Brain Aneurysm (Cerebral Aneurysm)

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in the US. Early identification and treatment of stroke helps reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. FAST is an acronym that helps people identify stroke signs and symptoms so they can act fast and call 9-1-1. Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty are indicators that a person may be having a stroke and it is Time to seek emergency medical treatment. Additional signs and symptoms of stroke may include

• weakness,
• difficulty walking,
• blurred vision,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• confusion,
• difficulty speaking, and loss of sensation.

An autopsy is the examination of the body of a dead person and is performed primarily to determine the cause of death, to identify or characterize the extent of disease states that the person may have had, or to determine whether a particular medical or surgical treatment has been effective. A physician cannot order an autopsy on a patient without the consent of the next-of-kin. A medical examiner can order an autopsy without the consent of the next-of-kin.

That part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium (skull). See a picture of Brain Layers and learn more about the health topic.

A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of internal organs and structures of the body. A CT scan is a low-risk procedure. Contrast material may be injected into a vein or the spinal fluid to enhance the scan.

Concussions are a common type of traumatic brain injury. Read more about symptoms of a concussion, how to treat head injuries, and learn about tests used to diagnose concussions.

Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.

A hematoma is a collection of blood that is outside a blood vessel. There are different areas where hematomas occur including:

• inside the skull,
• scalp,
• ear,
• septum,
• bones,
• finger and toenails, and
• intra-abdominal.

Treatment for hematomas depend on the type and location of the hematoma.

High blood pressure is defined as a pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher in the arteries. Genetic factors, high salt intake, and increased arterial stiffness cause high blood pressure. Dizziness, headache, nausea, and shortness of breath are just a few symptoms of high blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, atherosclerosis, eye damage, stroke, and increased risk of aneurysms. High blood pressure can be managed with weight loss, lifestyle changes, and medication.

MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique which uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. MRI scanning is painless and does not involve X-ray radiation. Patients with heart pacemakers, metal implants, or metal chips or clips in or around the eyes cannot be scanned with MRI because of the effect of the magnet.

Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands to treat hyperparathyroidism. Risks of parathyroidectomy include:

• paralysis of the vocal cords,
• difficulty swallowing thin liquids,
• difficulty breathing,
• and drug reactions.

Possible complications of parathyroidectomy include:

• damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve,
• bleeding or hematoma,
• problems maintaining calcium levels in the blood,
• need for further and more aggressive surgery,
• need for a limited or total thyroidectomy,
• prolonged pain,
• impaired healing,
• and recurrence of the tumor.

What is a stroke? Learn about stroke symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, vision problems, or problems with coordination. Discover causes and recovery of a stroke.

A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain caused by either a blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic). Symptoms of a stroke may include

• weakness,
• numbness,
• double vision or vision loss,
• confusion,
• vertigo, and
• difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

A physical exam, imaging tests, neurological exam, and blood tests may be used to diagnose a stroke. Treatment may include administration of clot-busting drugs, supportive care, and in some instances, neurosurgery. The risk of stroke can be reduced by controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stopping smoking.

Ultrasound (and ultrasonography) is imaging of the body used in the medical diagnosis and screening of diseases and conditions such as:

• TIAs,
• stroke,
• aneurysm's,
• heart valve irregularities,
• carotid artery disease,
• heart disease,
• gallstones,
• kidney stones,
• liver disease,
• diseases of the female reproductive, and
• diseases of the male reproductive organs.