What Is a Hypnagogic Jerk and What Causes Sleep Starts?

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Hypnagogic vs. Hypnic Jerks Why Sleep Starts Occur Further Evaluation Frequently Asked Questions Just after falling asleep, you may wake with a sudden jerking movement. What causes these so-called sleep starts? Learn about hypnagogic jerks, or hypnic jerks, including the most common symptoms, and whether further evaluation and treatment may be necessary. Justin Case / The Image Bank / Getty Images...

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 1040 words · Mallory Dudley

What Is a Hypoechoic Thyroid Nodule?

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Causes Symptoms Treatment Life After Treatment Thyroid Cancer Outlook Ahypoechoicnodule is an area of swelling or abnormal cell growth on the thyroid gland. There’s a better chance that a solid nodule is cancer than with other types of nodules.However, the risk ofthyroid canceris still low, and a hypoechoic nodule is still likely to be benign. The term “hypoechoic” refers to the way the nodule appears on an ultrasound: dark....

January 17, 2025 · 14 min · 2859 words · John Ward

What Is a Junctional Rhythm?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Junctional Rhythm?TypesSymptomsCausesDiagnostic TestsTreatmentWhen to Seek Medical Care Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is a Junctional Rhythm? Types Symptoms Causes Diagnostic Tests Treatment When to Seek Medical Care A junctional rhythm is a type of abnormal heartbeat, orarrhythmia. It is usually not serious, although it can be associated with heart inflammation or recent heart surgery. It happens when theatrioventricular(AV) node or “His bundle,” both of which are electrical signals that help control your heartbeat, isn’t working properly....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 718 words · Cheryl Holloway

What Is a KOH Prep Test?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does the KOH Prep Test Look For?How Is the KOH Prep Test Done?Interpreting Results of a KOH TestRisks and Contraindications Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Does the KOH Prep Test Look For? How Is the KOH Prep Test Done? Interpreting Results of a KOH Test Risks and Contraindications A KOH prep test is a simple, non-invasive procedure for diagnosingfungal infectionsof the skin or nails....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 1048 words · Colin Smith

What Is a Labile Affect and How to Cope?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentComplications and Risk Factors Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Complications and Risk Factors This article discusses labile affect—what it is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, and ways it is treated. Photoboyko / Getty Images Symptoms of a Labile Affect It’s normal to experience various emotions throughout the day, but these shifts in mood are typically related to things that happen or thoughts that are occurring....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1578 words · Samantha Hill

What Is a Laparotomy?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeRisksHow to PrepareDay of SurgeryLaparotomy RecoveryScar Care and Healing Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Purpose Risks How to Prepare Day of Surgery Laparotomy Recovery Scar Care and Healing Alaparotomyis a surgical incision made from top to bottom of the abdomen.A laparotomy is typically done to allow the surgeon to visualize the inside of the entire abdomen and identify what is wrong or might require repair....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1486 words · Jeanne Schaefer

What Is a Latent Infection?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Types Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Learn about the different types of latent infections, including causes, treatment methods, and more. Thomas Deerinck, Ncmir / Science Photo Library / Getty Images Types of Latent Infections Different types of organisms can intrude on the body and cause a latent infection. Although some types of latent infections are more common than others, the organisms involved in all types are usually inactive and cause no symptoms....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2258 words · Sarah Campbell

What Is a Lazy Keto Diet? Is It Better Than Keto?

Key TakeawaysA new report ranked keto as one of the worst diets for heart health due to an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.The traditional keto diet promotes strict adherence to eating high amounts of fat, moderate amounts of protein, and very low carbs.An alternative “lazy keto” eating pattern may be a more sustainable option and only requires tracking carb intake. Key Takeaways A new report ranked keto as one of the worst diets for heart health due to an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 948 words · Katherine Parker

What Is a Left Bundle Branch Block?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBundle Branch FunctionSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFAQ Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Bundle Branch Function Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention FAQ Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a problem where theelectrical impulsethat controls your heartbeat is not working in the usual way. It is considered an abnormal finding on anelectrocardiogram (ECG). LBBB doesn’t always indicate a problem with your heart, especially if you have no underlying health conditions....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1881 words · Alex Smith

What Is a Lentigo?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of LentiginesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Types of Lentigines Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Frequently Asked Questions This story will outline information on lentigines, including types, causes, treatments, and when to seek medical help. SolStock / Getty Images Lentigo is a singular word. Lentigines refers to more than one lentigo. Some people also use the term lentigos. There are many different types of lentigines....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1370 words · Joseph White

What Is a Lesion?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesMelanoma SignsSignificanceDiagnosisTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Types Melanoma Signs Significance Diagnosis Treatment Skin conditions can be challenging to self-diagnose, so regular visits to adermatologistwill offer insight into whether your lesions are a concern. Here’s some background oncancerous versus benign lesions, and what you should look out for when checking your skin. tomczykbartek / E+ / Getty Images Types of Skin Lesions There are numerous markings that can appear on the skin throughout your lifetime....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1153 words · Benjamin Thompson

What Is a Lipase Test?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurpose of TestRisks and ContraindicationsBefore the TestDuring the TestAfter the TestInterpreting Results Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Purpose of Test Risks and Contraindications Before the Test During the Test After the Test Interpreting Results This article will discuss the lipase test, including its purpose, how it is performed, and the interpretation of results. A lipase test is performed whenever there is suspicion of injury to the pancreas....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1382 words · Elizabeth Williams

What Is a Lisfranc Injury?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow a Lisfranc Injury OccursSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents How a Lisfranc Injury Occurs Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Themidfootis made up of a row of four small bones (the cuboidand the medial, middle, and lateralcuneiforms), five longer bones (themetatarsals), and many small, thick ligaments that run between them. These structures form the arch of the foot and provide critical stability when you walk, run, or negotiate uneven surfaces....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1242 words · Kelly Williams