Carrie Hill, PhD

Experience Carrie is a former writer for Verywell Health covering Alzheimer’s. Prior to that, she earned a BA in psychology and philosophy from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and an MA in community counseling and applied gerontology from Ball State University. We reach more than 300 million readers annually. Verywell Health content is fact checked and reviewed by ourMedical Expert Boardfor accuracy and integrity. Learn moreabout usand oureditorial process.

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 70 words · Shelby Johnson

Cartilage Loss in People With Arthritis

Joint or articularcartilageis the key in of cartilage most familiar to arthritis patients. This punch in of cartilage is also found in the nasal septum and trachea (windpipe). Inosteoarthritis, cartilage loss is a significant factor that contributes to disease progression.What is cartilage loss? Jan-Otto / Getty Images What predicts rapid cartilage loss? Can anything be done to prevent it or to replace lost cartilage? Why Do You Need Cartilage? Articular cartilage serves as the cushion within the joint and as a shock absorber....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · Tammy Collins

Carvedilol vs. Metoprolol: Which Is Better for Blocking Heart Failure?

Main Similarities and Differences What Is Carvedilol? Take carvedilol or metoprolol exactly as prescribed to you, and do not stop taking the medication abruptly. Do not double up doses to make up for missed ones. Who Should Be Cautious When Taking Carvedilol or Metoprolol? Summary Carvedilol and metoprolol are beta-blocker medications that have important indications for heart conditions. Both can lower your heart rate and make your heart work more efficiently....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 148 words · Wanda Benson

Case Report: COVID-19 Patient Recovers After Receiving Donated Plasma

What Is Convalescent Plasma? Convalescent plasma refers to blood plasma taken from someone who has recovered from COVID-19. It can be used to treat another person who has an active infection. choja/Getty The higher the titeror presence of antibodiesthe more effective the plasma will be. Davis treated the patient and reported his findings on the case in the journalCell Reports Medicine. “The sickest people were generating the highest antibody levels....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 517 words · Sarah Williams

Catatonic Behaviors, Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Catatoniais a psychomotor syndrome characterized by unusual behavioral and movement disturbances. Catatonic behavior can manifest with slow or diminished movement, excess or agitated movement, or dangerous physiological changes. Catatonia is not itself a disorder. Gravity Images / Getty Images This article will discuss the types and symptoms of catatonia, as well as explore some of its causes. It will then cover how catatonia can be diagnosed and effectively treated. They may also copy the words or movement patterns of whoever they are interacting with....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 482 words · Ryan Velasquez

Cauliflower Ear Prevention and Treatment

What Is Cauliflower Ear? Cauliflower ear is a deformity in which the outer ear appears lumpy and asymmetrical. Cauliflower ear is common in contact sports. Robert Martinez / Getty Images After disruption of the blood supply, fibrosis develops, deforming the cartilage. Another condition, calledperichondritis, may also result in ear deformity. Perichondritis also occurs from injury to the ear and is common among athletes. It can also be sparked by an autoimmune disorder....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 252 words · Robert Frederick

Causes and Effects of Thrombotic Stroke

This brain damage brought on by a lack of adequate blood supply produces a stroke. Large-vessel strokeoccurs in the larger blood-supplying arteries of the brain, such as the carotid artery ormiddle cerebral artery. Small-vessel strokeoccurs when blood flow is blocked to a small and deep penetrating arterial blood vessel. BSIP / UIG / Getty Images This punch in of stroke is also known as a lacunar stroke or a subcortical stroke....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 158 words · Melinda Merritt

Causes and Management of Constant Heartburn

This pain often appears or is made worse after eating. Occasional heartburn is often sparked by overeating and poor diet and may not be a need for concern. But constantheartburnmay indicate an underlying health issue that should be investigated. PixelsEffect / Getty Images This article discusses the causes and treatment options for persistent heartburn. Gastrointestinal Disease There are several gastrointestinal diseases that can cause constant or recurrent heartburn. These include:...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 301 words · Christopher Collins

Causes and Pictures of Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis)

This is often a temporary, harmless phenomenon that is the result of exposure to cold temperatures or stress. It can also appear because of several serious underlying conditions. Skin appearance can differ depending on the cause, however. Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023. It also discusses cases when you should worry about livedo reticularis and contact your healthcare provider. Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023. Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 456 words · Tamara Herrera

Causes and Prevention of Varicose and Spider Veins

In the most serious cases, surgery may be required. These veins can cause dull discomfort that may get worse as you age, but severe pain is uncommon. Causes Your veins are part of your circulatory system. Staras / Getty Images This causes the veins to become abnormally large, resulting in either varicose veins or spider veins. Exercise Regular exercise can improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Maintain a Healthy Weight Obesity can increase your risk of varicose veins and spider veins....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 292 words · Kenneth Smith

Causes and Relief for an Eyelid Twitch

Have you ever had an episode where one of your eyes has been twitching uncontrollably for a few days? An eye twitch, while annoying, is usually nothing serious. A twitching eye is a creepy sensation, as you’re able to feel your eyelid moving uncontrollably. Verywell/Nusha Ashjaee Find out what can cause this and how you could make it stop. The exact cause of eye twitching is unknown. A twitch sometimes develops during times of increased stress....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 347 words · Mark Lucas

Causes and Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer

The exact cause ofesophageal canceris unknown, but genetics appears to play a role. Several risk factors for the disease have also been identified. For reasons unknown, the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has recently shown a dramatic increasein developed countries. Verywell One genetic syndrome, tylosis, is associated with a very high risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Some risk factors, such as tobacco, containcarcinogens(cancer-causing substances) that can directly damage DNA....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 678 words · Jeremy Myers

Causes and Risk Factors for Thrombocytopenia

The bone marrow may not make enoughplatelets, or the immune system may destroy platelets inappropriately. Certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs may also cause thrombocytopenia. If the bone marrow is malfunctioning properly, it may not make enough platelets and cause thrombocytopenia. Verywell / Dennis Madamba If a platelet count falls below 150,000 per microliter of blood, it is considered thrombocytopenia. Platelet Breakdown Some health conditions can cause the premature breakdown of platelets in the body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 228 words · Melanie Kerr