Ayurveda: Traditional Indian system of health — principles, history, and concerns Ayurveda Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating on the Indian subcontinent. This article outlines its principles, historical development, common therapies, modern use, and…
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine Bacillus Calmette-Guérin BCG is a live attenuated vaccine derived from Mycobacterium bovis used to prevent severe forms of tuberculosis in children and as an intravesical therapy for certain bladder cancer…
Bacterial meningitis Acute infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria; a medical emergency treatable with prompt antibiotics and preventable in part by vaccines.
Bacterial vaginosis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment Bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment — clear overview of how imbalanced vaginal bacteria cause thin, odorous discharge, how BV is diagnosed and treated,…
Bandage: purpose, types, history and proper use Bandage A bandage is any strip of cloth or material used to secure dressings, control bleeding, protect wounds and support injured body parts. Covers types, history, uses and how it differ…
Barbiturates: history, properties, uses, and risks Barbiturate Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants derived from barbituric acid, once widely used as sedatives, hypnotics and anticonvulsants but now limited because of overdose r…
Bariatrics: Medical Care and Treatment of Obesity Bariatrics Bariatrics is the medical specialty focused on preventing and treating overweight and obesity through lifestyle, medications, devices, and surgical procedures, and managing related…
Basilar-type migraine (migraine with brainstem aura) Basilar-type migraine A migraine variant characterized by brainstem and posterior fossa symptoms that often precede headache. Covers presentation, likely mechanisms, diagnosis, and management considerat…
Bathroom cabinet (medicine cabinet) Bathroom cabinet A bathroom cabinet, often called a medicine cabinet, is a wall-mounted cupboard used to store toiletries, medicines and grooming items; it saves space and protects contents from mo…
Benign: meaning, medical use, characteristics and distinctions Benign Benign describes conditions or growths that are not inherently life‑threatening and do not spread like cancers. It covers medical, biological, and general usages, diagnostic approa…
Benign neonatal seizures: overview, causes, diagnosis, and prognosis Benign neonatal seizures Benign neonatal seizures are seizure syndromes in newborns that usually resolve early. This article explains types, clinical features, genetics, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and…
Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo of Childhood (BPVC) Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood A childhood syndrome of sudden, brief, recurrent vertigo attacks in otherwise well children; usually self-limited and often associated with migraine family history.
Benzylpiperazine (BZP): recreational stimulant — effects, risks, and legal status Benzylpiperazine Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is a synthetic piperazine-class stimulant used recreationally. This article summarizes its chemistry, effects, risks, history of use and varying legal contro…
Beriberi: causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention Beriberi Beriberi is a disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency that affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems; it is preventable and treatable with supplementation and diet…
Beta blocker (beta-adrenergic blocker) Beta blocker Beta blockers are medicines that block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing effects of adrenaline/noradrenaline to lower heart rate and blood pressure; used for hypertension, arrhyt…
Bevacizumab (Avastin): anti‑angiogenic monoclonal antibody Bevacizumab Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits VEGF-driven angiogenesis. Used in multiple cancers and some ophthalmic settings, it reduces tumour blood supply but carries wound…
Bilirubin: origin, biology, and clinical significance Bilirubin Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment formed from haemoglobin breakdown. This article explains its formation, types, physiological handling, clinical importance (jaundice, neonatal care…
Binge drinking A concise overview of binge drinking: definition, how it is measured, common settings and causes, health and social harms, prevention, and how it differs from other alcohol pattern…
Binge eating Binge eating involves repeated episodes of uncontrolled overeating accompanied by distress. This article explains signs, diagnostic features, causes, consequences, and approaches t…
Bipolar disorder: overview, symptoms, causes, and treatment Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a mood condition marked by alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. This article explains features, subtypes, causes, diagnosis, treatment opt…
Birth control (contraception and family planning) Birth control Methods and practices that prevent pregnancy and help plan childbearing, including types, effectiveness, history, social importance, and considerations for choosing a method.
Birth defect (congenital disorder): overview, causes, diagnosis and care Birth defect An accessible guide to birth defects (congenital disorders): definitions, causes (genetic and environmental), diagnosis including prenatal tests, management, prevention, and key te…
Black Mamba (synthetic cannabinoid drug) Black Mamba (drug) Black Mamba is a brand name for synthetic cannabinoid products linked to severe physical and psychiatric harms, unpredictable potency, and shifting legal controls in many countries…
Blackout (medical amnesia and transient loss of consciousness) Blackout A blackout is a sudden episode of memory loss or temporary loss of consciousness. Causes include alcohol, stress, reduced brain oxygen or blood flow, head injury, seizures and cert…
Bladder cancer: overview, types, diagnosis and management Bladder cancer Bladder cancer is a malignancy of the urinary bladder lining. This article summarizes its types, typical symptoms, diagnostic steps, common treatments, risk factors and follow‑up c…
Bleeding (Hemorrhage): Causes, Types, Severity, and Management Bleeding Bleeding (hemorrhage) is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. This article describes types, causes, signs, severity scales, first aid and medical treatments, and historic…
Blind experiment (blinding in experimental design) Blind experiment A blind experiment hides which treatment participants or investigators receive to reduce bias. Variants include single-, double- and triple-blind designs; blinding is used in clini…
Blister (skin lesion) Blister A blister is a fluid-filled sac that forms within the skin, usually from friction, heat, cold, or injury. This entry explains types, how blisters form, basic care, prevention, and…
Blood donation: purpose, procedures, safety, and history Blood donation An overview of voluntary blood donation: what is donated, how it is collected and tested, common uses, safety measures, and a brief history of modern blood banking.
Blood draw (venipuncture): purpose, procedure, equipment and safety Blood draw Blood draw (venipuncture) is the collection of blood for testing, transfusion or donation using needles and vacuum tubes; includes equipment, steps, risks and common variations.
Blood film (peripheral blood smear) Blood film A blood film is a stained thin smear of peripheral blood on a microscope slide used to evaluate red cells, white cells, platelets and to detect blood parasites and morphological ab…
Blood pressure: definition, measurement, interpretation, and clinical importance Blood pressure Comprehensive overview of blood pressure: what it measures, how readings are reported and obtained, measurement techniques, related concepts (pulse pressure, MAP), clinical interpr…
Blood substitutes: oxygen carriers and plasma expanders Blood substitute An overview of blood substitutes — synthetic or biological products that can carry oxygen or restore volume, their types, history, clinical uses, limits, and directions for researc…
Blood test (bloodwork): purpose, types, and clinical uses Blood test Blood tests analyze blood samples to assess health, diagnose disease, monitor organ function, and detect substances. Overview of methods, common measurements, history, and practica…
Blood transfusion: purpose, components, history, and safety Blood transfusion Overview of blood transfusion: what it is, main components used, historical development, indications and benefits, compatibility testing, risks and modern safety measures.
Blood type (blood group): classification, systems, and clinical importance Blood type Blood type is the classification of blood based on surface antigens of red blood cells. It guides transfusion compatibility, pregnancy care, forensic and population studies, and ha…
Bloodletting: history, methods, medical uses, and legacy Bloodletting Bloodletting is the historical practice of withdrawing blood to treat illness. This article reviews its rationale, techniques (leeches, phlebotomy, cupping), decline, modern therap…
Blue-baby syndrome: causes, diagnosis, treatment and history Blue-baby syndrome Blue-baby syndrome describes cyanosis in infants caused by congenital heart defects or noncardiac conditions (notably methemoglobinemia); diagnosis and management vary by cause.
Blunt Force Trauma Injury caused by impact with a nonpenetrating object or surface; covers mechanisms, types, clinical management, forensic significance, and prevention.
Body modification: practices, history, meanings and safety Body modification Overview of body modification — permanent and long-term alterations such as piercings, tattoos and circumcision — with types, cultural history, motives, and health and legal consid…
Boil: the boiling process, cooking method, and skin abscess (furuncle) Boil An overview of 'boil' covering the physical process of boiling, culinary uses and safety, and the medical condition (furuncle): causes, signs, prevention and when to seek care.
Boil (skin infection) Boil (infection) A boil is a painful, pus-filled skin infection (furuncle) that develops around a hair follicle. This article explains causes, symptoms, treatment options, prevention, and when to s…
Bone metastasis Bone metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread from a primary tumor to bone. This entry explains mechanisms, common sources, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and differences from pr…
Bone tumor: types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment Bone tumor Overview of bone tumors, including benign and malignant types such as osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma; common signs, diagnostic methods, treatment options and important distinctio…
Botulism: causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention and medical uses Botulism Botulism is an uncommon but serious paralytic illness caused by the toxin of Clostridium botulinum. This article explains causes, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, preventio…
Brachial artery Major artery of the upper arm; continuation of the axillary artery that supplies the arm and elbow, palpated in the cubital fossa and used for blood pressure measurement and clinic…
Bradycardia: slow heart rate, causes, diagnosis, and treatment Bradycardia Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal resting heart rate (under 60 bpm in adults). This article covers types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and important distinctions.
Brain damage: causes, types, effects and recovery Brain damage Overview of brain damage: definitions, common causes (traumatic and non‑traumatic), typical symptoms, historical context, diagnosis, treatments and rehabilitation approaches.
