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MediFocus MedCenter ©
(TL003)
Introduction
Bell's palsy (BP) also called facial nerve palsy, is usually a unilateral (one-sided) facial paralysis that occurs suddenly and worsens over a period of hours to days. Dysfunction of the facial nerve can occur through several different mechanisms: compromise of the blood supply to the nerve; inflammation and edema within the nerve; immune reaction; or viral infection.
BP is the most common cause of facial paralysis affecting approximately 65,000 persons every year in the United States. BP mostly affects young and middle-aged adults. The incidence rises again after the age of 60.
Recent research has provided evidence that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) may play an important role in as many as 70% of BP cases. HSV is the same virus that causes cold sores and lives in nerves.
Because most cases of BP resolve spontaneously, the need for treatment has been debated, especially in mild cases. The goals of therapy are to prevent or minimize significant and long-term paralysis, disfigurement and disability. Treatment may include medications and rarely, surgery.
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The Medifocus Guide on Bell's Palsy provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:
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This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:
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MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.
MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.
© Copyright 2000-2001 Medifocus.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
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(TL005)
Introduction
Otitis media (OM) is an inflammatory condition of the middle ear that is initiated by functional or mechanical obstruction of the eustachian tube, which leads to changing pressures of the gases in the middle ear. This subsequently allows fluid to flow into the middle ear followed by bacteria.
OM is a common childhood disease and is, in fact, the most frequent primary diagnosis at visits to US physicians by children younger than 15 years. OM primarily affects infants and preschoolers: almost all children experience one or more episodes of otitis media before age 6.
Acute otitis media (AOM) is defined as fluid in the middle ear accompanied by signs or symptoms of ear infection (bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain; or perforated eardrum, often with drainage of purulent or infectious material). Otitis media with effusion (OME) is defined as fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of ear infection.
OME is defined as chronic when middle ear effusion (MEE) has been present for at least 3 months. Chronic OME, which arises from a complex series of inflammatory events in the middle ear, affects approximately 5-30% of children. The duration of MEE is 16-20 weeks during the first 2 years of life.
Most cases of otitis media with effusion resolve spontaneously. Persistence of OME longer than 6 weeks and/or the development of hearing loss are then reevaluated to determine the need for further evaluation, antibiotic therapy, or other interventions, which may include surgery.
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The Medifocus Guide on Chronic Otitis Media provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() What Your Doctor Reads:
This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:
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MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.
MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.
© Copyright 2000-2001 Medifocus.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
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(TL008)
Introduction
Meniere's Disease (MD), also called endolymphatic hydrops, is a disorder of the inner ear associated with a change in fluid volume within a portion of the inner ear known as the labyrinth. When your head moves, nerve receptors in the labyrinth send signals to the brain about the body's motion.
Symptoms include hearing loss, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Persons experience symptoms at varying frequencies, durations, and intensities. Symptoms may occur daily or as infrequently as once a year. Attacks commonly occur suddenly and may last several hours. The very first episode may last longer than 24 hours, but subsequent episodes do not.
While the disease may occur in children, it most commonly affects persons between the ages of 20 and 50. It occurs equally in men and women.
Treatment of Meniere's Disease consists of medication and possibly, surgery with much consideration given to preservation of hearing.
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The Medifocus Guide on Meniere's Disease provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() What Your Doctor Reads:
This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:
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MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.
MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.
© Copyright 2000-2001 Medifocus.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
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(TL011)
Introduction
There are several disorders termed "sleep-related breathing disorders" (SRBDs). These include obesity-hypoventilation, central sleep apnea syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA, occlusion of the upper airway with continued respiratory effort, is the most common and well-known of these disorders.
The primary mechanism leading to OSA is a repetitive narrowing of the upper airway during sleep, followed by an increase in upper airway resistance or complete cessation of ventilation for 10 to 120 seconds. In milder forms of OSA, the sleeping individual may maintain airflow at the expense of increased work of breathing and frequent arousals. As OSA progresses, the respiratory events become more severe; hypoxia (low oxygen level), hypercarbia (increased carbon dioxide level), and dramatic disruptions of sleep occur.
OSA has been strongly associated with several cardiovascular disorders such as systemic hypertension, and there is association with pulmonary hypertension, cardiac ischemia (impaired blood flow to the heart), dysrhythmias, and strokes.
Initial management of OSA emphasizes correction of medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or anatomical factors as well as weight control, and avoidance of sedative medications. Choices regarding treatment are often based on the individual's preference and lifestyle.
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The Medifocus Guide on Sleep Apnea provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() What Your Doctor Reads:
This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediFocus Guides... When You Need Trustworthy Medical Information
MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.
MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.
© Copyright 2000-2001 Medifocus.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
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(TL015)
Introduction
Tinnitus is the perceived sensation of sound in the absence of auditory stimulation. As many as 35-45% of the adult population and 90% of persons with hearing loss experience tinnitus at least once in awhile, but only 1% of the population suffers from a chronic tinnitus that may be problematic. The majority of individuals who suffer from tinnitus are between 40 and 80 years of age with prevalence increasing with age. It affects women and men equally. Eighty to ninety percent of tinnitus sufferers have a coexistent hearing loss
Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, the cause of which is generally not known. There are, however, different ways to classify tinnitus, an important one being "objective" (experienced by the person and the examiner) versus "subjective" (experienced by the person alone).
Treatments and goals must be individualized for each person depending on their particular circumstances. The primary step is to treat any reversible underlying causes thereby eradicating the tinnitus. If this is not possible, then the goal is to minimize the discomfort and disability caused by the tinnitus and to develop coping strategies for the individual.
Relief of tinnitus may be obtained from medication, lifestyle and complementary interventions, and possibly surgery if needed to correct an underlying problem.
Get the Facts... With your MediFocus Guide
The Medifocus Guide on Tinnitus provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() What Your Doctor Reads:
This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediFocus Guides... When You Need Trustworthy Medical Information
MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.
MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.
© Copyright 2000-2001 Medifocus.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
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(TL016)
Introduction
The word "dizzy" is often used to describe a variety of sensations from lightheadedness to feeling weak or unsteady. Vertigo however, is dizziness that creates the sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It is defined as a false illusion of motion with a distinct sensation of rotation ("The room was spinning around me").
Acute attacks are well-defined isolated spells of vertigo with a distinct onset and offset, whereas chronic vertigo is defined as a continuous or chronic sensation. Recurrent attacks or vertigo are addressed as chronic vertigo.
Dizziness is the reason for over 7 million clinic visits in the United States each year. Dizziness is a common complaint among older persons, especially. Dizziness in the elderly has been associated with syncope, functional disability, nursing home placement, stroke, and even death.
There are a variety of conditions that can cause vertigo. The evaluation often focuses on uncovering any underlying medical problems.
Get the Facts... With your MediFocus Guide
The Medifocus Guide on Vertigo provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() What Your Doctor Reads:
This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediFocus Guides... When You Need Trustworthy Medical Information
MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.
MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.
© Copyright 2000-2001 Medifocus.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Click here for more information.
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