Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO): What to Know

This keeps oxygen and other nutrients from getting where they are needed. CRAO may happen seemingly out of nowhere and without causing pain. The first symptom may be sudden vision loss. seb_ra / Getty Images Thisrequires emergency attentionto help save vision. CRAO is also known as aneye stroke. seb_ra / Getty Images What Causes Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)? Anything that keeps blood from flowing through the vessels as it should can cause retinal vascular occlusion....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 321 words · Daniel Rogers MD

Central Sleep Apnea Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

There are many potential causes of disrupted breathing during sleep, one of which is central sleep apnea. Because the underlying cause of central sleep apnea is distinct from obstructive sleep apnea, it requires specialized treatment. This leads to a brief pause in breathing that may last 10 seconds or longer. nicolesy / Getty Images Though the cause is slightly different, the outcome of central sleep apnea is the same. Apnea comes from the Greek and means “no breath”....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 379 words · Christopher Wong

Cerebrospinal Fluid

CSF has the same consistency as water and delivers nutrients to your central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the choroid plexus produces cerebral spinal fluid in your brain’sventricles(hollow spaces). CSF is completely replaced every few hours and carries away waste material. SCIEPRO / Getty Images Fluid is obtained by performing alumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. You may feel pressure and a bit of soreness as the needle enters your body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 271 words · Gregory Nelson

Cerebrovascular Accident: Identifying and Treating a Stroke

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a medical term that refers to types of strokes. In a CVA, blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Signs of a CVA may include weakness, numbness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Kateryna Zasukhina / Getty Images Thrombosis in a cerebral vein is often referred to ascerebral venous thrombosis. This is when the brain’s blood supply is briefly blocked. It can cause temporary damage and raises the risk of future strokes....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 390 words · Danielle Carlson

Cervical and Neck Traction to Reduce Pain

While generally safe, cervical traction may not be appropriate if you have certain underlying health conditions or claustrophobia. This article explains what cervical traction is and how it is performed. It also describes conditions cervical traction can treat as well as the possible risks of the procedure. 4x-Image / Getty Images What Is Neck Traction? Neck traction is used for conditions affecting thecervical spine. Manual Traction Manual cervical traction is performed by a healthcare provider or physical therapist....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 335 words · Brandon Melton

Cervical Cancer

This is why regular checkups with a gynecologist are important, as well as regular screenings. In most cases, the immune system clears the HPV infection. When the infection isnt controlled or cleared, it stays active in your cells. SDI Productions / Getty Images This is when it can cause changes that can lead to cancer. The stage of the cancer also helps to guide treatment decisions. A combination of treatments may prove useful....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 299 words · Cory Williams

Cervical Cancer Survival Rate: What to Expect

The leading cause ofcervical canceris the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI). During the early stages of cervical cancer, signs or symptoms of the condition typically dont appear. As cervical cancer progresses, common symptoms include abnormal discharge, bleeding, and pelvic pain. thianchai sitthikongsak / Getty Images If these symptoms appear, make an appointment with your healthcare provider and schedule apelvic exam. thianchai sitthikongsak / Getty Images What Is Relative Survival Rate?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 327 words · Dylan Cruz Jr.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms by Stage

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom overall, often accompanied by vaginal pain and an abnormal discharge. Many of these symptoms are non-specific and easily missed. This is why early detection with aPap smearis essential to catching cancer when it is most treatable. Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health At this stage, cervical cancer is almost alwaysasymptomatic(without symptoms) orsubacute(with notable symptoms). Although cancer has not yet spread to distant sites, there may be cancer cells in nearby lymph nodes....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Jessica Simpson

Cervical Cap Insertion to Prevent Pregnancy

The cap is a small piece of silicone rubber shaped like a sailor’s hat. It fits over thecervix(the opening to theuterus). With the use ofspermicide, it blocks sperm from getting to the egg. Peter Andrews / Getty Images A cervical cap helps prevent pregnancy, though there aremore reliable alternatives. Peter Andrews / Getty Images Can You Use a Cervical Cap and Not Get Pregnant? When Doesn’t a Cervical Cap Work? You should not use a cervical cap when you are menstruating (having your period)....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 337 words · Casey Watson

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: An Overview

Depending on your age, risk factors for cervical cancer, and health conditions, treatment protocols can vary. Learn more about cervical intraepithelial neoplasia symptoms, causes, treatment, and prognosis. Is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia cancerous? Verywell / Jessica Olahs Further classification will occur after the diagnosis to specify the amount of tissue affected. What Is the Most Common Cause of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia? Additional risk factors include: it’s possible for you to help protect yourself against HPV infection by gettingvaccinated....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 316 words · Leslie Johnson

Cervical Spine Curve and Injuries

The number indicates the level of the cervical spine in which the particular vertebra is located. The cervical spine is often called the C-spine for short. An example of the cervical vertebra naming conventions is the seventh cervical vertebra. Tonpor Kasa / Getty Images It is called C7, or C-7. Additionally, the cervical spine can develop degenerative changes that may lead to arthritis and stenosis. These changes are usually, but not always, related to advancing age....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 196 words · Mr. Alexander Green

Cervical Traction: Exercises and Benefits for Neck Pain

One such treatment is cervical traction. What Does Cervical Traction Do? Cervical traction can be used for a variety of purposes. Verywell / Ellen Lindner Contraindications Cervical spinal traction is not right for everyone. A 2017 meta-analysis published in the journalSpineexamined seven different cervical traction studies. The researchers concluded that neck traction can possibly offer short-term neck pain relief. How is Cervical Traction Applied? Cervical traction can be applied in many different ways....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 322 words · Janet Silva

Cervicogenic Headache Overview

Lets learn more about this unusual headache and how itsdiagnosedand treated. More specifically, certain occupations or head and neck injuries may trigger the development of cervicogenic headaches. In addition, there is no consensus on exactly how this disorder is diagnosed. Tetra Images / Getty Images Imaging studies, such as X-ray ormagnetic resonance imaging(MRI), may or may not show abnormalities. It is not required for a diagnosis. However, this, too, is not required for a diagnosis....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 168 words · Joseph Johnson