As doctors have tried to steer their chronic pain patients away from highly addictive opioids, many have turned to two antiseizure drugs, but a new review finds they are only “modestly effective” at treating pain. Gabapentin and pregabalin are being prescribed to manage all types of pain, but clinical trial data shows that the drugs… read on > read on >
Preteens who spend much of their free time watching online videos or playing video games may have a heightened risk of developing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), a new study suggests. Researchers found that among 9,200 9- and 10-year-olds they assessed, the odds of developing OCD inched up with every daily hour kids devoted to online… read on > read on >
In some parts of the United States, young men face a higher risk of dying from gun violence than if they’d gone to war in Afghanistan and Iraq, a new study reports. Young men living in certain high-violence ZIP codes in Chicago and Philadelphia run a greater risk of firearm death than military personnel who… read on > read on >
Researchers are studying whether deep brain stimulation could help people with Alzheimer’s hold on to their memory longer, and now a new finding may help refine the approach. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for several medical conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It involves implanting electrodes in certain areas of… read on > read on >
Public health experts have been warning of a “tripledemic” of respiratory viruses this fall and winter, so the American Lung Association has some tips for breathing easier this holiday season. Flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are all spreading throughout the United States, overwhelming health care systems. One way to make holiday or seasonal… read on > read on >
THURSDAY, Dec. 22, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — Two weeks after giving birth and a week before Christmas 2016, Ashley Hammontree was enjoying a snowy day at home in Greenwood, Missouri. Wearing pajamas, she nursed her baby, Elijah, and set him in a swing. Her husband, Ryan, came inside from playing with their dogs.… read on > read on >
A nationwide group of infection control experts recommends U.S. health care facilities stop testing patients for COVID-19 before hospital admission or scheduled surgeries if they have no virus symptoms. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) statement says facilities should rely instead on enhanced layers of infection prevention. “The small benefits that could come… read on > read on >
Cluster headaches are more common in men, but may be more severe for women, according to a new study. Researchers surveyed almost 900 patients diagnosed with cluster headache — short-lasting but extremely painful headaches that can occur many days or even weeks in a row. The survey asked about symptoms, medications, headache triggers and lifestyle… read on > read on >
Elon Musk swears by the weight-loss drug Wegovy, and Kim Kardashian is rumored to have used it to shed 16 pounds in three weeks to squeeze into a vintage gown once worn by Marylin Monroe. But the intense public demand for Wegovy has triggered a shortage of the diabetes version of the injectable medication, known… read on > read on >
Having trouble finding influenza meds at your local pharmacy? You’re not alone. Now, flu-infected patients will have better access to prescription medicines as the U.S. government releases doses of Tamiflu from the Strategic National Stockpile. The Biden administration announced Wednesday it will release an unspecified number of doses to U.S. states as the country deals… read on > read on >
