Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. These may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Causes The cause of gallstones varies. There are two main types of gallstones: Stones made of cholesterol — This is the most common type. Cholesterol gallstones are not related […]
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease. Causes Cirrhosis is most often the end result of chronic liver damage caused by long-term (chronic) liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States are: Hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. Alcohol abuse. The buildup
Hepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis include hepatitis A, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D. Causes You can catch hepatitis B infection through contact with the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva) of a person who has the
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis D Hepatitis E Causes Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). You can catch hepatitis C if the blood of someone who has HCV enters your
A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term “seizure” is often used interchangeably with “convulsion.” During convulsions, a person has uncontrollable shaking that is rapid and rhythmic, with the muscles contracting and relaxing repeatedly. There are many different types
Hepatitis A is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver from the hepatitis A virus. Causes The hepatitis A virus is found mostly in the stool and blood of an infected person. The virus is present about 15 to 45 days before symptoms occur and during the first week of illness. You can catch hepatitis
Hepatitis D is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (previously called the Delta agent). It causes symptoms only in people who also have hepatitis B infection. Causes Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found only in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make liver disease worse in people who have either recent
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What is an Abscess? An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed. What are the causes of an abscess? Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body’s immune system tries to fight it. White
An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumour of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is called the vestibular cochlear nerve. It is behind the ear, right under the brain. An acoustic neuroma is benign. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. However, it can
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon that connects the back of your leg to your heel becomes swollen and painful near the bottom of the foot. This tendon is called the Achilles tendon. It allows you to push your foot down. You use your Achilles tendon when walking, running, and jumping. What are the causes
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