Diagnosing Stroke

Category: Health, stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency. Anyone suspected of having a stroke should be taken to a medical facility immediately for evaluation and treatment. Initially, the doctor takes a medical history from the patient if he/she is alert or others familiar with the patient if they are available, and performs a physical examination. If a person has been seeing a particular doctor, it would be ideal for that doctor to participate in the assessment. Previous knowledge of the patient can improve the accuracy of the evaluation. A neurologist, a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system and diseases of the brain, will often assist in the diagnosis and management of stroke patients. Read more…

Cerebrovascular Accident

Category: Health

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. When blood flow to the brain is impaired, oxygen and glucose cannot be delivered to the brain. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms.

Blockage of an artery
• Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain can cause a so-called lacunar stroke, (lacune=empty space). Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to die (infarct). Read more…

Lupus

Category: Health, blood

• Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign material. In an autoimmune disease, like lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself.
• Lupus is NOT infectious, rare, or cancerous. Read more…

Hematospermia

Category: Health

What is blood in the semen?
The presence of blood in the semen (ejaculate) is also called hematospermia. Hematospermia is an uncommon condition.

What are the causes of blood in the semen?
Blood in semen can be caused by many conditions affecting the male genitourinary system. Areas affected include the bladder, urethra, the testicles, the tubes that distribute semen from the testicles (known as the seminal vesicles), the epididymis (a segment of the spermatic ducts that serves to store, mature and transport sperm), and the prostate gland. Read more…