Cervical dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that make the head wobble or rest in abnormal positions. Symptoms can be disruptive, making it hard for people with the condition to drive, dress, or reach for objects.
The brain communicates with the gastrointestinal tract through a connection scientists call the gut-brain axis. Evidence suggests that when the gut is irritated by triggers such as infection, stress, food, allergies, alcohol, or heredity, the resulting inflammation could influence mood.
Vaginal infections are highly common and often involve symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, irritation, discharge, and odor. The most prevalent vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, trichomoniasis, herpes simplex virus 2, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
People sometimes have difficulty knowing if they should seek care at an emergency room or an urgent care center. Urgent care centers can treat health problems that don’t endanger lives, while emergency rooms can treat serious or life-threatening problems.
A 2025 study suggested that people with certain chronic conditions were more likely to experience side effects after cosmetic injections with botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin).
Edema is swelling caused by fluid trapped in body tissues. It can occur in anyone, but it’s more common in older adults. A variety of factors contribute to mild edema, including weakened valves in veins, gravity, inactivity, arthritis, and certain medications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) identifies and challenges thoughts about sleep that make it more difficult, eradicates bedroom activities other than sleep and sex, limits the time spent in bed to increase the drive to sleep, and teaches relaxation techniques.
Insulin resistance is when the pancreas makes insulin but the body’s cells don’t use it efficiently. It becomes more common in women after age 50 due to hormonal shifts that change the way the body stores fat. It is a key step in the process of developing prediabetes and diabetes.
In this Ask the Doc video, Harvard Medical School Dean Dr. David Roberts explains why winter weather can strain your lungs. He shares 5 simple ways to help protect your breathing during the colder months.