How Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Is Diagnosed

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSelf-ChecksPhysical ExaminationLabs and TestsImagingDifferential Diagnosis Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Self-Checks Physical Examination Labs and Tests Imaging Differential Diagnosis Diagnosingamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) is not straightforward. There is no single test to confirm ALS. A healthcare provider, such as aneurologist, will take a full medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order more specific muscle and imaging tests.This article discusses the different tests and procedures used to diagnose ALS, as well as symptoms and other diseases that may be mistaken for ALS....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2333 words · Michelle Green

How an Achilles Tendon Rupture Is Treated Without Surgery

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAchilles Tendon RuptureDo I Need Surgery?Nonoperative TreatmentWhat to Expect Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Achilles Tendon Rupture Do I Need Surgery? Nonoperative Treatment What to Expect AnAchilles tendon ruptureis a traumatic injury that can cause significant disability after it occurs. This condition typically happens without warning and can make it challenging to walk or bear weight through your leg. While many people end up having their tendon surgically repaired after a tear, this is not always necessary....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1320 words · Adam Gay

How an Anxiety Disorder Is Treated

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrescription MedicationsTherapiesAlternative TreatmentsLifestyleA Word From Verywell Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Prescription Medications Therapies Alternative Treatments Lifestyle A Word From Verywell Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee Prescription medications cannot cure GAD, but they can help manage the symptoms. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the possible side effects and make sure you mention all the other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you are taking to avoid possible interactions....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1282 words · Lisa Hess

How an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) Test Works

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeHow It WorksRisksBefore the TestDuring the TestAfter the TestInterpreting Results Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Purpose How It Works Risks Before the Test During the Test After the Test Interpreting Results An enzymeimmunoassay(EIA) or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a blood or urine analysis that can help diagnose many infections and inflammatory conditions. This is a simple test that does not cause side effects....

January 17, 2025 · 17 min · 3458 words · Samantha Sanchez

How an Erectile Dysfunction Ring Can Help Erectile Dysfunction

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsWhat It TreatsHow It WorksHow to Use ItRisksFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What It Is What It Treats How It Works How to Use It Risks Frequently Asked Questions The first treatments that tend to come to mind when you talk abouterectile dysfunction (ED)are drugs likeViagra (sildenafil)and Cialis (tadalafil). But several nondrug options can also help improveerectionseither on their own or with other ED treatments....

January 17, 2025 · 10 min · 2032 words · John Nguyen DDS

How an IgE Blood Test Checks for Allergies

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWho Should Be Tested?What to ExpectResultsTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Who Should Be Tested? What to Expect Results Treatment To diagnose an allergy, you may need to have a blood test that measures immunoglobin (IgE), an antibody that helps the body fight off foreign bodies, such as bacteria and viruses.An IgE blood test can determine levels of different IgE antibodies. If levels are too high, it indicates an allergy....

January 17, 2025 · 10 min · 1994 words · Amanda Adams

How an Itchy Scalp Is Treated

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHome Remedies and LifestyleOTC TherapiesPrescriptionsSurgeries and Specialist-Driven ProceduresFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Home Remedies and Lifestyle OTC Therapies Prescriptions Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures Frequently Asked Questions Treatment for itchy scalp depends on the exact cause. Many conditions can lead to an itchy scalp, such asdandruff, allergic reactions, and skin conditions likeeczemaand psoriasis. Often, home remedies can provide effective relief....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1330 words · David Dawson

How an IUD (Intrauterine Device) Works

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Pregnancy Prevention Hormonal vs. Nonhormonal Side Effects What About Removal? Aftercare Period and Bleeding Changes Penetration With IUD Cost An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that’s placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. These devices, available in two types—hormonaland copper IUDs—are safe and alsoover 99% effective, offering a reliable and long-lasting birth control solution. How IUDs Work to Prevent Pregnancy Hormonal IUDs Hormonal IUDs begin working within seven days of insertion and can stay in the uterus and effectively prevent pregnancy for between three and eight years....

January 17, 2025 · 12 min · 2487 words · David Becker

How an Organic Disease Differs From a Functional Disorder

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferencesOrganic DiseasesFunctional DiseasesDebate Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Differences Organic Diseases Functional Diseases Debate A disease can sometimes be described as being organic or functional. By the broadest definition: The key difference between an organic and functional disease is that the cause and pathophysiology (disease pathway) of an organic disease have largely been established, while the cause and pathophysiology of a functional disease have largely not....

January 17, 2025 · 10 min · 2036 words · Anthony Carpenter

How an Osteotomy Procedure Can Treat Arthritis

When conservativetreatments for osteoarthritis, or othertypes of arthritis, fail to satisfactorily relieve pain and restore function to the affected joint, it may be time to consider joint surgery. But, which surgical option should you consider? Which surgical procedure would most effectively relieve your pain and improve mobility?PredragImages / Getty ImagesIt’s best to learn about the various types of joint surgery and understand your options. When most patients think of joint surgery, they think of a total joint replacement....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1243 words · Jean Johnson

How Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids Differ

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewAnabolic SteroidsCorticosteroidsBenefits and RisksFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Overview Anabolic Steroids Corticosteroids Benefits and Risks Frequently Asked Questions Corticosteroids refer to a class of drugs used to treatinflammatory arthritisand other inflammatory conditions. Because they are commonly referred to as “steroids,” people often believe them to be the same thing as anabolic steroids, which are used to boost strength and physical performance....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2205 words · Michael Ortega

How and When to See a Psychiatrist

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConditions TreatedWhen to See a PsychiatristDuring an AppointmentFinding a PsychiatristTraining and Certification Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Conditions Treated When to See a Psychiatrist During an Appointment Finding a Psychiatrist Training and Certification Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, whereas psychologists are trained mental health providers who do not hold a medical degree and cannot prescribe medication without additional training....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 893 words · Roger Cooley

How and When to Use Chest Seals

Taking the time to learn about the supplies in your first aid kit—including chest seals—can help you know the types of injuries you’re prepared to care for. It’s important to know what items you’ll have at your disposalbeforeyou need to use them. Chest seals are simple, effective treatments that can save lives if you know when—and how—to use them. This information is important to know, even if you aren’t a healthcare professional or in the military....

January 17, 2025 · 13 min · 2679 words · Christopher Hernandez