creams containing calamine, hydrocortisone, camphor, or menthol can help relieve itching.


Question: What's the most common topical treatment for psoriasis?

Answer: What it is: Corticosteroids, or steroids, are the most commonly used topical treatment for psoriasis.


Question: What is salicylic acid?

Answer: What it is: The same type of medicine that is used to treat acne.


Question: What are the side effects of corticosteroids for mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: Side effects include thin skin, changes in skin color, acne, stretch marks, redness, more visible blood vessels, or increased risk for infection. Although uncommon, topical steroids can be absorbed into the circulation and also cause side effects such as cataracts, glaucoma, and Cushing's syndrome. These uncommon side effects are more likely to occur if you use very high strength topical steroids over a large area for extended period of time.


Question: What are the side effects of using corticosteroids to treat psoriasis?

Answer: Side effects include thin skin, changes in skin color, acne, stretch marks, redness, more visible blood vessels, or increased risk for infection. Although uncommon, topical steroids can be absorbed into the circulation and also cause side effects such as cataracts, glaucoma, and Cushing's syndrome. These uncommon side effects are more likely to occur if you use very high strength topical steroids over a large area for extended period of time.


Question: What are the side effects of salicylic acid used to treat psoriasis?

Answer: Side effects include skin irritation and hair loss.


Question: How do doctors choose psoriasis treatment?

Answer: Each person with psoriasis is different. That's why your doctor will use a few factors to decide which treatment to try: The type of psoriasis you have How much of your skin is covered How big of an impact psoriasis has on your life Your health Your doctor may use the Koo- Menter Psoriasis Instrument to help decide on a treatment.


Question: What are retinoids?

Answer: What it is: A man-made form of vitamin A.


Question: What types of corticosteroids are used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: Types of corticosteroids: There are a variety of steroid creams, gels, lotions, and shampoos. They range from weak to strong. The stronger the steroid, the more effective it is. However, stronger steroids also cause more side effects. Lower-strength steroids are best for treating sensitive areas for limited periods of time, like the face, groin, and breasts. Higher-strength steroids are best for areas of the skin that don't clear up with milder steroids or areas with thicker plaques.


Question: What is mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: Mild to moderate psoriasis means that the red, scaly patches ("plaques") cover less than 10% of your body. But just because your psoriasis is called "mild" doesn't mean it's easy to live with. If the patches are in visible places like your hands or legs, you may be embarrassed to go out without wearing long sleeves and pants. Also, small areas of psoriasis can turn into big problems if they're itchy or painful. Your goal is to have clearer skin. To do that, you and your doctor need to find the right psoriasis treatment.


Question: What are the side effects of Vitamin D creams used to treat psoriasis?

Answer: Vitamin D creams include: Calcipotriene ( Dovonex, Sorilux, Taclonex) Calcitriol ( Vectical) Side effects include skin irritation, burning, itching, dry skin, peeling skin, or rash. In rare cases, too much vitamin D can be absorbed into the body, which can lead to increased levels of calcium.


Question: What do doctors try first to treat mild to moderate psoriasis?

Answer: But just because your psoriasis is called "mild" doesn't mean it's easy to live with. Often the first treatment you'll try is a skin cream or ointment. If a mild treatment doesn't work, you'll move up to stronger treatments until your doctor finds one that helps you.


Question: Do I still need to get checkups if my cancer is in complete remission?

Answer: Your doctor or health care center will continue to check for signs of cancer or health problems related to your treatment. It's crucial to get all recommended checkups, even if you have no symptoms. Follow-up care can include physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests.


Question: What does recurrence mean in cancer?

Answer: Some cancer cells can remain unnoticed in the body for years after treatment. If a cancer returns after it has been in remission, it's called a ârecurrence.â It's normal to be concerned that this will happen to you. Every situation is different, and there's no way to predict what will happen.


Question: Does remission mean the same thing for everyone?

Answer: If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you're probably hoping to hear your doctor use the word âremission.â It marks a major turn in your care and long-term health.


Question: Isn't complete remission the same thing as my cancer being cured?

Answer: There's no way for doctors to know that all of the cancer cells in your body are gone, which is why many doctors don't use the word âcured.â If cancer cells do come back, it usually happens within the 5 years following the first diagnosis and treatment.


Question: What does follow-up care for cancer look like?

Answer: It's something you will need to continue to check. Complete remission means that tests, physical exams, and scans show that all signs of your cancer are gone. If a cancer returns after it has been in remission, it's called a ârecurrence.â It's normal to be concerned that this will happen to you.


Question: How do I know if I have heartburn?

Answer: Your description of your symptoms may be all a doctor requires to diagnose heartburn, but sometimes additional testing may be necessary. The esophagus can be viewed through an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube inserted through the mouth, or by X-ray. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a 24-hour esophageal p H probe study, especially if you have unusual symptoms, such as throat or chest or abdominal pain, coughing, or asthma-like symptoms. To detect if your heart is the cause of your symptoms, an electrocardiogram ( ECG), a recording of the heart's electrical activity, may be taken.


Question: How long is the recovery after a Maze procedure to treat atrial fibrillation?

Answer: If it's with open-heart surgery, you should plan on staying in the hospital for about a week. Overall, it will take about 2 months to recover if there are no complications. If you have a robotic-assisted procedure, you may only need to stay in the hospital a day or two after the surgery. You will also be able to return to normal activities sooner than if you have open-heart surgery. It will take about 6 months for the scars to fully form. You may still have a few episodes of AFib during your recovery. But for many people, this procedure is successful at stopping their symptoms.


Question: What are the risks of Maze surgery for atrial fibrillation?

Answer: Before any procedure, it's wise to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your doctor. The possible risks are like those from other types of heart surgery: Heart attack Stroke Bleeding problems Infection New arrhythmias developing The main benefits are fewer or possibly no more symptoms and lower chances of blood clots and stroke. You may also feel more energetic and be able to exercise longer than you have in some time.


Question: How does robotic-assisted surgery work in treating atrial fibrillation?

Answer: The doctor makes several small cuts between your ribs and uses a camera to guide catheters for another type of AFib treatment called ablation. Your doctor puts a thin, flexible tube into a blood vessel in your leg or neck. It'll guide the creation of scar tissue that may help keep your heartbeat at the right pace.


Question: How does convergent procedure work in treating atrial fibrillation?

Answer: Mini maze: Most people with AFib don't need open-heart surgery. The doctor uses radio waves (radiofrequency ablation) in the pulmonary vein, and a surgeon makes a small cut under your breastbone to use radiofrequency energy on the outside of your heart.


Question: Should I stay away from my silent migraine triggers?

Answer: Once you figure out your triggers, try to stay away from them. If your symptoms are severe or regular, your doctor may suggest a medication or device to help prevent your migraine headaches.


Question: What general well-being factors can trigger silent migraines?

Answer: Your general well-being is also important. Stress, either physical or emotional Lack of sleep Skipped meals Headache experts say keeping a daily diary is an important step.


Question: Are the aura and the pain of a headache two different things?

Answer: Researchers are now looking at aura and pain as two distinct things. In the past, experts thought migraine was mainly a problem with blood flow in your brain. Now they believe the headaches involve the way nerve cells are firing in your brain and how that activity relates to the blood flow.


Question: What are the visual symptoms of the aura phase of a silent migraine?

Answer: During the phase that warns you a migraine is coming, called the prodrome phase, you could: Get "hyper" or cranky Have food cravings Be tired and yawn more Feel stiff, especially in your neck Need to pee more often Get constipated or have diarrhea Next, the aura phase usually lasts about an hour. It's best known for its unusual visual symptoms, such as seeing: Wavy or jagged lines Flashing lights Dots or spots in your vision Blind spots Tunnel vision But it can also affect your other senses, movement, and speech.


Question: Are there medications that can treat silent migraines?

Answer: More than 100 medications can treat migraine. Be prepared to try different drugs to find the right one for you. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take to avoid problems with how any of them work and side effects.


Question: What hormone changes in women can trigger silent migraines?

Answer: What and how you eat are common triggers, such as: Caffeine Alcohol Chocolate Nuts Pickled foods Foods or drinks with the amino acid tyramine, such as red wine and aged cheese It could be something happening around you: Bright or flickering lights Loud noise Weather and extreme heat or cold Changes in your hormone levels -- during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, or when taking birth control pills -- may affect women.


Question: How can you treat silent migraines?

Answer: Your doctor may suggest medications or devices that can treat the problem. You can also help yourself by avoiding your migraine triggers.


Question: How can your well-being affect your chance of getting silent migraines?

Answer: Your general well-being is also important. Stress, either physical or emotional Lack of sleep Skipped meals Headache experts say keeping a daily diary is an important step.


Question: How can women get silent migraines?

Answer: What and how you eat are common triggers, such as: Caffeine Alcohol Chocolate Nuts Pickled foods Foods or drinks with the amino acid tyramine, such as red wine and aged cheese It could be something happening around you: Bright or flickering lights Loud noise Weather and extreme heat or cold Changes in your hormone levels -- during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, or when taking birth control pills -- may affect women.


Question: Are the triggers of silent migraines similar to the triggers of regular migraines?

Answer: Silent migraine can be set off by the same things that cause painful ones.


Question: How can you prevent silent migraines?

Answer: Once you figure out your triggers, try to stay away from them. If your symptoms are severe or regular, your doctor may suggest a medication or device to help prevent your migraine headaches. Eat well, get plenty of rest, exercise most days, and find ways to manage your stress.


Question: How can silent migraines affect you?

Answer: It's best known for its unusual visual symptoms, such as seeing: Wavy or jagged lines Flashing lights Dots or spots in your vision Blind spots Tunnel vision But it can also affect your other senses, movement, and speech. You may have: Trouble hearing, or hear things that aren't there Strange smells or tastes Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling Weakness Trouble remembering or saying a word Even though your head doesn't hurt, a silent migraine may affect your body in other ways: Upset stomach or vomiting Hot flashes and chills Stuffy or runny nose Dizziness or spinning (called vertigo) Sore neck or jaw Sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, touch, or motion Confusion Afterward, you may feel wiped out and have the blahs for as long as a day. Not all migraine attacks follow the same pattern. Even for the same person, the symptoms can be unpredictable.


Question: What are the symptoms of silent migraines?

Answer: You can have symptoms that go along with any phase of a migraine, but without the classic pain around your temples.


Question: Are the symptoms of silent migraines similar to a migraine?

Answer: You can have symptoms that go along with any phase of a migraine, but without the classic pain around your temples.


Question: How are silent migraines diagnosed?

Answer: Stress, either physical or emotional Lack of sleep Skipped meals Headache experts say keeping a daily diary is an important step. Try to track everything you eat and drink, changes in your sleep or stress levels, and other possible triggers. Also, keep tabs on your symptoms and the times they begin and end. Your diary and your medical history will help your doctor figure out what's going on. In rare cases, your symptoms could be a sign of a different, more-serious medical problem, such as a stroke or bleeding in the brain. To rule these out, your doctor may want to do more tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, or have you see a specialist called a neurologist for an exam.


Question: What causes silent migraines?

Answer: Researchers are now looking at aura and pain as two distinct things. In the past, experts thought migraine was mainly a problem with blood flow in your brain. Now they believe the headaches involve the way nerve cells are firing in your brain and how that activity relates to the blood flow.


Question: Do all migraines follow the same pattern?

Answer: Not all migraine attacks follow the same pattern. Even for the same person, the symptoms can be unpredictable.


Question: What triggers silent migraines?

Answer: Silent migraine can be set off by the same things that cause painful ones. What and how you eat are common triggers, such as: Caffeine Alcohol Chocolate Nuts Pickled foods Foods or drinks with the amino acid tyramine, such as red wine and aged cheese It could be something happening around you: Bright or flickering lights Loud noise Weather and extreme heat or cold Changes in your hormone levels -- during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, or when taking birth control pills -- may affect women.


Question: What situational triggers can cause silent migraines?

Answer: What and how you eat are common triggers, such as: Caffeine Alcohol Chocolate Nuts Pickled foods Foods or drinks with the amino acid tyramine, such as red wine and aged cheese It could be something happening around you: Bright or flickering lights Loud noise Weather and extreme heat or cold Changes in your hormone levels -- during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, or when taking birth control pills -- may affect women.


Question: What are symptoms of the aura phase in silent migraines?

Answer: During the phase that warns you a migraine is coming, called the prodrome phase, you could: Get "hyper" or cranky Have food cravings Be tired and yawn more Feel stiff, especially in your neck Need to pee more often Get constipated or have diarrhea Next, the aura phase usually lasts about an hour. It's best known for its unusual visual symptoms, such as seeing: Wavy or jagged lines Flashing lights Dots or spots in your vision Blind spots Tunnel vision But it can also affect your other senses, movement, and speech.


Question: How can a silent headache affect the rest of my body?

Answer: You may have: Trouble hearing, or hear things that aren't there Strange smells or tastes Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling Weakness Trouble remembering or saying a word Even though your head doesn't hurt, a silent migraine may affect your body in other ways: Upset stomach or vomiting Hot flashes and chills Stuffy or runny nose Dizziness or spinning (called vertigo) Sore neck or jaw Sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, touch, or motion Confusion Afterward, you may feel wiped out and have the blahs for as long as a day.


Question: How is a silent migraine diagnosed?

Answer: Stress, either physical or emotional Lack of sleep Skipped meals Headache experts say keeping a daily diary is an important step. Try to track everything you eat and drink, changes in your sleep or stress levels, and other possible triggers. Also, keep tabs on your symptoms and the times they begin and end. Your diary and your medical history will help your doctor figure out what's going on. In rare cases, your symptoms could be a sign of a different, more-serious medical problem, such as a stroke or bleeding in the brain. To rule these out, your doctor may want to do more tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, or have you see a specialist called a neurologist for an exam.


Question: How can I prevent another hip fracture?

Answer: About 20% of people who have a hip fracture will have another within 2 years. You may lower the chances of this by figuring out what caused it the first time. A drug called a bisphosphonate can reduce your risk. It stops your bones from getting weak. But if you take it by mouth, it can have side effects. Your doctor might want you to have it through an IV tube.


Question: When is a hip replacement option good for hip fractures?

Answer: Hip replacement options are good choices if the fracture damages the blood supply to the ball part of your hip joint. This is the part that lets your upper leg bend and rotate. Not having enough blood supply keeps the bone from healing as well.


Question: Does Peyronie's disease affect fertility?

Answer: Unless it prevents you from having sex, Peyronie's disease shouldn't affect fertility.


Question: How can weight loss medications be bad for my health if I have heart disease?

Answer: Appetite suppressants tend to "rev" up your body. This can make your blood pressure rise and put more stress on your heart. Other weight loss medications can cause problems with your heart valves. Always check with your doctor before you use any weight loss medications.


Question: What can raise the risk of thrombophlebitis?

Answer: Clots lodged in veins near the surface of the skin often go away on their own in a week or two.


Question: How do doctors treat severe thrombophlebitis?

Answer: If your thrombophlebitis is more severe, your doctor may give you a blood thinner like heparin or fondaparinux ( Arixtra). You can get some of these medications in the hospital through an IV. You can give others to yourself through shots under your skin at home. They help keep the clot from getting bigger. You may also have to take an oral drug like w arfarin ( Coumadin) for several months or longer to keep clots from coming back. Your doctor will give you regular blood tests to make sure the meds are working.


Question: How do blood thinners treat severe thrombophlebitis?

Answer: A number of newer blood thinners, like direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors, are also available. But doctors don't normally recommend them as the first-line treatment for thrombophlebitis. That's because they cost more and may cause uncontrollable bleeding. They include apixaban ( Eliquis), dabigatran ( Pradaxa), edoxaban ( Savaysa), and rivaroxaban ( Xarelto).


Question: When would someone with thrombophlebitis need surgery?

Answer: If there's a high risk of tissue damage, or if your clot comes back, you may need surgery after the inflammation improves. In the event you have a clot in a deep vein in your leg, your doctor might recommend an inferior vena cava ( IVC) filter. The vena cava is the main vein in your abdomen. The IVC filter prevents clots in your legs from breaking loose and traveling to your lungs.


Question: How is thrombophlebitis treated?

Answer: It depends on how bad it is. Clots lodged in veins near the surface of the skin often go away on their own in a week or two. But if you do need treatment, your doctor will probably give you something to relieve swelling and pain. He may recommend you elevate your leg or take over-the-counter aspirin or ibuprofen. He might also suggest you apply heat to the affected leg for 15 to 30 minutes two to three times daily.


Question: How are serious cases of thrombophlebitis treated?

Answer: Serious cases of thrombophlebitis may require treatment with antibiotics. These kill infections caused by poor circulation.


Question: What is the root meaning of thrombophlebitis?

Answer: That's because they cost more and may cause uncontrollable bleeding. In the event you have a clot in a deep vein in your leg, your doctor might recommend an inferior vena cava ( IVC) filter.


Question: What are the symptoms of thrombophlebitis?

Answer: Clots lodged in veins near the surface of the skin often go away on their own in a week or two. But if you do need treatment, your doctor will probably give you something to relieve swelling and pain. He may recommend you elevate your leg or take over-the-counter aspirin or ibuprofen. These help to improve blood flow to your legs.


Question: What can happen with deeper veins in thrombophlebitis?

Answer: It depends on how bad it is. Your doctor will give you regular blood tests to make sure the meds are working. If there's a high risk of tissue damage, or if your clot comes back, you may need surgery after the inflammation improves.


Question: How do doctors remove blood clots in thrombophlebitis patients?

Answer: If your thrombophlebitis is more severe, your doctor may give you a blood thinner like heparin or fondaparinux ( Arixtra). In the event you have a clot in a deep vein in your leg, your doctor might recommend an inferior vena cava ( IVC) filter.


Question: What causes thrombophlebitis?

Answer: It depends on how bad it is. You may also have to take an oral drug like w arfarin ( Coumadin) for several months or longer to keep clots from coming back. But doctors don't normally recommend them as the first-line treatment for thrombophlebitis. If there's a high risk of tissue damage, or if your clot comes back, you may need surgery after the inflammation improves.


Question: What is thrombophlebitis?

Answer: If your thrombophlebitis is more severe, your doctor may give you a blood thinner like heparin or fondaparinux ( Arixtra). You can give others to yourself through shots under your skin at home. In the event you have a clot in a deep vein in your leg, your doctor might recommend an inferior vena cava ( IVC) filter.


Question: When does thrombophlebitis go away?

Answer: Clots lodged in veins near the surface of the skin often go away on their own in a week or two. If there's a high risk of tissue damage, or if your clot comes back, you may need surgery after the inflammation improves.


Question: Who is at risk for thrombophlebitis?

Answer: You can get some of these medications in the hospital through an IV. These kill infections caused by poor circulation.


Question: How do compression stockings treat thrombophlebitis?

Answer: But if you do need treatment, your doctor will probably give you something to relieve swelling and pain. These help to improve blood flow to your legs. They also help to reduce swelling.


Question: How do varicose veins lead to thrombophlebitis?

Answer: These help to improve blood flow to your legs. They also help to reduce swelling. You can get some of these medications in the hospital through an IV. That's because they cost more and may cause uncontrollable bleeding.


Question: What is superficial thrombophlebitis?

Answer: But if you do need treatment, your doctor will probably give you something to relieve swelling and pain. The vena cava is the main vein in your abdomen.


Question: What medications do doctors use to treat tinnitus?

Answer: Medications for Tinnitus Many drugs have been studied for treating tinnitus. For some, treatment with low doses of anti-anxiety drugs -- such as Valium or antidepressants such as Elavil -- help reduce tinnitus. The use of a steroid placed into the middle ear along with an anti-anxiety medicine called alprazolam has been shown to be effective for some people. Some small studies have shown that a hormone called misoprostol may be helpful in some cases. Lidocaine, a medication used for the treatment of certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, has been shown to relieve tinnitus for some people, but it must be given intravenously or into the middle ear to be effective. However, the benefits of lidocaine are almost always outweighed by the risks of the drug and it is therefore not recommended and not used for tinnitus.


Question: What are the treatments for tinnitus if you're having difficulty coping?

Answer: If you are having difficulty coping with your tinnitus, you may find counseling and support groups helpful. Ask your doctor for a referral.


Question: How do cochlear implants treat tinnitus?

Answer: Cochlear Implants These devices, implanted in the ear, are mostly used to treat severe deafness. They seem to also help some people with tinnitus-related hearing loss that is significant. The device works by sending electrical signals from the ear to the brain. However, this surgery is not performed for tinnitus alone and is used only for hearing problems.


Question: How can dental treatment help with tinnitus?

Answer: Dental Treatment Some professionals believe tinnitus can be caused by a problem with the temporomandibular joint ( TMJ), the area where the jaw bone attaches to the head, just in front of the ear. They suggest that dental treatment may relieve symptoms of tinnitus, because the muscles and nerves in the jaw are closely connected to those in the ear.


Question: When would you need surgery for tinnitus?

Answer: Dental Treatment Some professionals believe tinnitus can be caused by a problem with the temporomandibular joint ( TMJ), the area where the jaw bone attaches to the head, just in front of the ear.


Question: What is tinnitus retracting therapy (TRT)?

Answer: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy ( TRT) TRT depends upon the natural ability of the brain to "habituate" a signal, to filter it out on a subconscious level so that it does not reach conscious perception. Habituation requires no conscious effort. People frequently habituate many auditory sounds -- air conditioners, computer fans, refrigerators, and gentle rain, among them. What they have in common is that they have no importance, so they are not perceived as ''loud.'' Thus, the brain can screen them out.


Question: What is the first step to treating tinnitus?

Answer: To determine what underlying medical condition may be causing your tinnitus, your doctor will give you a general physical exam, including a careful examination of your ears. But if the tinnitus remains after treatment, or if it results from exposure to loud noise, health professionals recommend various non-medical options that may help reduce or mask the unwanted noise ( See Masking Devices below). Sometimes, tinnitus goes away spontaneously, without any intervention at all. It should be understood, however, that not all tinnitus can be eliminated or reduced, no matter the cause.


Question: What are the side effects of impingement syndrome treatment?

Answer: Upset stomach, indigestion, and headaches are the most common side effects of oral anti-inflammatory drugs. However, taking these medications after meals or with food can help reduce stomach upset. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause vomiting, constipation, and bleeding in the stomach (ulcers), although these side effects are not common. Side effects of cortisone shots depend on the dose and frequency of the injections. Unlike cortisone pills, occasional cortisone injections rarely cause serious side effects. Side effects that are much more common with cortisone pills include elevated blood sugar, a decrease in the body's resistance to infection, weight gain, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), thinning of the skin, cataracts, and raised blood pressure.


Question: What can help with treating impingement syndrome?

Answer: In addition to taking medications, daily stretching in a warm shower will help. You should work to reach your thumb up and behind your back. Avoid repetitive activities with your injured arm, particularly activities where the elbow would move above shoulder level. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can demonstrate the exercises most effective in strengthening and stretching the shoulder muscles.


Question: What is shoulder impingement syndrome?

Answer: Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when there is impingement of tendons or bursa in the shoulder from bones of the shoulder. Overhead activity of the shoulder, especially repeated activity, is a risk factor for shoulder impingement syndrome. Examples include: painting, lifting, swimming, tennis, and other overhead sports. Other risk factors include bone and joint abnormalities.


Question: When do you need a cortisone-type injection to treat impingement syndrome?

Answer: If you have persistent symptoms, despite the use of oral anti-inflammatory drugs, your doctor may consider a cortisone-type injection. Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory medication, which should be used only when necessary because it can result in weakening of muscles and tendons if used repeatedly.


Question: What is the preferred medication for impingement syndrome?

Answer: There is no preferred medication for this condition as response to any given medication differs from person to person. If one anti-inflammatory medication does not help within 10 to 14 days, then another one will be given until one that provides relief is found.


Question: How successful is treatment for impingement syndrome?

Answer: The vast majority of people who have impingement syndrome are successfully treated with medication, stretching exercises, and temporary avoidance of repetitive overhead activity until the condition settles down.


Question: What else may be needed to treat impingement syndrome?

Answer: If symptoms persist or if significant weakness is present, then your doctor may perform an ultrasound, MRI, or arthrogram to rule out a rotator cuff tear. If the cuff is torn, surgery may be necessary to repair it.


Question: What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome?

Answer: The typical symptoms of impingement syndrome include difficulty reaching up behind the back, pain with overhead use of the arm and weakness of shoulder muscles. If tendons are injured for a long period of time, the tendon can actually tear in two, resulting in a rotator cuff tear. This causes significant weakness and may make it difficult for the person to elevate his or her arm. Some people can have rupture of their biceps muscle as part of this continuing impingement process.


Question: How is shoulder impingement syndrome treated?

Answer: Oral anti-inflammatory medications -- such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen, remain the most common treatment for impingement syndrome. The medicines are usually given for six to eight weeks since it often takes that long to fully treat the problem. You should do this under the care of a doctor because these medications can cause stomach irritation and bleeding.


Question: What happens if I have impingement syndrome?

Answer: If not treated appropriately, the rotator cuff tendons can start to thin and tear. The typical symptoms of impingement syndrome include difficulty reaching up behind the back, pain with overhead use of the arm and weakness of shoulder muscles. If tendons are injured for a long period of time, the tendon can actually tear in two, resulting in a rotator cuff tear. If you have persistent symptoms, despite the use of oral anti-inflammatory drugs, your doctor may consider a cortisone-type injection.


Question: How is impingement syndrome diagnosed?

Answer: X-rays will be taken to rule out arthritis and may show changes in the bone that indicate injury of the muscle. Bone spurs or changes in the normal contour of the bone may be present. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can demonstrate the exercises most effective in strengthening and stretching the shoulder muscles.


Question: How is cinnamon used?

Answer: But extracts from the bark of the cinnamon tree have also been used in traditional medicine around the world. There are many types of cinnamon, but darker-colored cassia is the one most commonly sold in the United States. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is frequently found in other countries.


Question: Why do people take cinnamon as medicine?

Answer: Some research shows cassia cinnamon may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. But other studies haven't found a benefit. There's also no proof that cinnamon can lower cholesterol or treat yeast infections in people with HIV.


Question: How much cinnamon should I take?

Answer: Because cinnamon is an unproven treatment, there isn't a set dose. Some experts suggest 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of powder a day. Some studies have used between 1 gram and 6 grams of cinnamon. Very high doses might be toxic.


Question: What are the side effects of taking cinnamon?

Answer: But heavy use could irritate your mouth and lips, causing sores. Some people are allergic to it. It might cause redness and irritation if you put it on your skin.


Question: What interactions might occur when taking cinnamon?

Answer: If you take any medication regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using cinnamon supplements. They could affect the way antibiotics, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, heart medicines, and others work.


Question: How much cinnamon should you take?

Answer: Because cinnamon is an unproven treatment, there isn't a set dose. Some experts suggest 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of powder a day. Some studies have used between 1 gram and 6 grams of cinnamon. Very high doses might be toxic.


Question: Why do people take cinnamon?

Answer: Some research shows cassia cinnamon may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. But other studies haven't found a benefit. There's also no proof that cinnamon can lower cholesterol or treat yeast infections in people with HIV. Cinnamon also shows promise as an antioxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory, but for now, there aren't enough studies to prove it can help. Some people are allergic to it.


Question: What are treatment options for knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: These include: Medications you take by mouth. Over-the-counter options include acetaminophen ( Tylenol) as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) or naproxen ( Aleve). NSAIDs fight inflammation. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Creams or ointments you rub onto the skin. Different forms are sold over the counter. You can get stronger versions with a prescription. Medications injected into the joint. Corticosteroid injections, also called cortisone shots, fight inflammation and can offer fast pain relief that may last up to several months. Injections of hyaluronic acid boost the natural joint fluid that keeps knees moving smoothly. They may take up to a couple of months to have their full effect but can last up to 6 months or more. Exercise and physical therapy. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support your knee. Physical therapy also helps. A physical therapist can design the program for you and see if you need supportive braces, splints, or canes. If you need to lose weight, diet and exercise can help you shed some pounds and take some of the pressure off your knees. Weight loss. Every pound you gain puts an extra 3 pounds of pressure on your knees. If you eventually need knee replacement surgery, your chances of success are much greater if you first lose extra weight. Nutritional supplements. Some people take glucosamine and chondroitin for OA. Studies on how well they work have had mixed results. Another supplement, called SAMe, has been shown to work as well as nonprescription pain relievers and may have fewer side effects. It takes longer to work, though. Before you start taking any supplements, even if they're natural, tell your doctor so he can check for any side effects.


Question: When should you get a knee replacement surgery for knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: Your knee can be cleaned or flushed to remove loose bone or cartilage pieces that may be causing pain.


Question: What should you know about treating knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: Knee osteoarthritis ( OA) can affect your every move: walking, climbing stairs, even sitting or lying down. Surgery can help bring relief, but doctors almost always advise trying other treatment options first.


Question: How is arthroscopic surgery done to treat knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: In this type of surgery, the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end through a small opening in your skin to view the inside of your knee. The surgeon can then remove damaged cartilage -- the smooth covering that protects the bones in the joint. Your knee can be cleaned or flushed to remove loose bone or cartilage pieces that may be causing pain. Most people can get back to their usual activities a few days later.


Question: What does knee replacement surgery involve to treat knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: If you need to lose weight, diet and exercise can help you shed some pounds and take some of the pressure off your knees. The two types of surgery most often recommended for knee OA are arthroscopic surgery and knee replacement surgery. These are made of metals and plastics. It may take months to recover fully, but the relief can last many years or even a lifetime. It may be time to have knee replacement surgery if you have: Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, day or night Long-lasting knee inflammation and swelling that doesn't get better with rest or medications A bowing in or out of your leg No pain relief from NSAIDs or can't tolerate them


Question: How are ependymomas and anaplastic ependymomas treated?

Answer: Treatment for Ependymomas and Anaplastic Ependymomas Ependymomas and anaplastic ependymomas usually do not pass into normal brain tissue as do other gliomas. Therefore, surgery may be highly effective if all of the tumor is removed. However, ependymomas may seed the cerebrospinal fluid so the entire spinal canal needs evaluation with MRI scanning. These tumors are highly responsive to radiation.


Question: What are ependymomas gliomas?

Answer: These tumors come from the ependymal cells and because they do not spread into the normal brain tissue, some ependymomas can be cured by surgery. They rarely spread outside the brain. But they do have a high risk of local recurrence and thus are considered malignant.


Question: What raises your chances of a malignant glioma?

Answer: Some genetic disorders also increase the risk of development of these tumors in children but rarely in adults. There are no lifestyle risk factors associated with malignant gliomas.


Question: Who is most likely to get giloma?

Answer: These brain tumors are often diagnosed older adults , depending on the type of glioma. Brain tumors are slightly more likely to occur in males. Most gliomas that occur in children are low grade.


Question: What is glioma?

Answer: Glioma is a broad category of brain and spinal cord tumors that come from glial cells brain cells that support nerve cells. The symptoms, prognosis, and treatment of a glioma depend on the person's age, the exact type of tumor, and the location of the tumor within the brain. These tumors tend to grow and infiltrate into the normal brain tissue, which makes surgical removal very difficult -- or sometimes impossible -- and complicates treatment.


Question: What are oligodendrogliomas?

Answer: Oligodendrogliomas are tumors that spread in a similar manner to astrocytomas. Some of these tumors may be slow growing but still spread into nearby tissue. Sometimes they can be cured. A higher grade anaplastic oligodendroglioma grows and spreads more quickly and usually can't be cured.


Question: How are oligodendrogliomas treated?

Answer: Treatment for Oligodendrogliomas For oligodendrogliomas, surgery is the first choice of treatment to help relieve symptoms and increase patient survival. Radiation with or without chemotherapy may be given after surgery. Also, chemotherapy or radiation maybe used to shrink a tumor before surgery. If surgery cannot be done, then chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy may be used.


Question: How can someone manage their type 2 diabetes?

Answer: People with diabetes need to manage their disease to stay healthy. Others may also need to take a pill that helps their body use insulin better, or take insulin injections. Often, doctors are able to detect the likelihood of type 2 diabetes before the condition actually occurs. Commonly referred to as pre-diabetes, this condition occurs when a person's blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.


Question: How long do feral cats live?

Answer: Feral cats often live in vacant lots, dodge cars, and eat from trash cans; face infection, disease, and an endless cycle of pregnancy; and suffer extremes in treatment and weather. The life of a feral, stray, or abandoned cat is often short, sometimes lasting for just two or three years.


Question: Can you relocate feral cats?

Answer: Relocation may sound like a humane solution, but it is ultimately ineffective due to the “vacuum effect.” Feral cats gather where there are resources: food, water, and shelter. When an existing colony is relocated (or eradicated), before long a new flock of feral cats will discover the same resources and move in to “fill the vacuum.” Relocation is unappealing for other reasons. Because cats are very territorial, a relocated cat may try to find its way home, suffering accident or death on the way. The relocation area may already have an established colony or it may lack food, water, or shelter. Unless a colony’s life is in danger, most experts agree that relocation is almost always a bad solution.


Question: What problems can feral cats cause for humans?

Answer: Of course, feral cats also leave issues on the human doorstep -- including noisy fights, odor, urinating to mark territory (also known as "spraying" or "marking"), flea infestations, and the inevitable breeding that creates even more unwanted cats.


Question: What are TNR programs?

Answer: Many experts agree that one of the best ways to help feral cats and cat groups -- called colonies -- is through neutering programs. According to web site of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, stray and feral cats are “humanely trapped, examined, vaccinated, and surgically sterilized by veterinarians.” Feral cats are then returned to their familiar environment and, hopefully, cared for by volunteers, who may provide food and shelter, and monitor them for sickness.


Question: How can you tell a stray from a feral cat?

Answer: They tend to stay away from humans, hide during the day, and when adopted, are very difficult to socialize. Lost or abandoned felines are usually comfortable around people and will frequently attempt to live near humans -- under porches, or in garages, sheds, or backyards.


Question: What can you do for feral cats?

Answer: “ It goes without saying that you should spay and neuter your own cats,” says Linda P. Case, MS, author of Canine and Feline Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide to Understanding Our Two Best Friends. She also suggests keeping your cat indoors -- not only for her safety, but also to prevent her from getting lost and ending up part of a feral colony. Feeding feral and stray cats is generous, but they need health care as well. You can also donate money to animal welfare groups through an estate or will. If you can’t aid in a clinical setting, you can be involved at the community level -- contacting local veterinarians and businesses, writing letters, fund-raising, or staffing a booth at a community event. Become a colony caretaker.


Question: What are the benefits of TNR programs?

Answer: Trap-neuter-return ( TNR) endeavors are geared toward reducing the number of unwanted cats by catching and then neutering or spaying them. Neutered cats tend to gain weight and have fewer health problems -- such as breast, testicular, and uterine cancer. Fewer females in heat also means fewer toms attracted to an area, and so fewer risky cat fights. Ultimately, less cat suffering also means less human suffering in the face of dying or injured cats.


Question: Where does crystal meth come from?

Answer: Methamphetamine is a man-made stimulant that's been around for a long time. During World War II, soldiers were given meth to keep them awake. People have also taken the drug to lose weight and ease depression. Today, the only legal meth product is a tablet for treating obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD). It's rarely used and is available only by prescription. Crystal meth is made with the ingredient pseudoephedrine, which is found in many cold medicines. It helps ease congestion. Because it's used to make meth, the federal government closely regulates products with this ingredient. Most of the crystal meth used in this country comes from Mexican âsuperlabs.â But there are many small labs in the U. S. Some are right in people's homes.


Question: How does crystal meth make you feel?

Answer: The powerful rush people get from using meth causes many to get hooked right from the start. When it's used, a chemical called dopamine floods the parts of the brain that regulate feelings of pleasure. Users also feel confident and energetic.


Question: What happens before an electroencephalogram test (EEG)?

Answer: You'll lie down on the exam table or bed while the medical team places about 20 electrodes on your scalp. The team will ask you to relax and lie first with your eyes open, and then closed. You may be asked to breathe deeply and rapidly or to stare at a flashing light -- both of these activities produce changes in brain-wave patterns.


Question: How do I prepare for an electroencephalogram test (EEG)?

Answer: Let your doctor know about any medications you're taking before the test. Wash your hair the night before the test.


Question: What happens after an electroencephalogram test (EEG)?

Answer: Your care team will remove the electrodes and wash off the glue that held them in place with acetone. You may have to use extra acetone (nail polish remover) at home to completely remove the glue. Unless you're actively having seizures or your doctor tells you not to, you may drive home. If you had the EEG overnight, you should arrange to have someone drive you home. If you stopped taking antiseizure medication for the EEG, you can usually start taking it again. Talk to your doctor. A doctor who specializes in brain diseases, called a neurologist, will examine the brain-wave pattern in the EEG recording for anything unusual. Then your doctor will go over the results and what they mean for you.


Question: What is an electroencephalogram test (EEG)?

Answer: Electrodes, or sensors, that go on the scalp detect the signals and send them to a polygraph machine that records the activity. Your brain cells create electrical signals that are picked up by the electrodes and sent to a polygraph.


Question: What happens during carpal tunnel surgery?

Answer: For both types of carpal tunnel release surgery, they include: Bleeding Damage to your median nerve or nearby nerves and blood vessels Infection of your wound A scar that hurts to touch First, you'll get local anesthesia -- drugs to numb your hand and wrist. You may also get medicine to help keep you calm. ( General anesthesia, which means you will not be awake during surgery, is not common for carpal tunnel syndrome). When the operation is finished, your doctor stitches the openings shut and puts a large bandage on your wrist. This protects your wound and keeps you from using your wrist. Your doctor and nurses will keep an eye on you for a little while before letting you go home. You'll likely leave the hospital the same day.


Question: What are the risks of carpal tunnel surgery?

Answer: For both types of carpal tunnel release surgery, they include: Bleeding Damage to your median nerve or nearby nerves and blood vessels Infection of your wound A scar that hurts to touch First, you'll get local anesthesia -- drugs to numb your hand and wrist.


Question: When would my doctor suggest sourgery for my carpal syndrome?

Answer: Treatments like wrist braces and corticosteroids can help, but in more severe cases, you may need surgery. You have pain, numbness, and tingling that don't go away or get better in 6 months. You find it harder to grip, grasp, or pinch objects like you once did.


Question: What are my options for carpal tunnel surgery?

Answer: After the surgery, the ligament comes back together, but with more room for the median nerve to pass through. Open surgery involves a larger cut, or incision -- up to 2 inches from your wrist to your palm. In endoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes one opening in your wrist. He then places a tiny camera in one of the openings to guide him as he cuts the ligament. Because the openings are smaller with endoscopic surgery, you may heal faster and have less pain. For both types of carpal tunnel release surgery, they include: Bleeding Damage to your median nerve or nearby nerves and blood vessels Infection of your wound A scar that hurts to touch First, you'll get local anesthesia -- drugs to numb your hand and wrist.


Question: How long is the recovery period after carpal tunnel surgery?

Answer: But if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, the pain, numbness, and tingling in your fingers get your attention. You'll likely leave the hospital the same day. Your doctor will let you know what medicines might help. You may have some soreness for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after surgery.


Question: What is Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: Churg- Strauss syndrome is an extremely rare disease that causes inflammation of your blood vessels. It can damage small and medium-sized blood vessels. Doctors also call it Churg- Strauss vasculitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis ( EGPA), and allergic angiitis. It most often affects your nose, sinuses, lungs, heart, intestines, and nerves. The inflammation can also affect the kidneys, muscles, or joints.