Author: Andrew Parker, MD
Andrew Parker, MD
Dr. Andrew Parker is a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 10 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and has worked at leading hospitals including St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. Parker specializes in patient education and digital health communication. He now focuses on creating clear, accessible, and evidence-based medical content for the public.
1. A 36-year-old woman is hospitalized for treatment of a stomach ulcer that has been getting progressively worse over several months. Radiographic studies reveal the site of involvement to be along the greater curvature, approximately 4 cm away from the pyloric sphincter. That night, the ulcer perforates, and there is considerable intra-abdominal bleeding. Surgery reveals that the ulcer has eroded through the stomach wall and has damaged the artery supplying the involved region of the stomach. Which artery was likely involved? A. Left gastric B. Left gastroepiploic C. Right gastric D. Right gastroepiploic E. Short gastric Show Answer & Explanation…
Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Principles, and Prevention A toothache refers to pain originating from the teeth or surrounding tissues, typically linked to poor oral hygiene, untreated dental disease, or gum irritation. The pain may come and go, or persist for days, especially when the affected tooth is exposed to heat, cold, sweets, chewing pressure, or brushing. Overview What Is a Toothache? A toothache is discomfort or sharp pain arising inside or around a tooth, usually triggered when the nerves within the dental pulp become inflamed or irritated. Pain patterns vary widely—some people experience intermittent twinges, while others suffer from nonstop,…
Understanding Age-Related Cataracts Age-related cataracts—often referred to as senile cataracts—typically appear after age 60–65 and progress slowly over time. In most cases, both eyes are affected, but the degree of cloudiness may differ between eyes. There are two major structural changes in the lens that characterize cataracts in older adults: 1. Nuclear Cataracts (Central Opacification) The central portion of the lens, called the nucleus, gradually hardens and turns yellow or even brown-black in advanced stages. Under microscopic examination, eye specialists can clearly see the dense, compacted nucleus even before the entire lens becomes opaque. 2. Cortical Cataracts (Peripheral Opacification) These…
Visual Impairment: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Visual impairment refers to a condition in which eyesight cannot be corrected to a “normal” level, even when using glasses, contact lenses, or undergoing refractive procedures. People with visual impairment may struggle to see objects clearly or may have a narrower field of view, requiring them to move their eyes or head more frequently to orient themselves. In severe cases, visual impairment can progress to partial or complete blindness, significantly affecting daily activities, independence, and quality of life. Understanding Visual Impairment What Is Visual Impairment? Visual impairment describes a partial or total loss…
Kidney function tests are performed to evaluate how effectively the kidneys clear metabolic waste from the body. These tests encompass several blood and urine measurements that together provide a comprehensive picture of renal health, helping clinicians determine whether any intervention or treatment is needed. Important: Kidney dysfunction often progresses silently. Early testing can detect problems long before noticeable symptoms appear. What Are Kidney Function Tests? Kidney function tests refer to a group of blood and urine assessments that measure how well the kidneys are working. Most of these tests focus on estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)—the key indicator of…
The assessment of liver health often begins with a fundamental but crucial pair of blood tests: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). These enzymes are so pivotal that they are frequently considered the first-line diagnostic tools doctors employ when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction. Understanding the role, origin, and fluctuating levels of these transaminases is key to diagnosing and monitoring various liver and systemic diseases. What Are ALT and AST? The Transaminases Explained ALT (formerly SGPT) and AST (formerly SGOT) are enzymes belonging to the aminotransferase group. Their primary function is to catalyze the transfer…
Comprehensive Guide to Valproate (Valproic Acid): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Valproate (Valproic Acid)? Valproate, also known as valproic acid or sodium valproate, is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer that enhances GABAergic inhibition in the brain. This medication is widely used in epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine prophylaxis, offering versatile therapeutic effects across neurological and psychiatric conditions. Overview of Valproate (Valproic Acid) Generic Name: Valproate (Valproic acid, Sodium valproate, Divalproex sodium) Brand Name: Depakote, Depakene, Convulex, Epilim, generics Drug Group: Anticonvulsant, mood stabilizer, antimigraine Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat epilepsy (partial and…
Comprehensive Guide to Lithium: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Lithium? Lithium is a mood-stabilizing agent primarily used to treat bipolar disorder by modulating neurotransmitter activity and stabilizing neuronal excitability. This medication remains a first-line treatment for mania and long-term prophylaxis in bipolar I disorder, offering robust efficacy when properly monitored. Overview of Lithium Generic Name: Lithium (as lithium carbonate, lithium citrate) Brand Name: Lithobid, Eskalith, generics Drug Group: Mood stabilizer (antimanic agent) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat acute mania in bipolar disorder. Prevent mood episode recurrence. Manage treatment-resistant depression. Key Characteristics Form: Extended-release…
Comprehensive Guide to Guanfacine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Guanfacine? Guanfacine is a selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist that reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, leading to decreased blood pressure and improved impulse control. This medication is widely used in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hypertension, with growing applications in neuropsychiatric and pediatric conditions. Overview of Guanfacine Generic Name: Guanfacine Brand Name: Intuniv (extended-release), Tenex (immediate-release), generics Drug Group: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (central-acting antihypertensive, ADHD agent) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Manage hypertension (primarily immediate-release form). Support behavioral regulation…
Comprehensive Guide to Lisdexamfetamine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Lisdexamfetamine? Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and prodrug of dextroamphetamine that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving focus and reducing impulsivity. This medication is widely used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED), offering extended-release action for once-daily dosing and lower abuse potential compared to immediate-release amphetamines. Overview of Lisdexamfetamine Generic Name: Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate Brand Name: Vyvanse, generics (Elvanse in Europe) Drug Group: CNS stimulant (prodrug amphetamine) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat attention deficit…