Using Probability in Medical Diagnosis: A Headache Example

Experienced clinicians begin the process of making a diagnosis upon first laying eyes on a patient, and probability is one of the main tools they use in this process. A glimpse “behind the scenes” from the point of view of a diagnosing physician might help to explain an otherwise mysterious process. The diagnostic process can … Read more

When your mouth spells dry

Have you ever experienced difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking? Ever noticed your saliva seems thick, or there are sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth? Then you may be experiencing a condition called “xerostomia” or dry mouth. The dental term “xerostomia” means dryness of the mouth due to a decreased … Read more

When the Mind Causes Pain

Susan, a 40-year-old school teacher, was suffering from daily headaches, neck pains, shoulder pains, chronic feelings of tension and sleepless nights. After performing a number of diagnostic tests and a thorough examination, Susan’s physician informed her that her X-rays, blood tests and MRI indicated she had no physical problems. Yet Susan’s pain was very real. … Read more

When Pain Relief Medications Cause More Headaches

Getting a headache has become all-too-natural for people who live hectic, hurried lives in the city. It is no wonder that every urbanite’s cupboard or medicine cabinet is often stocked with pain relief medications. When the headache comes back, we simply repeat the practice. While it seems harmless to take headache pills for a day … Read more

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a degenerative non-inflammatory disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal, even curve. Keratoconus can cause substantial distortion of the vision, with multiple images, streaking and sensitivity to light all often reported by the patient. Though … Read more