Though not common, pregnancy can put some women at greater risk of severe or fatal stroke. Stroke occurs when blood vessels are blocked or broken.  An ischemic stroke occurs when fatty plaque or a clot blocks a blood vessel.  The blockage deprives brain tissue of oxygen-rich blood.  Without oxygen, brain cells quickly die, sometimes causing … Continued

Tourniquets used in everyday medical care may contribute to cross-contamination between patients. While the idea of a tourniquet to most people brings to mind a serious, traumatic wound, tourniquets are frequently used throughout healthcare settings.  Reusable tourniquets are used to locate a vein for a blood draw or IV.  If you have had a blood … Continued

The US Food and Drug Association (FDA) is alerting the healthcare industry about the danger of surgical staplers used for internal operative procedures. What Makes a Medical Stapler? Most people are familiar with office staplers.  A depressed lever inserts a staple that holds paper together.  Construction staplers do a similar job on other industrial materials.  … Continued

Since a government mandate required American healthcare providers to transition to electronic medical records, paper medical charts are rapidly becoming extinct.  Has the move to digital health data fulfilled its promise or introduced a new host of potentially deadly problems? Technological Advancements a Constant in Medical Industry New technology and the medical industry go hand-in-hand. … Continued

The danger of brain injury from sports has become household news. In response, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab recently released youth helmet ratings for the first time. In the last decade, professional sports leagues have come under fire after findings repeatedly showed the danger of hits to the head in adult sports including football, hockey, … Continued

Screening for diabetes during pregnancy could save the life of an unborn child. Diabetes is a condition where the body loses the ability to control blood sugar, or glucose, levels.  There are three types of diabetes including: Gestational diabetes mellitus: This form of diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy and remain elevated.  … Continued

Blood clots are dangerous and can quickly become life-threatening.  A recent study suggests a new compound used in combination with a diagnostic scan increases the ability of physicians to detect harmful blood clots. For a variety of reasons, blood clots can form in the deep veins in the leg, pelvis, or arms.  When a blood … Continued