ask-the-doctor
My uncle was diagnosed with transverse myelitis. His symptoms are relatively mild. He has back pain and weakness in the legs. Can you tell me more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this condition? Am I at risk for getting it?
A doctor in a clinic told me I have tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones. What causes this and is there a way to treat it? Can it cause ear pain or headaches?
What is the difference between bipolar disorder and cyclothymia?
I noticed that my 3-month-old has one pupil larger than the other. Should I take her to see a doctor, or is this common?
My 8 and a half year-old daughter is showing signs of puberty (breast growth and leg hair). Is this too early to start puberty? If so, is there anything I can do to delay it? I can’t imagine her going through menses at such young age and, more importantly, I am worried that she may not grow to her full size if she starts menses too soon.
I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Does the occurrence of one type of cancer indicate a danger of developing other types?
I’m scheduled for a nuclear medicine stress test with persantine. I’ve been told I will not be on a treadmill. Instead, I will be given an injection to cause my body to go into stress, as if I were on a treadmill. Why would the doctors go this route? How risky is it?
I had a skin test for tuberculosis. The test came back positive. Does this mean I have tuberculosis or just that I’ve been exposed to it? What is my next step? Should I have the skin test repeated?
Is hirsutism that was caused by the overuse (for about six years before and during puberty) of topical cortisones and topical steroids for eczema permanent?
My 5-year-old niece was just diagnosed with the eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. What is it?