What is an arterial embolism? Causes, symptoms, and treatment
An arterial embolism is a blood clot that has become lodged in the arterial blood system, the main circulatory system for delivering oxygenated blood. This can restrict vital blood flow in tissues and organs virtually anywhere in the body. However, blood clots in the arterial circulatory system tend to affect the arms, legs, or feet in the majority of cases.
If cellular tissue is devoid of oxygen for a long period of time, it will lead to tissue damage and cell death in the affected area. Arterial blood clots are considered a medical emergency and require immediate attention. Continue reading…
An enlarged ovary is one that has become larger than normal. There are many different causes of enlarged ovaries and they have varying degrees of severity. A woman’s ovaries are part of her endocrinal and reproductive system. They are responsible for the release of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which play a part in the menstrual cycle, development of female secondary sex characteristics, and even voice changes. Continue reading…
Carpopedal spasms are extremely painful cramps or contractions that mostly occur in the hand and feet muscles. They can be caused by infections such as tetanus or simply be due to low calcium levels in the blood. An accurate carpopedal spasm definition would be an involuntary sudden vibration and muscular contraction of both or either of the hands and feet. However, it is commonly used as a medical term for a sudden involuntary muscle contraction.
Muscle contractions in these parts of the body can be very painful and may even indicate a situation requiring emergency intervention. Patients suffering from seizure disorders may suddenly suffer from muscle contractions, often in a similar manner. Continue reading…
Uterine polyps are growths that form on the inner walls of the uterus. They may also be referred to as endometrial polyps, as the tissue lining the uterus is called the endometrium. These polyps are usually less than one centimeter in diameter and have the ability to flatten and conform to the shape of the uterus, but there are some cases where a polyp may grow larger than the size of a golf ball. Uterine polyps are generally considered non-cancerous, however, there are some conditions where a polyp may become cancerous. Continue reading…
A contracted gallbladder is generally considered a normal physiological process that may also go by the name collapsed gallbladder. This structure is involved in the process of digesting the food we eat.
The gallbladder is a structure connected to the liver, which supplies it with bile—a yellowish-brown fluid that aids in the digestion of fats in the small intestine. Whenever we consume a fatty meal, the gallbladder contracts to excrete bile into the digestive tract. Conditions that prevent the gallbladder from doing its job, such as having gallstones, can lead to the development of gallbladder pain. Continue reading…