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Electroconvulsive therapy

2009-07-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that is used to treat a range of mental illnesses such as severe depression, catatonia and some forms of mania and schizophrenia. The treatment induces controlled seizures in the patient via small electrodes placed at specific locations on the head. ECT has been used for over half a century in many different countries, and its effectiveness is well documented. Approximately eight out of 10 patients who undergo ECT will experience dramatic improvement.

The reason why this treatment is so effective is still mysterious. The brain functions using electrochemical messages, and it is thought that ECT-induced seizures interrupt these messages and ‘reset’ the brain. ECT is generally used when other forms of treatment, including medication and psychotherapy, have failed. However, ECT is often the first treatment of choice in life threatening situations, such as a potential suicide, because of the rapid results. Sometimes, ECT is prescribed for older patients who can’t tolerate medications.

The procedure
Usually, ECT is performed under supervision by the prescribing psychiatrist.
The patient is anaesthetised and given muscle relaxants. The electrodes are placed at strategic points on the patient’s skull. Depending on the patient, one or both sides of the head will be stimulated, known as unilateral or bilateral ECT respectively. A series of brief, low frequency electrical pulses prompt a convulsion. The patient won’t feel the convulsion because of the anaesthesia, and won’t have muscle spasm or move because of the muscle relaxants. The patient wakes up after a few minutes. ECT is typically administered three times per week for six to nine treatments, but the exact course of treatment depends on the nature of the illness and the patient's response to treatment.

Risks and complications
Research has shown that ECT doesn’t cause brain damage because the amount of electricity used is too small to harm tissue. Like any operation involving anaesthesia, ECT carries a small degree of risk. Some of the immediate side effects of ECT (these tend to resolve within a few hours) include headache, sore muscles, queasiness and confusion. During the course of the treatment, many patients experience problems with short term memory, but this side effect only lasts a few days or weeks. A few individuals, however, experience long term difficulties with memory. This effect is more common in patients who undergo bilateral, rather than unilateral, ECT.

Patient rights
If your psychiatrist suggests that a course of ECT therapy may be helpful, you have certain rights under Victorian law. These rights include:

A full explanation of the procedure and associated benefits and risks
A second opinion
Legal advice
Representation by a friend or relative
Having a person of your choice with you during discussions with your psychiatrist or doctor
The right to complain
The right to refuse.

Emergency electrical power

2009-06-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Emergency electrical power is defined as an independent reserve source of electric energy which, upon failure or outage of the normal source, automatically provides reliable electric power within a specified time.

A reliable and adequate source of electric power is necessary for the operation of active industrial operations. Power must also be available at to provide water for fire protection,energy for automatic fire alarms, light for security purposes, heat for preservation of critical industrial equipment, andfor other operations.

Power, supplied by either the local utility company or generated on-site. The source of distribution may be subject to brownout, interruption or extended outage. Safety, and health requirements may require an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or standby/emergency supply for specific critical loads.Justifiable applications for emergency electrical power are:

Hospitals (life support, operating room, emergency lighting and communication, refrigeration, boiler plant, etc.).

A class B plant (considered a standby long term
power source) is used where multiple commercial
power feeders are not available or extended and
frequent power outages may occur.

Airfields (control tower, communications, traffic control, engine start, security, etc.).

Data processing plant systems.

Critical machinery

Communication and security.

Electromagnetic Fields

2009-06-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances produce EMFs. Some people worry about EMF exposure and cancer. A few studies found a link between EMF exposure and a higher risk of childhood leukemia, but the link is weak. Other studies didn't find a link between EMF exposure and other childhood cancers.

For adults, studies of EMF exposure from power lines and electric blankets show little evidence of a link to cancer. In adults, EMFs may reduce heart rate and interfere with brain electrical activity during sleep. This may or may not affect your health.

Some people worry that wireless and cellular phones cause cancer. They give off radio-frequency energy (RF), a form of electromagnetic radiation. Scientists need to do more research on this before they can say for sure.

Erectile Dysfunction

2009-06-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. ED becomes more common as you get older. But male sexual dysfunction is not a natural part of aging.

Some people have trouble speaking with their doctors about sex. But if you have ED, you should tell your doctor. ED can be a sign of health problems. It may mean your blood vessels are clogged. It may mean you have nerve damage from diabetes. If you don't see your doctor, these problems will go untreated.

Your doctor can offer several new treatments for ED. For many men, the answer is as simple as taking a pill. Getting more exercise, losing weight or stopping smoking may also help.

Esophageal Cancer

2009-05-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Eesophagus is the hollow, the muscular tube that moves food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. A wall of the esophagus is made up of several layers of tissue, including mucous membrane, muscle, and connective tissue. The Esophageal cancer starts at the inside lining of the esophagus and spreads outward through the other layers as it grows.

* A Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the esophagus. This cancer is most often found of the upper and middle part of the esophagus, but can occur anywhere along the esophagus. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.

* Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the esophagus produce and release fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinomas usually form in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.

Emphysema

2009-04-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. As a result, your body does not get the oxygen it needs. Emphysema makes it hard to catch your breath. You may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise.

The most common cause is cigarette smoking. If you smoke, quitting can help prevent you from getting the disease. If you already have emphysema, not smoking might keep it from getting worse. Treatment is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Treatments include inhalers, oxygen, medications and sometimes surgery to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Liver

2009-04-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals; it has a wide range of functions, a few of which are detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. The liver is necessary for survival, there is currently no way to compensate for the absence of liver function.

The liver plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in the body, including glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification. The liver is also the largest gland in the human body. It lies below the diaphragm in the thoracic region of the abdomen. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which aids in digestion, via the emulsification of lipids. It also performs and regulates a wide variety of high-volume biochemical reactions requiring very specialized tissues.

Zunich-Kaye

2009-04-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Zunich-Kaye syndrome, also known as Zunich neuroectodermal syndrome, is a rare congenital ichthyosis first described in 1983. It is also referred to as CHIME syndrome, after its main symptoms (colobomas, heart defects, ichthyosiform dermatosis, mental retardation, and either ear defects or epilepsy). It is a congenital syndrome with only a few cases studied and published.

Zunich-Kay syndrome is considered to have an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means the defective gene is located on an autosome, and two copies of the gene, one from each parent, are required to inherit the disorder. The parents of an individual with autosomal recessive disorder both carry one copy of the defective gene, but usually do not have the disorder.

Eclampsia

2009-03-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Eclampsia, an acute and life-threatening complication of pregnancy, is characterized by the appearance of tonic-clonic seizures in a patient who had developed preeclampsia; rarely does eclampsia occur without preceding preeclamptic symptoms. Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and toxemia of pregnancy are terms used to encompass both preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Seizures and coma that happen during pregnancy but are due to preexisting or organic brain disorders are not eclampsia.The term is derived from the Greek and refers to a flash, a term used by Hippocrates to designate a fever of sudden onset.

Quadriceps Femoris Muscle

2009-03-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

The quadriceps femoris (Latin for "four-headed [muscle] of the femur"), also called simply the quadriceps, quadriceps extensor, or quads, is a large muscle group that includes the four prevailing muscles on the front of the thigh. It is the great extensor muscle of the knee, forming a large fleshy mass which covers the front and sides of the femur. It is the strongest and leanest muscle in the human body.

It is subdivided into four separate portions or 'heads', which have received distinctive names:

* Rectus femoris occupies the middle of the thigh, covering most of the other three quadriceps muscles. It originates on the ilium. It is named from its straight course.

* The other three lie deep to rectus femoris and originate from the body of the femur, which they cover from the trochanters to the condyles:
o Vastus lateralis is on the lateral side of the femur (i.e. on the outer side of the thigh).
o Vastus medialis is on the medial side of the femur (i.e. on the inner part thigh).
o Vastus intermedius lies between vastus lateralis and vastus medialis on the front of the femur (i.e. on the top or front of the thigh).

Cardiac

2009-03-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Cardiac muscle is a type of involuntary striated muscle found in the walls of the heart, specifically the myocardium. Cardiac muscle cells are known as cardiac myocytes (or cardiomyocytes). Cardiac muscle is one of three major types of muscle, the others being skeletal and smooth muscle. The cells that comprise cardiac muscle are sometimes seen as intermediate between these two other types in terms of appearance, structure, metabolism, excitation-coupling and mechanism of contraction.

Cardiac muscle shares similarities with skeletal muscle with regard to its striated appearance and contraction, with both differing significantly from smooth muscle cells. Coordinated contraction of cardiac muscle cells in the heart propel blood from the atria and ventricles to the blood vessels of the circulatory system. Cardiac muscle cells, like all tissues in the body, rely on an ample blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients and to remove waste products such as carbon dioxide.

Muscle

2009-03-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

Muscle (from Latin musculus, diminutive of mus "mouse") is the contractile tissue of the body and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells. Muscle cells contain contractile filaments that move past each other and change the size of the cell. They are classified as skeletal, cardiac, or smooth muscles. Their function is to produce force and cause motion.

Muscles can cause either locomotion of the organism itself or movement of internal organs. Cardiac and smooth muscle contraction occurs without conscious thought and is necessary for survival. Examples are the contraction of the heart and peristalsis which pushes food through the digestive system. Voluntary contraction of the skeletal muscles is used to move the body and can be finely controlled. Examples are movements of the eye, or gross movements like the quadriceps muscle of the thigh. There are two broad types of voluntary muscle fibers: slow twitch and fast twitch. Slow twitch fibers contract for long periods of time but with little force while fast twitch fibers contract quickly and powerfully but fatigue very rapidly.

Galea Aponeurotica

2009-02-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

The "galea aponeurotica" is a long-winded word for the muscle which covers the upper part of the cranium (skull). Its attachment to the frontal and occipital bellies (muscles on the brow at the front and on the upper back of the head) allows it to move the scalp freely over the underlying skull bone.

The occipital and frontal bellies work together with this muscle to draw back the scalp, raise the eyebrows, and wrinkle the forehead in an expression of surprise.

Secondhand Smoke

2009-02-20T13:56:00.001-08:00

You don't have to be a smoker for smoking to harm you. You can also have health problems from breathing in other people's smoke. Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 substances that can cause cancer. Health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke include lung cancer, nasal sinus cancer, respiratory tract infections and heart disease.

There is no safe amount of secondhand smoke. Children, pregnant women, older people and people with heart or breathing problems should be especially careful. There's no way around it. Smoking is bad for your health. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths. It is also responsible for many other cancers and health problems. These include lung disease, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke and cataracts. Women who smoke have a greater chance of certain pregnancy problems or having a baby die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Your smoke is also bad for other people - they breathe in your smoke secondhand and can get many of the same problems as smokers do.

Environmental Health

2009-02-13T12:06:00.001-08:00

Our environment affects our health. Our average life span has almost doubled over the past century or so mainly because we have clean, safe drinking water. If parts of the environment, like air and water, or soil become polluted, it can lead to health problems. For example, asthma attacks can result from pollutants and other chemicals in the air and in the home.

Some environmental risks are a part of the natural world, like radon in the soil. Others are the result of human activities, like lead poisoning from paint, or exposure to asbestos or mercury from mining or industrial use.

Mercury in the air settles into water. It can pass through the food chain and build up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish. The nervous system is sensitive to all forms of mercury. Exposure to high levels can damage the brain and kidneys. Pregnant women can pass the mercury in their bodies to their babies. It is important to protect your family from mercury exposure.

Hernia

2009-02-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias occur in the abdomen. There are several types of hernias, including

* Inguinal, the most common type, is in the groin
* Umbilical, around the belly button
* Incisional, through a scar
* Hiatal, a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest.
* Congenital diaphragmatic, a birth defect that needs surgery

Hernias are common. They can affect men, women and children. A combination of muscle weakness and straining, such as with heavy lifting, might contribute. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles and may be more likely to get a hernia.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

2009-01-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that weaken connective tissues. Connective tissues are proteins that support skin, bones, blood vessels and other organs.

EDS usually affects your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Symptoms include

Loose joints
Fragile, small blood vessels
Abnormal scar formation and wound healing
Soft, velvety, stretchy skin that bruises easily
There are several types of EDS. They can range from mild to life-threatening. About 1 in 5,000 people has EDS. There is no cure. Treatment involves managing symptoms. It also includes learning how to protect your joints and prevent injuries.

Ear Disorders

2009-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Your ear has three main parts: outer, middle and inner. You use all of them in hearing. Sound waves come in through your outer ear. They reach your middle ear, where they make your eardrum vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted through three tiny bones, called ossicles, in your middle ear. The vibrations travel to your inner ear, a snail-shaped organ. The inner ear makes the nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Your brain recognizes them as sounds. The inner ear also controls balance.

A variety of conditions may affect your hearing or balance. Ear infections are the most common illness in infants and young children. Tinnitus, a roaring in your ears, can be the result of loud noises, medicines or a variety of other causes. Meniere's disease may be the result of fluid problems in your inner ear; its symptoms include tinnitus and dizziness. Some ear disorders can result in hearing disorders and deafness

Eye Injuries

2009-01-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

The structure of your face helps protect your eyes from injury. Still, injuries can damage your eye, sometimes severely enough that you could lose your vision. Most eye injuries are preventable. If you play sports or work in certain jobs, you may need protection.

The most common type of injury happens when something irritates the outer surface of your eye. Certain jobs such as industrial jobs or hobbies such as carpentry make this type of injury more likely. It's also more likely if you wear contact lenses.

Chemicals or heat can burn your eyes. With chemicals, the pain may cause you to close your eyes. This traps the irritant next to the eye and may cause more damage. You should wash out your eye right away while you wait for medical help.

Diarrhea

2009-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Diarrhea means that you have loose, watery stools more than three times in one day. You may also have cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

Causes of diarrhea include bacteria, viruses or parasites, certain medicines, food intolerances and diseases that affect the stomach, small intestine or colon. In many cases, no cause can be found.

Although usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should talk to your doctor if you have a strong pain in your abdomen or rectum, a fever, blood in your stools, severe diarrhea for more than three days or symptoms of dehydration. If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the doctor for advice. Diarrhea can be dangerous in children.

E. Coli Infections

2009-01-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

E. coli is the name of a type of bacteria that lives in your intestines. Most types of E. coli are harmless. However, some types can make you sick and cause diarrhea. One type causes travelers' diarrhea. The worst type of E. coli causes bloody diarrhea, and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. These problems are most likely to occur in children and in adults with weak immune systems.

You can get E. coli infections by eating foods containing the bacteria. To help avoid food poisoning and prevent infection, handle food safely. Cook meat well, wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them, and avoid unpasteurized milk and juices. You can also get the infection by swallowing water in a swimming pool contaminated with human waste.

Emergency Medical Services

2008-12-27T05:22:00.001-08:00

If you get very sick or badly hurt and need help right away, you should use emergency medical services. These services use specially trained people and specially equipped facilities.

You may need care in the hospital emergency room (ER). Doctors and nurses there treat emergencies, such as heart attacks and injuries. For some emergencies, you need help where you are. Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, do specific rescue jobs. They answer emergency calls, drive ambulances and give basic medical care. Some EMTs are paramedics - they have training to do medical procedures on site. They usually drive you to the ER for more care.

If you or someone you know needs emergency care, go to your hospital’s emergency room. If you think the problem is life threatening, call 9-1-1.

Eczema

2008-12-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. It is not dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy skin. Factors that can cause eczema include other diseases, irritating substances, allergies and your genetic makeup. Eczema is not contagious.

The most common type of eczema is a topic dermatitis. It is an allergic condition that makes your skin dry and itchy. It is most common in babies and children.

Eczema cannot be cured, but you can prevent some types of eczema by avoiding irritants, stress and the things you are allergic to.

Edema

2008-11-21T14:45:00.000-08:00

Edema means swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues. It usually occurs in the feet, ankles and legs, but it can involve your entire body.

Causes of edema include

* Eating too much salt
* Sunburn
* Heart failure
* Kidney disease
* Liver problems from cirrhosis
* Pregnancy
* Problems with lymph nodes, especially after mastectomy
* Some medicines
* Standing or walking a lot when the weather is warm

To keep swelling down, your health care provider may recommend keeping your legs raised when sitting, wearing support stockings, limiting how much salt you eat or taking a medicine called a diuretic - also called a water pill.

Ultrasound

2008-11-14T15:25:00.001-08:00

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Health care professionals use them to view the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver and other organs. During pregnancy, doctors use ultrasound tests to examine the fetus. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound does not involve exposure to radiation.

During an ultrasound test, a special technician or doctor moves a device called a transducer over part of your body. The transducer sends out sound waves, which bounce off the tissues inside your body. The transducer also captures the waves that bounce back. Images are created from these sound waves.