The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that is released into the small intestine. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder. Gallstones can be as small as a…
When the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle that separates your abdomen and diaphragm, you have a hiatal hernia. A small opening (hiatus) in your diaphragm allows your food tube (esophagus) to pass before connecting to your stomach. The stomach pushes up through that opening and…
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord. GBS is distinguished by the sudden onset of numbness, weakness, sensory degeneration, and, in some cases, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. The paralysis is…
Radiation is used to treat or diagnose a wide range of diseases that affect today’s population. Common tests in hospitals and emergency rooms require radiation, and treatment for certain types of cancer necessitates prolonged, intense exposure. However, this treatment may cause complications. Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) is a short-term illness…
Unborn babies, like adults, come in all shapes and sizes. The shape and size of an adult can have a significant impact on their overall health. Being too big or too small in an unborn baby can cause serious problems, potentially for both the baby and the mother, before, during,…
Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 genetic conditions that affect muscle function and cause progressive weakness and muscle mass loss. These conditions are a type of myopathy or skeletal muscle disorder. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes disrupt the production of proteins required for the formation of healthy…
For decades, amusement parks have been a top destination for vacationers and locals alike. Every year, tens of thousands of people brave the crowds and long lines to experience a rush of adrenaline on a high-flying roller coaster or a fast-paced waterslide. The high speeds and sharp turns create a…
Many people suffer from conditions that necessitate monitoring and the assistance of a medical device to maintain and regulate vital body functions. These devices can often save a patient’s life if used correctly and function as intended. Unfortunately, when mistakes happen, the consequences for the patient and their families can…
Around 185,000 amputations occur annually in the United States, as reported by the Amputee Coalition. By 2050, an estimated 3.6 million people would have had limb loss. When a patient loses a limb as a result of medical negligence, it can have a traumatizing effect on them and their loved…
Intubation is the technique of placing a tube into a patient’s airway to ensure they obtain enough oxygen when they can’t breathe on their own. While intubation can be a life-saving medical operation and is frequently performed during surgery, it is a difficult process in which even little mistakes can…