Clinical Definition Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the facial muscles caused by damage such as swelling, compression, or inflammation to the seventh cranial nerve. An electromyography (EMG) can detect the presence and extent of nerve damage and may also help to predict the rate of recovery. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can rule…
Benign
Clinical Definition Benign, the opposite of malignant, is often used to describe a tumor that is non-cancerous and typically does not metastasize. In Our Own Words In describing tumors, the term benign means not malignant. Benign tumors are growths that do not spread or take over like cancer does. While benign growths might be harmless,…
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Clinical Definition Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is a condition marked by a non-cancerous proliferation of cells, both smooth muscle and epithelial, in the prostate gland’s transition zone. Lower urinary tract symptoms accompany the hyperplasia. Diagnosis is made by medical history, physical exam, and tests, including urinalysis. Treatments include watchful waiting, medication and surgery. In…
Beta Blocker
Clinical Definition Patients with heart disease often take beta blockers, a class of heart medication that treats heart failure, high blood pressure and tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate). After a time, a beta blocker may enhance the pumping ability of your heart and improve mortality even in those with severe cardiovascular disease and heart failure.…