Doctors often recommend chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill dividing cancer cells and prevent them from growing. Many chemotherapy drugs have adverse effects that can be severe. However, if a doctor recommends a person has Read more
Encephalitis is a type of acute brain inflammation. A viral infection or the immune system wrongly targeting brain tissue are the most common causes. Encephalitis is responsible for an estimated 19,000 hospitalizations, 230,000 hospital days, and $650 million in hospitalization Read more
People with epilepsy usually experience recurrent seizures. These seizures occur due to a disruption of electrical activity in the brain, which temporarily disturbs the messaging systems between brain cells. This article explains the many types of epilepsy, including their symptoms, Read more
Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. They include a range of powerful drugs and are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections, such as colds, flu, Read more
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is referred to as “central” because it combines information from the entire body and coordinates activity across the whole organism. This article gives a brief overview of the Read more
Inflammation is part of the body’s defense mechanism and plays a role in the healing process. When the body detects an intruder, it launches a biological response to try to remove it. The attacker could be a foreign body, such Read more
A coma is a deep state of unconsciousness. It can happen as a result of a traumatic accident, such as a blow to the head, or a medical condition, such as some type of infection. Coma is different from sleep Read more
Hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver cells and damage to the liver. There are different types and causes of hepatitis, but the symptoms can be similar. The liver is essential for removing toxins from the blood, storing vitamins, and producing hormones. Read more
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. This can have effects throughout the body, including diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. The hormones it produces and Read more
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. “Sore throat” is the general term for any condition where the throat feels scratchy, tender, and possibly painful. A sore throat, however, is Read more
