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Sorting Out Knee Pain
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Help for Hip Pain
Pain in the hip is all too common. Learn about some common causes and how to prevent or treat it.
Simple Ways to Build Strong Bones
Osteoporosis can mean fractures and disability. Three steps you can take right now to strengthen your bones.
Ask an Expert
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of having a stroke?
There are several things that a patient can do to prevent a stroke. First and foremost, make sure that you are following up with your primary doctor to ensure that all of your possible stroke risk factors are t... continue reading about Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of having a stroke?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
My dad had a stroke two months ago. He is still having some trouble with walking and speaking. Can you tell me if a stroke victim can ever return to "normal"?
Every stroke patient is different, and each patient's recovery varies depending on several factors. We do know that intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy can significanly impact and improve a pat... continue reading about My dad had a stroke two months ago. He is still having some trouble with walking and speaking. Can you tell me if a stroke victim can ever return to "normal"?
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
In the past I've take steroids for my irritable bowel syndrome, but since I've stopped, my IBS has returned. What are your thoughts on long-term steroid use for IBS?
It would be most important to distinguish your problem by its full diagnostic name. You refer to "IBS", which stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Steroids are rarely used for this condition. If the letters are... continue reading about In the past I've take steroids for my irritable bowel syndrome, but since I've stopped, my IBS has returned. What are your thoughts on long-term steroid use for IBS?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
What is a mini stroke? Are there any warning signs before it happens?
"Mini-stroke" is a term that commonly refers to the medical condition transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIA refers to loss of neurologic function that is transient (less than 24 hours). These occur due to blocka... continue reading about What is a mini stroke? Are there any warning signs before it happens?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
My dad had a stroke about a year ago and is doing better now, but it made me wonder - is there any way to prevent another one from happening (like a better diet, exercise)?
There are several things that a patient can do to prevent another stroke or TIA. First and foremost, the patient should make sure that they are following up with their primary doctor or neurologist, to ensure t... continue reading about My dad had a stroke about a year ago and is doing better now, but it made me wonder - is there any way to prevent another one from happening (like a better diet, exercise)?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
My mom had a stroke about seven months ago. Although she is slowly recovering from it, she seems depressed to me. Is this just part of the recovery, or should I talk to her about it so that she can get some sort of treatment?
Depression is a common occurrence after stroke, and can occur in approximately 20-60 percent of stroke patients, depending on which research study you look at. The depressive symptoms may be in addition to the ... continue reading about My mom had a stroke about seven months ago. Although she is slowly recovering from it, she seems depressed to me. Is this just part of the recovery, or should I talk to her about it so that she can get some sort of treatment?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy on a person who has a history of lacunar stroke?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase the risk of ischemic stroke (lacunar stroke is a subtype of ischemic stroke). Although the absolute risk of complications such as stroke is relativel... continue reading about What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy on a person who has a history of lacunar stroke?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Are there symptoms of a brain tumor and, if so, what are they?
A brain tumor can present in many ways, depending on the size, location, and type of the brain tumor. Symptoms can include progressively worsening headaches or a new headache, nausea/vomiting, seizures, new neu... continue reading about Are there symptoms of a brain tumor and, if so, what are they?
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
What does stool color tell me? Aside from bloody or black, are there other colors I should be concerned about?
That's a great question and one everyone has thought about at some point. Stool color is determined by a combination of bile, what you eat that isn't absorbed, and how fast or slowly the intestinal stream moves... continue reading about What does stool color tell me? Aside from bloody or black, are there other colors I should be concerned about?
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