Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Capturing What's Inside You!

The internal design of a human body is complicated, and hence, an X-Ray examination cannot reveal everything. To understand the minute insights better, doctors instruct MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). An MRI machine is a tube-shaped device which creates detailed images of tissues and organs of a human body under the influence of magnetic field and radio waves. When a patient lies inside an MRI machine, his body's hydrogen atoms are realigned by the magnetic field. Then, the radio waves in parallel produce faint signals to develop cross-sectional MRI images. The images can be created either in two dimensions or three dimensions as per requirement. 

Why is MRI done?

MRI is a noninvasive method of capturing high-resolution images of internal organs, tissues and skeletal system to diagnose the problems happening inside the body. 

MRI of Spinal Cord and Brain

Often patients undergo this examination for brain or spinal cord to diagnose:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Tumors
• Multiple sclerosis
• Aneurysms of cerebral vessels
• Disorders of the eye and inner ear
• Brain injury from trauma 

Apart from these variants, a particular type of MRI known as function MRI (fMRI) is done to measure the metabolic changes occurring inside the brain. It examines the brain's anatomy and determines how the parts of the brain are functioning. fMRI is also used to determine the damage caused due to head injury or diseases like Alzheimer's disease. 

MRI of Internal Organs

Medical science has earned numerous advantages since the launch of MRI technology. It can be used to identify abnormalities prevailing in body parts like:

• Ovaries
• Liver and bile ducts
• Spleen
• Prostate
• Kidneys
• Uterus
• Pancreas 

MRI of Heart and Blood Vessels

• For heart and blood vessels this technique can assess:
• The thickness and the movement of heart's walls.
• The structural problems of the aorta.
• The functions and size of the chambers of the heart.
• The blockage and inflammation in blood vessels.
• The seriousness of damage caused by heart disease or heart attack. 

MRI of Bones and Joints

• Here, this magnetic technology helps to evaluate:
• Disk abnormalities in the spine
• Bone infections
• Tumors of the bones and soft tissues
• Joint defects caused by traumatic or repetitive injuries 

Radiology Service Centers in San Antonio

If you want to undergo MRI or any other radiology procedure, then reach out to the experts of Gonzaba Medical Group. They are one of the leading providers of Diagnostic Imaging Services in San Antonio.

Acid Reflux Disease- Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

What is Acid Reflux Disease?

The human body is composed of several valves, and one such valve exists at the entrance of our stomach. It is known as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which closes as soon as food passes through it. When it doesn't close at all or closes but opens up too often, then the acid produced in our stomach finds a way to travel upwards to the esophagus. This action causes burning chest pain (commonly called as heartburn) which in medical terms is known as acid reflux. If it happens more than two times in a week, then this abnormality is termed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What Causes Acid Reflux Disease?

The following list mentions the common risk factors for reflux disease:

• Eating large meals.
• Being obese or overweight.
• After a heavy meal lying on back or bending at the waist.
• Eating spicy or fatty foods or sometimes eating tomatoes, chocolate, garlic, onion or citrus foods also causes acid reflux action.
• Smoking.
• Being pregnant.
• Eating snacks before bedtime.
• Taking aspirin, blood pressure medications, ibuprofen, or muscle relaxers
• Drinking beverages like tea, coffee, carbonated drinks or alcohol. 

What Are the Indications of Acid Reflux Disease?

• Heartburn- A burning pain or discomfort starting from stomach towards abdomen or chest till throat.
• Regurgitation- A sour or bitter acid taste backing up in mouth or throat.
• Bloody or black stools
• Bloody vomiting
• Burping
• Dysphagia- A feeling of narrowing esophagus as if food is stuck in the throat.
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Wheezing, hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or a dry cough.
• Sometimes weight loss 

Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Cured with Lifestyle Changes?

One of the best ways to avoid acid reflux is to elude the foods which trigger this action. Follow the below guidelines:

• Avoid eating large meals and instead eat small meals frequently throughout the day.
• Quit smoking.
• Avoid eating anything at least two to three hours before sleep.
• If you are obese or overweight, then adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce weight.
• Try taking daytime naps in a chair.
• Avoid wearing tight apparels.
• Try keeping your head four to six inches high while sleeping. 

Acid Reflux Treatment in San Antonio

If the lifestyle as mentioned above changes don't help, then immediately connect with the experienced doctors at Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC. They use advanced diagnostic methods for treating conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, liver diseases, colon cancer and many more. For more information book an appointment now.

Plastic Surgery- Ask Yourself Three Questions

Are you planning to undergo plastic surgery? If so, then the first step beings at your end, which is figuring out if you are a right candidate for this surgery. From the physical standpoint, it is imperative to observe what you eat, drink and whether or not you exercise. If you already have a medical problem, then consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to ensure if this can be a barrier to your aesthetic procedure. Experts suggest that each patient is unique and whether if it is liposuction, breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, their bodies adapt it differently and emerge differently in comparison to one another. 

Ask yourself the following questions:

Why Do I Want to Undergo Plastic Surgery?

The primary reason why people undergo plastic surgery is that they want to improve the aesthetics of their body. You should honestly answer yourself, why you want to modify the particular part of your body. Are you doing it because you have congenital disabilities or you want to do it as part of reconstructive surgery? You may also want to do it to slow down the results of aging. 

Am I Suffering from Any Medical Problems?

Expert surgeons suggest that a person is a poor candidate for plastic surgery if he/she is suffering from the following health problems:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Elevated Cholesterol
• Emotional Instability
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Bleeding Disorder
• Lung Disease
• Autoimmune Disease
• Allergies 

And the list has many other medical conditions. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, then your plastic surgery may have a higher rate of complications which may include bleeding, abnormal wound healing, difficulties with anesthesia, infection, etc. If you are smoking and alcohol consuming candidate, then you must follow your surgeon's advice because these components affect the results of plastic surgery. 

What is My Lifestyle?

You are a right candidate if you possess a healthy lifestyle. It means you:

• Are not overweight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don't smoke.
• Emotionally stable.
• Have family and friends in support.
• Can limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Accept the disadvantages of plastic surgery, viz. discomfort, inconvenience, medical risk, and cost. 

Plastic Surgeon in San Antonio

Dr.Koneru is an experienced and professional plastic/cosmetic surgeon of San Antonio. He is a doctor recommended by other doctors. If you want to seek consultation for plastic surgery in San Antonio, then what could be better than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon? He is trained in all procedures, including breast reconstruction, facelift, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, laser treatments, body contouring, and more.

Does Arthritis Require an Urgent Care?

Are you suffering from severe joint pain problem? If so, then stay attentive and consult a specialist immediately because joint issues are an indication of arthritis. This problem of joints is said to cause permanent damage to joint bones if treatment is delayed.  

When to See a Doctor? 

If you face the following potential signs of joint problems, then see an arthritis specialist immediately: 

• Joint tenderness or stiffness 
• Pain in joints 
• Swelling of joints 
• Stiffness while motioning of joints 
• Redness or warmth in joints 
• Difficulty in moving a joint or while doing everyday activities 
• Joint symptoms that cause concern 
• Joint problems that last longer than two days 
• Several cases of joint issues in a single month

 

When is Arthritis Urgent Care Required? 

Arthritis isn't a diagnosis, and many people confuse it this way. It is a medical disorder which covers a hundred diseases and related conditions. If you are diagnosed with arthritis, then knowing the type of arthritis is the first step to getting the right treatment. 

Some types of arthritis like septic require treatment on a prompt basis. The reason is these conditions create permanent damage and getting an immediate treatment can bring the situation under control. Medications prevent damage to the functions of joints and other related problems. 

Experts suggest that infrequent or mild joint problems should be addressed on an urgent basis to keep damages out of the way. Additionally, it is advisable to discuss your bones with the specialist in your regular health check-ups.  

 

How to Ease Arthritis Pain? 

• Exercising- A body which stays inactive and sedentary while suffering from arthritis worsens the situation and invites other health issues too. Pool exercises, yoga or prescribed exercises keeps an arthritis patient physically fit. 
• Start Your Day with Warm Water and Stretching- Our body is tight when we wake up in the morning, therefore to loosen it up, take a shower with warm water to relax your muscles and then do some stretching. 
• Maintain your Weight- Researchers believe that excess fat tissues create a chemical that causes inflammation. To cure arthritis, you need to avoid inflammation strictly because it usually happens in joints due to the accumulation of weighty muscles. 
• Eat a Balanced and Low Cholesterol Diet- Some foods cause inflammation and extreme pain in joints. Avoid eating foods with high sodium content (salt), sugar, corn oil, fried or oily foods and processed foods. 

 

Arthritis Treatment in San Antonio 

Gonzaba Urgent Care Center is an arthritis treatment center also to other urgent care problems. They work seven days a week and treat conditions of people greater than two years of age. For more details book an appointment now.

FAQs on Pellevé Treatment

How is Pellevé Distinguished from Other Skin Tightening Treatments? 

Medical studies prove that Pellevé is a safe and effective skin tightening treatment. It is a non-invasive procedure and has minimal side effects and discomfort. Because this treatment does not involve any surgery, hence, anesthesia or skin cooling is not required, unlike other procedures. People usually return to work after the completion of this treatment. It involves the transfer of heat at the job area to stimulate collagen production and contract the underlying skin. The increase in collagen helps in setting skin free from wrinkles. 

How Does Pellevé Work? 

The treatment uses radio frequency energy to penetrate deep into the skin. This activity generates heat at the location where skin and fat layer join. It stimulates collagen deep into the skin causing it to contract and stimulate the growth of collagen. This new generation of collagen results in tighter and younger looking skin. Several instances have proved that nine out of 10 patients noticed significant benefits just after one Pellevé sitting. Studies reveal that the 90% patients of this treatment observe its effects even after six months of the last session. 

How Long Does the Pellevé Procedure Take? 

For a full facial treatment, this procedure requires around 45 minutes to an hour. Because there's no anesthesia effect, this treatment fits comfortably in your schedule. 

What Do I Need to Do Before Pellevé? 

It is advisable to stay hydrated before the application of this treatment. Your doctor may advise you to stop tropical products or medications which you may be intaking. 

Is Pellevé Procedure Painful? 

Not! It is a virtually painless method of skin contraction. Many patients comment that while they were under treatment, they felt it like a warm massage. 

What Precautions Do I Need to Take After Pellevé? 

Your doctor will direct you to wear an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent future photo damage. It will also help you in maintaining the results of the treatment. 

Can Pellevé Treatment Be Combined with Any Other Cosmetic Method? 

Many physicians combine Pellevé with wrinkle relaxing agents and dermal fillers. Based on your skin type, your doctor can decide the perfect set of combination, if required to achieve your cosmetic goals. 

Skin Tightening Treatment in San Antonio 

The experienced doctors of Agave Laser and Aesthetic Clinic can do a right Pellevé treatment for you at minimal cost. They offer one of the best medical aesthetic services in town by using latest technology methods. To know more, book an appointment now!

FAQs on Whole Body Cryotherapy

What is Whole Body Cryotherapy? 

During a whole body cryotherapy procedure, the candidate's body is exposed to a hyper-cool temperature for around two to three minutes. This technique was developed in Japan in the 1970s and is popularly used by professional athletes to improve their performance and decease their recovery time. It is considered as one of the best remedies for musculoskeletal pain.  

Who is the Best Candidate for Whole Body Cryotherapy? 

If you are a professional athlete or looking for therapy for your enhanced health and wellness, then cryotherapy can help you achieve ultimate potential. Consult an expert to confirm if you are fit to undergo this three-minute procedure. 

Is Cryotherapy a Proven Treatment for Recovery and Health? 

Whole Body Cryotherapy is being used by several health practitioners in Europe and Asia for around 30 years now. Moreover, numerous studies have been released on this subject which reveals its immense health benefits. 

Is Whole Body Cryotherapy Safe? 

Yes, experts say that it is safe for treatment of several muscular disorders because it uses cold air and cooling agents do not get in contact with the candidate's skin. The cold air is chilled using liquid nitrogen, and the 78% of the air we breathe is composed of nitrogen. Hence, it is safe to undergo this procedure. 

Experts suggest that during this procedure the body's internal temperature remains constant and the temperature change is only superficial. The candidate's head is always kept outside the chamber. The Cryosauna chamber is equipped with safety features, and a trained operator is always around you to ensure nothing is going out of the track, and he/she can handle the situations of emergencies. Moreover, the chamber room is equipped with oxygen sensors and proper ventilation systems to ensure optimal airflow. 

Who Should Not Undergo Cryotherapy? 

Do not undergo this procedure if you: 

• Are pregnant. 
• Are suffering from cold, fever or infection. 
• Have cold-induced asthma.
• Have an open wound or sore. 
• Have hyperthyroidism. 
• Have tumor diseases. 
• Have severe hypertension. 
• Are suffering from heart or cardiovascular diseases.
• Are suffering from respiratory problems. 
• Have a pacemaker. 
• Have seizures. 
• Are suffering from the peripheral arterial disease. 
• Have acute kidney or urinary tract disease.
• Are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 
• Have suffered a heart attack with the date less than six months. 
• Have severe anemia. 
• Have Raynaud's syndrome. 
• Have polyneuropathy.
• Have expired venous thrombosis. 
• Have seizures. 

Whole Body Cryotherapy in San Antonio 

If you want to learn about Cryotherapy or wish to undergo this treatment, then connect with the experts of K2 Cryospa. It is locally, and veteran-owned therapy clinic in San Antonio. For more details book an appointment now!

What is Radiology? What are its Types?

Advancements in technology have invented numerous non-invasive methods which can minutely diagnose the activities happening inside a human body. Medical imaging systems have made it possible to generate the pictures of anatomic structures and organs of living organisms. The images produced by these methods are highly detailed, and these contribute to expanding the knowledge of physicians and other associated resources to further proceed with the required treatment.

Radiology is a branch of medicine which concerns the use of radiant energy in diagnosing and treating diseases. The physician who specializes in radiology is known as a radiologist. There are two types of radiology:

·         Diagnostic Radiology-It is also known as diagnostic imaging, and it uses radiations of low intensity to develop highly detailed images of the internal system. It is usually used in diagnosing the internal state of the body in case of broken bones, blood clots, heart conditions and gastrointestinal conditions. It is also used to monitor the outcomes of ongoing treatment and in the diagnosis of breast and colon cancer. The following are examples of diagnostic radiology scans:

o   Ultrasound- It is the most inexpensive technology which is majorly used in producing images of the foetus and pregnant mother. It applies acoustic energy at application area to create pictures. Technically, the frequency of energy is above the audible frequency levels of the humans.

o   Nuclear Medicine Scans- This scan includes the patient gulping pill which encapsulates a gamma camera and a few other components. This short-lived radioactive element takes continuous snaps as it passes through the oesophagus.  

o   Radiography/X-Rays- It is one of the oldest body scan methods which is primarily used in developing images of bones, joints, and ligaments.

o   Computed Tomography (CT) Scans- This scan uses high radiation energy to generate images of all possible orientations.

o   Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans- It operates on magnetic field energy and is the most efficient procedure for producing two and three-dimensional images.

o   Interventional Radiology- It is a minimally invasive disease treatment procedure which uses diagnostic radiology scans (produced by CT scan, MRI scan and ultrasound to help guide medical procedures) to insert catheters, wires, and other incision tools. Doctors use stents, occluders and medications to cure conditions like cancers, back pain, blockages in arteries and veins and problems related to liver and kidney. 

Radiology Centers in San Antonio

For diagnostic imaging in San Antonio, Gonzaba Medical Group is the best place to visit. It is one of the chief providers of diagnostic imaging services and all under one roof.