What is Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental illness. It may cause disturbed or disorganized thinking, speech, or behavior. People with schizophrenia have problems functioning in one or more areas of life. People with schizophrenia are at increased risk for suicide, certain long-term (chronic) physical illnesses, and unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and drug use. People …
What is Sciatica Sciatica is pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg. The nerve controls the muscles in the lower leg and in the back of the knee. It also provides feeling (sensation) to …
What is Scleral Buckling Scleral buckling is a procedure to fix retinal detachment. Retinal detachment occurs when the thin membrane that covers the back of your eye (retina) separates (detaches) from your eyeball. The retina is the part of your eye that sends visual signals to your brain along the optic nerve. Retinal detachment is …
What are Scleritis and Episcleritis Scleritis and episcleritis are redness and inflammation of the white part of the eye (sclera). Episcleritis involves only the surface of the sclera. Episcleritis is a mild condition that does not affect your vision. It usually clears up in a few days without treatment. Scleritis involves the body of the …
What is Scleroderma Scleroderma is a rare and long-term (chronic) disease of the immune system. The immune system protects the body by attacking germs that cause illness. If you have scleroderma, your immune system mistakenly attacks your skin and other parts of your body instead. This is called an autoimmune disease. Scleroderma means hardening of …
What is Sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is done to improve the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins and to help relieve aching, swelling, cramping, and pain in the legs. Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged, bulging, and twisted due to a damaged valve that causes blood to collect (pool) in …
Scoliosis Surgery in Children – What are the Options? Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is a procedure to correct an abnormal curving of the spine (scoliosis). Your child may need this surgery if he or she has a severe curving of the spine that has not been helped by other treatments, such as braces. In the …