The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It is formed by nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord in the lower back. The nerve goes down through the buttock, and then its branches extend down the back of the leg to the ankle and foot. A herniated disc may irritate or press on one or more of the nerve roots...

Covers symptoms of giant cell arteritis, which include vision problems and pain in the jaw. Covers how this condition is treated.

A gastrin test measures the level of the hormone gastrin in the blood. Gastrin is produced by cells, called G cells, in the stomach lining. When food enters the stomach, G cells trigger the release of gastrin in the blood. As blood levels of gastrin rise, the stomach releases acid (gastric acid) that helps break down...

Discusses laparoscopic surgery to repair hernias in the groin. Covers why it's done and how well it works. Covers risks. Includes conditions that may not work with laparoscopic surgery. Covers things to think about when choosing laparoscopic hernia repair.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a blood problem that occurs when there is not enough of this vitamin in the body. Vitamin B12 helps your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Without enough vitamin B12, the body does not have enough red blood cells (anemia). Anemia may make you feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12...

Explains surgery to take out tonsils because of strep throat infections or tonsillitis. Gives info on what to expect after surgery, such as sore throat. Explains how child may feel and act after surgery. Also includes info on risks.

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray test that provides pictures of the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, and the urethra ( urinary tract). An IVP can show the size, shape, and position of the urinary tract, and it can evaluate the collecting system inside the kidneys. During IVP, a dye called contrast material...

Discusses cysts that form in the Bartholin gland, which is in a woman's genital area. Covers symptoms that include a lump under the skin in the vulva. Covers treatment with sitz bath, nonprescription pain medicine, or surgery.

What is rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis (say "rab-doh-my-AH-luh-suss") is a rare but serious muscle problem. When you have it, your muscle cells break down, or dissolve. The contents of those cells leak into the blood. When it's in the blood, that material can travel to various parts of the body and cause problems. If...

You may want to consider adoption as an alternative to treatment for infertility. Learning more about the tests, exams, success rates, and costs of infertility treatment may help you decide. Adoption gives people a chance to raise and nurture a child. When deciding whether to adopt, think about: Why you want a child...

Discusses splints, which are used when a bone is broken or other tissues are injured. Covers how to care for splints and deal with swelling. Discusses complications that may require emergency care.

A nebulizer is a tool that delivers liquid medicine as a fine mist. You breathe in the medicine through a mouthpiece or face mask. This sends the medicine directly to your airways and lungs. A nebulizer may be used to treat lung problems. These...

Covers shoulder surgery to replace the ends of bones in a damaged joint. Includes what to expect after surgery, continued recovery, and living with a shoulder replacement. Looks at why it is done, how well it works, and the risks of surgery.

Has info on infrared photocoagulation, a procedure in which an intense beam of infrared light is used to cause scar tissue, which cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. Covers how well it works and risks. Covers what to expect after the procedure.

Provides tips for using a feeding tube for food and medicine, caring for the tube, and avoiding and responding to common problems. Briefly explains when a feeding tube may be needed.

The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves leading from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It is made up of 31 pairs of nerves coming out of the spinal column openings (spinal nerves) and 12 pairs of nerves coming out of the opening in the skull (cranial nerves). A peripheral nerve may be made up...

What is antidepressant withdrawal? Antidepressant withdrawal is a problem that can happen if you stop taking your antidepressant too quickly. It can make you feel sick. This problem is sometimes called "antidepressant discontinuation syndrome" or "SSRI discontinuation syndrome." The symptoms may not be pleasant, but...

What is a vaginal fistula? A fistula is a passage or hole that has formed between: Two organs in your body. An organ in your body and your skin. A fistula that has formed in the wall of the vagina is called a vaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the urinary tract is called a vesicovaginal fistula. A...

Discusses nonsurgical procedure, called catheter ablation, for atrial fibrillation if medicine is not effective or not tolerated. Also discusses implanting a pacemaker. Looks at why procedure is done, how well it works, and possible risks.

Blood in the stool can come from anywhere in the digestive tract, such as the stomach or intestines. Depending on where the blood is coming from and how fast it is moving, it may be bright red, reddish brown, or black like tar. A little bit of bright red blood on the stool or on the toilet paper is often caused by mild...

What is hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS)? Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is a lung infection caused by viruses found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of some rodents. The illness is rare but can be deadly. What causes it? Most cases of HCPS in the U.S. are caused by one type of hantavirus found...

Scoliosis is a problem with the curve in the spine. It happens when the spine makes a large curve from side to side in the shape of the letter "S" or the letter "C." If this curve is severe, it can cause pain and make breathing difficult. Most...