Epilepsy vs. Seizure: Understanding a Symptom vs. Disease

Similarities and Differences Seizuresare the main symptom ofepilepsy. However, theres a difference between having a single seizure and having a diagnosis of epilepsy. Epilepsy is also described as a seizure disorder. Photo Composite by Lecia Landis for Verywell Health; Getty Images People who have epilepsy have an underlying and permanent alteration in the brain that causes a predisposition to seizures. Main Similarities The symptoms of a single seizure are the same as those of epilepsy....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 438 words · Vincent Park

EpiPen Carrying Cases

Or should you stick it in a pocket (just not practical for summer or for tight-fitting outfits)? Many are aimed at kids, but a few would suit adults too. You easily can wear these carriers, and several are reader favorites. Allergy Apparel Read on for four different options you may find work well for you. The carriers are stylish and come in different sizes, depending on which brand of auto-injector you carry....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 240 words · Travis Owens

Epiploic Appendagitis: What to Know

Epiploic appendagitis(EA) is a rare inflammatory condition that causes sharp stomach or abdominal pain. This article explains the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for epiploic appendagitis. They are also called omental appendices, fatty appendices of the colon, or appendices epiploicae. Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images This fatty tissue creates a membrane that drapes over the abdominal cavity. What Causes Epiploic Appendagitis? Epiploic appendagitis is typically triggered by twisting of the peritoneum....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 326 words · Joshua Ruiz

Episodic Ataxia and the Inability to Control Movement

In some people, ataxia gets progressively worse. In others, it may disappear over time. The life expectancy of someone with episodic ataxia is not any shorter. danm / Getty Images This article explains the different types and causes of episodic ataxia. It also covers how episodic ataxia is diagnosed and treated. Types of Episodic Ataxia Episodic ataxia is uncommon and affects fewer than one in 100,000 people. There are at least 11 types of episodic ataxia....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 485 words · James Taylor

Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD) Overview

The condition usually affects people over 30 years of age. EBMD is sometimes silent, leaving those affected unaware of their condition. These basal cells stick to the second membrane layer, also referred to as Bowman’s layer. Alex Turton / Getty Images In EBMD, the basal cells create abnormal, finger-like projections that stick out from the thickened underlying membrane. These projections cause the epithelial cells to become loose. These characteristic changes can be seen with the use of a slit-lamp biomicroscope....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 296 words · Chad Kim

ERCP Procedure to Diagnose and Treat Digestive Conditions

It is usually performed by a skilledgastroenterologist(specialist in digestive system disorders). Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health ERCP: A Test or Surgery? An ERCP can be used to make a diagnosis, perform a procedure, and deliver treatment. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health It is minimally invasive as it doesn’t involve an external incision, as opposed to open surgical procedures. Noninvasive tests might also be used prior to an ERCP to get a better idea of the potential diagnosis....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 641 words · Alex Lawson

ERCP: Everything You Need to Know

Getty Images / Frank and Helena What Is ERCP? Surgical tools are placed through the endoscope as needed. You might need to postpone your ERCP if you have an infection that could be exacerbated by this procedure. Getty Images / Frank and Helena When perforation occurs, a surgeon is typically consulted to urgently repair the damage. Blood test results like an elevatedbilirubin levelorliver enzymespoint to possible bile duct obstruction. This procedure can’t treat infections or relieve bile duct inflammation, however....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 668 words · Michele Ward

Erectile Dysfunction Cream: What You Need To Know

However, when it occurs more than 50% of the time, there is likely an underlying issue. One newer option for ED treatment is erectile dysfunction cream, which is applied topically. Erectile Dysfunction Cream Traditional ED treatmentconsists of taking oral phosphodiesterase pop in 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Verywell / Laura Porter Erectile dysfunction creams, also known as erection creams, are a newer form of treatment for ED. These medicated creams are applied topically to the penis prior to sex....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 312 words · Emma Schaefer

Erythrocytosis or Too Many Red Blood Cells

With erythrocytosis, the blood thickens because more cells are packed into the same plasma fluid. This article discusses symptoms of erythrocytosis and how the different types are diagnosed. It explains how erythrocytosis is treated as well as complications of the disorder. Johner Images / Getty Images Johner Images / Getty Images What Is Erythrocytosis? Hematocrit Levels and Erythrocytosis Erythrocytosis causes high levels of high levels of hematocrit and/or hemoglobin. As a result, blood is thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 477 words · Alexandria Salinas

Esophageal Dysmotility and Effect on Swallowing

Esophageal dysmotilityis when the muscles in the throat are not working as well as they should. Rarely esophageal dysmotility can be a sign of cancer. The ability to swallow can be affected by a dysmotility disorder. vitapix / Getty Images There are several different types of esophageal dysmotility disorders. One jot down includeshypercontractilemotility disorders or spastic motor disorders. These conditions are sometimes referred to by different names. There are subtypes in this group that are calleddistal esophageal spasmandhypercontractile (jackhammer) esophagus....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 596 words · Natalie Marshall

Esophageal pH Test for Acid Reflux: What to Expect

This article explains why you may need the test and the ways the test is conducted. It also explains what you’re able to expect to learn from the test results. Sometimes this test shows no evidence of abnormality to explain your symptoms. © Verywell, 2018 That’s when your healthcare provider may recommend pH monitoring. Before Your Test You will be instructed not to eat after midnight before your procedure. Discuss this with your healthcare provider....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 464 words · Taylor Hall

Esophageal Spasm Symptoms

Abnormal muscle spasms in the esophagus are called esophageal spasms. The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. On either end of the esophagus are sphincter muscles that flex and contract as part of the digestive process. LaylaBird / Getty Images Within the tube are valves that work to move food from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal spasms can be painful and prevent food from passing from mouth to stomach....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 403 words · Cynthia Gray

Esophagectomy: Everything You Need To Know

An esophagectomy is a surgery performed to remove some or all of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach through which food travels. The majority of esophagectomies are performed due to cancer of the esophagus (calledesophageal cancer). SomkiatFakmee / iStock / Getty Images Plus This article will discuss the esophagectomy procedure, what to expect, possible complications, and the recovery process. SomkiatFakmee / iStock / Getty Images Plus...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 549 words · Kristina Gill