What Is Cutaneous Mastocytosis?
Cutaneous mastocytosis is one of two types of mastocytosis, a rare disorder in which too many mast cells — a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system function properly — accumulate in the body. In cutaneous mastocytosis, mast cells build up in the skin, causing skin changes or lesions, while in systemic mastocytosis, mast cells multiply...
Understanding Migraine-Related Brain Fog and Memory Loss
People with migraine often report problems with memory loss, but the link remains unclear. Factors relating to both migraine and brain fog, such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty focusing, may help explain patterns of memory loss with migraine, although experts are still unsure.Elizabeth Seng, PhD, a psychology and neurology professor at Yeshiva University in New York City, who will...
How to Get Through a Spinal Tap to Confirm an MS Diagnosis
Like any invasive procedure, a spinal tap comes with certain risks, and doctors have to weigh those risks against the potential benefits.Some people develop a headache — called a “spinal headache” — after a spinal tap. Spinal headaches usually start within a day or two after a lumbar puncture but can occur several days later. They are thought to...
Beef Organ Supplement Benefits: Is the Hype Justified?
While organ meats are nutritionally rich, there’s little to no published research on how beef organ supplements affect health. That hasn’t stopped some manufacturers from making numerous claims about beef organ supplement benefits.“Supplements can be sold as if they are good for your health even if there has never been a study of the supplement in humans,” says Pieter...
Is It Always a Heart Attack?
While many doctors like Becker urge the public to err on the side of caution and get immediate medical attention when chest pain appears to be serious, some types of discomfort in the chest may be the symptom of a less serious problem.Adriana Quinones-Camacho, MD, a cardiologist with NYU Langone Health, suggests that if chest pain occurs only when...
What Is Addison’s Disease? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The only treatment for Addison’s disease is medication to correct levels of cortisol and aldosterone in the body. Cortisol is replaced with a synthetic version, such as hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos) or methylprednisolone (Medrol). Aldosterone is replaced with a synthetic version called fludrocortisone acetate.Addison’s disease is a lifelong condition, so you’ll need to take these medications for...
What Is T-Cell Lymphoma?
T-cell lymphoma (TCL) is a rare form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292896150b-d635-48a6-b6ad-cc018b935444 It develops from the abnormal multiplication of T cells, or T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for immune system function. The specific treatment course and prognosis for T-cell lymphoma depends on the subtype — of which there are many — and how advanced...
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
It’s not hard to tell the difference between an unprocessed ear of corn and an ultra-processed bag of corn chips. But it can be challenging to determine how much processing goes into foods that come boxed, bagged, canned, or frozen.“Food manufacturers are not required to label if food is ultra-processed, and anything boxed, canned, or frozen does not automatically...
What Is an Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is a tunnel that develops from the inside of the anus to the skin outside. It usually starts near blocked or infected anal glands and forms an abscess (a pus-filled pocket). Pus and fluid collect in this space, which then tunnels to the outside, where it drains.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d46585f3-e129-4c9a-928e-b5c45c3bf066 From the outside, an anal fistula (also called a...
What We Know and What We Don’t
With a measles outbreak in Texas currently nearing 200 cases and claiming at least two lives, public health officials are strongly encouraging vaccination. At the same time, some public health officials, including U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are touting vitamin A therapy for the reduction of severe measles symptoms.While research supports the...
