What is Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)? A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall (septum) between the bottom chambers of the heart (ventricles). This is a problem that is present at birth (congenital heart defect). A VSD can change the normal flow of blood in the body. A VSD is often found during …
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – 8 Interesting Facts Read More »
What is Ventricular Tachycardia Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heartbeat that begins in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). It is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). A normal heartbeat usually starts when an area in the heart called the sinoatrial (SA) node releases an electrical signal. With ventricular tachycardia, electrical signals in …
What is Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt (VP) Placement Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP) is a medical device that drains fluid from the brain into a sac in the abdomen (peritoneum). This fluid normally surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). The drainage pathways in the brain absorb CSF as needed. If the brain’s drainage pathways …
What is Vertebral Artery Dissection Vertebral artery dissection is a tear in a vertebral artery. The vertebral arteries are major blood vessels at the base of the neck. They carry blood from the heart to the brain. When an artery tears, blood collects inside the layers of the artery wall. This can cause a blood …
What is Vertebrobasilar Disease Vertebrobasilar disease is a condition in which too little blood reaches the back of the brain. Vertebrobasilar disease can cause symptoms that interfere with day-to-day life, such as double vision. It also increases the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Vertebrobasilar disease is also called vertebrobasilar insufficiency. What are …
What is Vertebroplasty? More than 40 million people in the United States have osteoporosis (a decrease in the amount of bone mass) or have thinning of the bones that puts them at risk for spine fractures (broken bones). Thinning of the bones can occur at any age, but it is most common in older adults. …
What is Vertigo Vertigo means that you feel like you are moving when you are not. Vertigo can also make you feel like things around you are moving when they are not. This feeling can come and go at any time. Vertigo often goes away on its own. Follow these instructions at home: Avoid making …