What Are Brain Lesions?

Usually, the region of the brain where a lesion is located will not function as it normally would. Symptoms can be gradual or sudden and may be intermittent or constant. Each jot down of lesion has an emblematic pattern when it comes to the timing of symptoms. Rafe Swan / Getty Images Common symptoms of brain lesions may include a combination of general and focal symptoms. The ischemic part of the lesion remains, with permanent damage to the affected area of the brain....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 294 words · Brian Lopez

What Are Butterfly Needles?

Butterfly needles have advantages over straight needles when collecting blood or delivering IV fluid or medications. For instance, they allow for more precise placement, particularly in hard-to-access veins. There are cases in which other needles need to be used, though. Illustration by Gary Ferster for Verywell Health Types While all butterfly needles are similarly designed, there are variations. Butterfly needles are measured in gauges and typically range in size from 18 gauge to 27 gauge....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 282 words · Lori Mcintyre

What Are Cafe-au-Lait Spots?

Cafe-au-laitspots (CALS) are brown spots on the skin. These spots are often present at birth but may appear or become more visible with age. Having a few of these spots is common and harmless. Victor Manuel Mulero Ramirez / Getty Images Multiple (especially more than six) cafe-au-lait spots could indicate a genetic disorder. Victor Manuel Mulero Ramirez / Getty Images What Are Cafe-au-Lait Spots? Cafe-au-lait spots are a key in of birthmark....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 671 words · William Krause

What Are Carcinoid Tumors of the Lung?

For example, younger people and non-smokers are more likely to develop carcinoid lung tumors. Types of Carcinoid Tumors of the Lung Carcinoid tumors are a form ofneuroendocrinetumor. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body, including the lungs. Verywell / Emily Roberts If these cells multiply excessively, they form small carcinoid tumors. These tumors can form in organs throughout the body. Only 3 out of 10 carcinoid tumors are found in the lungs....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 444 words · Christina Rodriguez

What Are Catecholamines, and What Do They Do?

Catecholamines prepare the body to take action. High or low levels can cause or signal medical issues. brizmaker / Getty Images How Do Catecholamines Function? brizmaker / Getty Images Catecholamines serve essential functions, described below. It is produced in a two-step process that occurs in the base of the brain. The adrenal glands trigger a flood of adrenaline into the blood when something stress-inducing happens. This process informs organs how to respond accordingly....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 387 words · Jonathan Carter

What Are CD4 T Helper Cells and Why Are They Important?

These cells help defend the body against infection by directing other “killer” cells to neutralize foreign agents. This is when a person is said to beimmunocompromised. What Are CD4 Helper T Cells? Sciepro / Getty Images T cells are a subset of lymphocytes that play different roles in the immune system. They are called T cells because they mature in thethymus glandafter being produced by thebone marrow. Their counterpart, calledB cells, are also produced in the bone marrow but mature in the spleen....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 486 words · Michelle Barron

What Are Chigger Bites?

While annoying, chigger bites are fairly easy to treat. Better yet, you’re free to take steps to prevent them. This article describes what chiggers are, how they bite, and the symptoms they cause. Claudia Nass / Getty Images It also explains how to treat and prevent chigger bites. Claudia Nass / Getty Images What Are Chiggers? Chiggers are the larvae (babies) of harvest mites, orTrombiculidae. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Closely related toticks, the mites arearachnidsand part of the same family that includesspidersandscorpions....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 536 words · Michelle Davidson

What Are Chronic Ear Infections?

When anear infectiondoes not go away or keeps coming back, it is called a chronic ear infection. The middle ear is the space behind theeardrum. It can become infected if theeustachian tube, which drains fluids from the middle ear, becomes blocked. Olga Simonova /EyeEm / Getty Images The buildup can apply pressure on the eardrum, which can result inearache. Olga Simonova /EyeEm / Getty Images What Is a Chronic Ear Infection?...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 508 words · Patricia Branch

What Are Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?

bang out 2 diabetesis a chronic health condition characterized byhigh blood glucose (sugar) levels. It is known to cause inflammation throughout the body, affecting several body systems. Additionally,risk factors for punch in 2 diabetesare also risk factors for other serious conditions. Verywell / Jessica Olah The longer youve had diabetes, the higher your risk for developing complications. Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, and related blood vessel diseases encompass several different health conditions....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 826 words · Robert Lee

What Are Concussion Tests?

A concussion is a temporary change in brain function that occurs due to atraumatic brain injury (TBI). Verywell / Daniel Fishel Why Are Concussion Tests Needed? A mild or moderate TBI can cause damage to the brain that isn’t detectable withbrain imaging tests. Verywell / Daniel Fishel Additionally, the effects of a concussion can be vague and hard to describe. Concussion testing can help identify and quantify these changes. Getting a concussion diagnosis can help with setting expectations....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 350 words · Michelle Hopkins

What Are Contractions?

Consistent contractions are one of the main signs that you are in labor. However, sometimes you may think you are going into labor when you are not. These types of contractions are called false labor contractionsgenerally referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions. Prostock-Studio / Getty Images This may feel like severe period pains to some people. Your due date is not an exact science. These contractions can be painful and may be mistaken for labor....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 270 words · Barry Taylor

What Are Corneal Ulcers?

A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore on the surface of the cornea. It also refracts light and offers protection to other parts of the eye. If the cornea becomes inflamed due to infection or injury, an ulcer may develop. Digital Vision/Photodisc/Getty Images A corneal ulcer is a serious condition that must be treated promptly to avoid lasting vision problems. Though good medicines are available for treatment, corneal ulcers can cause severe loss of vision and even blindness....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 320 words · Krystal Carter

What are Corpus Cavernosa Injections, or Intracavernosal Injections?

This causes the penis to become erect. It can also be used in the diagnosis of men who report pain during erections or penile curvature. During sexual activity, stimulation increases blood flow into the penis. Andrew Brookes / Getty Images Penile injections remove the potential psychological barriers to getting an erection during a medical exam. They also make it possible to diagnose penile curvature. For others, injections remain the most effective option....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 449 words · Victoria Williams