Bowel Obstruction Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

A surgeon uses eitherminimally invasive laparoscopicsurgery or complex open surgery for more serious bowel obstructions. In some cases, damaged parts of the bowel need to be taken out (surgical resection). Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health When Is Bowel Obstruction Surgery Needed? Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health A bowel obstruction can happen suddenly (acute) or may come on slowly over time (chronic). Sometimes, providers give a shot to use other treatments first before doing bowel obstruction surgery....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 975 words · Jennifer Gilmore

Brachytherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Purpose of Treatment EBRT is the standard of care for people who have undergone a lumpectomy ormastectomy. Brachytherapy is also sometimes used inneoadjuvant therapy, a form of treatment designed to shrink a tumor before surgery. The implants may be temporary or permanent and vary in size and radioactive strength. Verywell / Emily Roberts The material, called the source, is encapsulated in a metal shell that controls how muchradiationis emitted. The length of time an implant is left in place depends on the punch in of brachytherapy used....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 412 words · Stephen Thompson

Bradykinesia in Parkinson's Disease

Bradykinesia also can cause someone with Parkinson’s to take slow, short steps and shuffle more than walk. Bradykinesia tends to occur in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease. This is a symptom called micrographia which tends to co-occur with bradykinesia. Bambu Productions / Taxi / Getty Images Around 50% to 60% of people with Parkinson’s disease will experience some level of micrographia. Your emotional state can also influence bradykinesia but often in a beneficial way....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 144 words · Emily King

BRAF Mutation: Cancer Types, Testing, Treatment

BRAF mutations are found in roughly half of melanomas. Medications that target these mutations have significantly improved the survival rates of metastatic melanoma. BRAF mutations are also present in some non-small cell lung cancers, colon cancers, and other tumor types. Verywell / Jessica Olah This article looks at what a BRAF mutation is and its frequency in different types of cancer. It also looks at testing, treatment options, and recent advances....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 835 words · Melissa Bradley

Brain Aneurysm Symptoms and Prognosis

A brain aneurysm is a bulging area in the wall of an artery in the brain. It can put pressure on nearby structures, causing problems such as double vision orchanges in your pupil size. Genetics play a role in the development of brain aneurysms, but some occur without any identifiable cause. Verywell / Laura Porter If you have a brain aneurysm, the biggest concern is that it could bleed. This article discusses brain aneurysms and their symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 639 words · Amanda Miller

Brain Exercises to Train Your Cognitive Abilities

Brain exercises are activities that can enhance cognitive skills. 14 Brain Exercises for All Ages 1. Do Jigsaw Puzzles Completing a jigsaw puzzle can be a fun solo or group activity. diego_cervo / Getty Images Research shows that when done long-term, jigsaw puzzles alsoimprovevisuospatial cognitive skills, such as: 2. Play Sudoku Sudokuis a popular number placement puzzle that may have cognitive benefits. Play Cards Playing card games can help improve your brain performance....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 853 words · Alexander Allen

Brain Surgery for Parkinson's Disease: Overview

Verywell / Danie Drankwalter What Is Brain Surgery for Parkinsons Disease? Brain surgery forParkinsons diseaseis done to balance the activity in certain areas of the brain that control physical movement. Various Surgery Techniques There are several types of Parkinsons disease surgery. Verywell / Danie Drankwalter Sometimes multiple stimulator leads are implanted, such as in the globus pallidus and the ventral intermediate nucleus. Potential Risks Brain surgery for Parkinsons disease can cause complications....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 300 words · Craig Johnson

Brain Tumor Symptoms

Seizures, Headaches, Dizziness, and More Dizzinesscan sometimes be an early sign of atumor. It explains why you should need to see a healthcare provider for symptoms. Common Brain Tumor Symptoms Many brain tumor symptoms overlap with the symptoms of other conditions. Illustration by Verywell It’s important to understand a specific symptom within a pattern of signs and your overall health. A pineal gland tumor, for example, may limit the ability to look up....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 684 words · Jason Baker

Brain Zaps: Medication and Non-Medication Causes

These episodes are not dangerous. They have been given the name brain zaps in online social media communities. They are most associated with discontinuation of antidepressant medications. Kentaroo Tryman / Getty Images They can also occur as a symptom of anxiety or other conditions. Even if they’re not dangerous, brain zaps can still be jarring and unpleasant. This article describes the symptoms, causes, and ways of coping with brain zaps....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 233 words · Jason Watson

BRCA2 Gene Mutations and Cancer Risk in Men and Women

While BRCA2 mutations are often linked together with BRCA1 mutations, there are many important differences. Understanding the differences in these mutations is important in understanding your family history as well. Definition A quick review of genetics can make BRCA mutations easier to understand. Istockphoto.com/Stock Photo/ ©CIPhotos OurDNAis made up of 46 chromosomes, 23 from our fathers and 23 from our mothers. Genes are sections of DNA found in chromosomes that code for specific functions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 322 words · Dennis Kline

Breakthrough Bleeding: Causes and When It Happens

Breakthrough bleeding, orspotting, is a common experience for people with female reproductive organs. While bleeding outside of yourmenstrual periodcan be concerning, it usually is not cause for worry. It is also common during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) due to fluctuating hormones. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images It happens when you take the placebo pills or have a break between active pill packs. It can happen at any time during the menstrual cycle....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 367 words · Curtis Johnson

Breast Cancer and the Areola

This article outlines what breast conditions of the areolas to look out for. This is how the breasts prepare to breastfeed after a baby’s birth. Between 15-20 small openings are located around the nipple from which milk is released during breastfeeding. Stocktrek Images / Getty Images They aid in lubrication during breastfeeding, providing a layer of protection from the sucking mechanism of an infant. They also produce an odor during breastfeeding that helps infants find the right place to latch....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 171 words · Steven Patterson

Breast Cancer and Uterine Cancer: What Is the Relationship?

Read on to learn more about breast cancer and uterine cancer, and the relationship between them. Extended exposure toestrogenand certain lifestyle factors, like obesity and diet, are also linked to both cancers. Having one cancer does not necessarily mean you will develop the other. kotlyarn / Getty Images However, your risk of developing the other cancer is increased. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk and how you will be monitored for any subsequent cancers....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 276 words · Isaac Cohen