The American Academy of Neurology has issued updated treatment guidelines for essential tremor, deeming some medications ineffective and suggesting surgical procedures for severe cases.
Two women with very limited vision appeared to improve after treatment with embryonic stem cells, researchers report. These cells are removed from human embryos. They can grow into many types of cells. Both women had some vision but were legally blind. Both had macular degeneration. This disease causes loss of central vision. One woman had the common “dry” form. The other woman had a rarer type. Each woman was injected in one eye with embryonic stem cells. Four months later, they showed some improvement in eye tests. For example, both could read more letters on vision charts. Doctors said the treatment appeared to be safe. The women had no signs of rejection or abnormal growths. The journal Lancet published the study online January 23. The Associated Press wrote about it.
I have bald spots all over my head, and am losing hair at an alarming rate. My fingernails have waves and lines in them. What could cause these problems?
Dr. Julie Silver discusses her book You can Heal Yourself, which offers research-based advice on healing physically and emotionally after surgery or a serious medical issue.
My husband had an MRI to rule out any abnormal causes for benign positional vertigo. They discovered a mass on his parotid gland that it is most likely benign. Does a parotid mass always need to be removed? Or can it be watched to see how it progresses?
A new report calls for more research to find the best ways for parents and other caregivers to fight obesity in children. The American Heart Association issued the statement. It reviewed studies that took different approaches. Some of these have been linked to better results. They include changing behaviors as a family, setting clear goals, keeping track of progress and keeping healthy foods in the home. About 17% of the studies found that kids lost more weight when parents were involved in treatment. Some studies also found that a role for parents also helped kids to keep weight off longer. But in other studies family involvement did not make a difference. The study authors said research has not focused enough on the roles of culture, family relationships and parenting styles, among other things. The journal Circulation published the study.
Analysis of clinical trials supports the belief that men with ED who treat their cardiovascular risk factors will also experience improved erectile function.
Certain genetic variations increase a person risk of heart disease, but eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can counter this risk.
Newly available medications offer alternatives to warfarin that are easier for some people to take.
I do my best to exercise every day, either walking two miles in good weather or riding my exercise bike for 30 minutes on wet or cold days. Should I keep going when I catch a cold, or would I be better off resting?