Trigeminal neuralgia (TN or TGN) is a chronic pain uncommon disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of lancinating pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution that affects the trigeminal nerve. Typically, brief attacks are triggered by talking, chewing, teeth brushing, shaving, a light touch, or even a cool breeze. The pain is nearly always unilateral, and it may occur repeatedly throughout … [Read more…]
Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases, the sound may be soft, but in most cases, it can be loud and unpleasant. Snoring during sleep may be a sign, or first alarm, of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). Research suggests that snoring is one of the … [Read more…]
Tuberculosis is a potentially fatal contagious disease that can affect almost any part of the body but is mainly an infection of the lungs. It is caused by a bacterial microorganism, the tubercle bacillus or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although TB can be treated, cured, and can be prevented if persons at risk take certain drugs, scientists have … [Read more…]
Whiplash injury is a hyperextension and flexion injury to the neck or sudden thrusting forwards due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash most often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but the injury can also result from a sports accident, physical abuse or other trauma. Whiplash is … [Read more…]
Torticollis is involuntary tonic contractions or intermittent spasms of neck muscles causing the neck to turn from its usual position. It can be present at birth (congenital), inherited or develop as a result of damage to the nervous system or muscles. Torticollis with recurrent, but transient contraction of the muscles of the neck and especially … [Read more…]
Bell’s palsy is an idiopathic, acute, unilateral paresis or paralysis of the face in a pattern consistent with peripheral facial nerve dysfunction, and may be partial or complete, occurring with equal frequency on the right and left sides of the face. There is evidence that Bell’s palsy is caused by herpes viruses. Additional symptoms of … [Read more…]
Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough … [Read more…]
Adrenal fatigue is a term that is used to describe your adrenal glands when they are struggling to cope with both stress and an overly busy schedule. In this state of adrenal fatigue, you’ll likely be feeling pretty burned out, overworked and feeling dull all over. While ‘adrenal fatigue’ isn’t a diagnosis you’re going to … [Read more…]
Angina pectoris (Latin for squeezing of the chest) – is chest pain, discomfort, or tightness that occurs when an area of the heart muscle is receiving decreased blood oxygen supply. It is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. Angina is a Latin word … [Read more…]
Hypertension is high blood pressure, a very common condition in older adults. Blood pressure is the physical force exerted by the blood as it pushes against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure readings are written in two numbers separated by a line. The top number represents the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number … [Read more…]
Knee pain can be caused by a sudden injury, an overuse injury, or by an underlying condition, such as arthritis. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. Symptoms of knee injury can include pain, swelling, and stiffness. What is tri-compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee? Osteoarthritis affects the knee joint more than any other joint. If your diagnosis is … [Read more…]
Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction, playing a role in behaviors from maternal-infant bonding and milk release to empathy, generosity, and orgasm. When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels increase; hence, oxytocin is often called “the love hormone.” In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in all pair … [Read more…]