Day: February 8, 2024

What is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)? A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) happens when the blood supply to your brain is temporarily blocked. This may happen because of a build-up of fatty deposits in your blood vessels (known as atherosclerosis) that leads to a temporarily reduced flow of blood to your brain. It can also be caused by a blood clot that causes a temporary blockage. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. If this happens, your brain cells may start dying, causing symptoms. A TIA is similar to a stroke, but with some important differences.

What is a thyroidectomy? The thyroid gland is a structure in your neck that produces a hormone called thyroxine, which regulates your body’s metabolism. A thyroidectomy involves removing all or part of your thyroid gland. Your surgeon may also recommend removing the lymph nodes from around the thyroid gland or in the side of your neck. Thyroid cancer is a harmful growth that starts in the tissue of the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer may spread to the lymph nodes (glands) in your neck, and to other areas of your body such as your lungs or bones. Depending on the type of thyroid cancer, you

What is a thyroidectomy? A thyroidectomy is surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It uses iodine from your diet to make the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine controls your body’s metabolism (heart rate, temperature and growth). When is a thyroidectomy needed? You might need part or all of your thyroid gland removed if you have: a goitre (an enlarged thyroid) that makes it difficult to swallow or breathe hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis (an overactive thyroid) a lump that could be thyroid cancer There are various types of thyroid operations. These go from having

What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a gland in your neck, near the base of your throat. The thyroid gland makes hormones that help control many of your body’s metabolic processes, such as: heart rate blood pressure body temperature weight What types of thyroid problems are there? There are several conditions that can affect your thyroid gland. Because your thyroid gland plays an important role in controlling many of your body’s functions, serious health problems can result when it is not working as it should. Some thyroid problems cause an enlarged thyroid (goitre). Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid is

What are thyroid function tests? Thyroid function tests are used to check for thyroid problems. The tests measure the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) in your blood. The pituitary gland in your brain makes TSH and sends it to your thyroid gland. TSH controls the production of thyroid hormones. TSH is usually tested first. The combination of a TSH test and tests for the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 is known as a thyroid function test (TFT). Additional thyroid tests include thyroid antibodies. Why would I need thyroid function tests? Your thyroid gland has an important

What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a gland in your neck, near the base of your throat. The thyroid gland makes hormones that help control many of your body’s metabolic processes, such as: heart rate blood pressure body temperature weight What types of thyroid problems are there? There are several conditions that can affect your thyroid gland. Because your thyroid gland plays an important role in controlling many of your body’s functions, serious health problems can result when it is not working as it should. Some thyroid problems cause an enlarged thyroid (goitre). Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid is

What is thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer develops when cells in the thyroid gland grow in an abnormal way and divide out of control, forming a tumour. What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer often develops slowly, and may have no obvious symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: a painless lump in the neck or throat swollen glands in the neck a hoarse voice or cough that doesn’t go away difficulty breathing or swallowing These symptoms can be caused by other problems, so if you notice any of them see your doctor as soon as possible. What causes thyroid

What is oral thrush? Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is an infection of the mouth caused by yeast (a type of fungus) known as candida. Candida doesn’t always cause symptoms. Most people have candida present in their mouth without experiencing any problems. Candida can cause problems when there is a change in the microbes (tiny living particles) living inside the mouth. This reduces the number of good bacteria and allows the yeast fungus to grow and multiply. What causes oral thrush? Oral thrush is caused by a yeast fungus called candida. There a few different types of candida that can cause oral thrush, but candida albicans is the

What is thrush? Thrush is an infection with a fungus. It is also known as a yeast infection. The fungus, called candida, occurs naturally in your body, particularly in warm, moist areas such as your mouth and genitals. The information on this page is about thrush in and around the penis. For information about thrush infections of the groin go to our male groin – irritation and infection page. Why did I get thrush? Many people have a small amount of candida in their bodies and on their skin. This is normal. Candida does not usually cause problems because it is kept under control by your immune

What is vomiting? Vomiting is the forceful ejection of the contents of the stomach and upper digestive system through the mouth. It is sometimes known as throwing up or being sick. Vomiting is a reflex that helps the body get rid of substances that may be harmful. Most people will experience vomiting at some point. This information concerns vomiting in adults and children over 12 years of age. See vomiting in children for information relating to children between 0 and 12 years. What symptoms relate to vomiting? Vomiting is accompanied by forceful contractions of the abdominal muscles. It is different from reflux or regurgitation which happen

What is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome? Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is a very rare, new and specific syndrome. It occurs when a person has blood clots (thrombosis) as well as low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). It’s also referred to as ‘vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia’ (VITT). Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, which prevents blood flowing normally through the body. Thrombocytopenia is a condition where there aren’t enough platelets in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot (clump), which stops you from bleeding excessively (for example, if you cut yourself). Because your blood can’t form clots, low platelets can

What is thrombosis? Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms either in an artery or vein. The clot is known as a thrombus. Normally, your blood will only clot if you cut yourself and start to bleed. At the site of the cut, the blood gets thicker and forms a clot to ‘plug’ the wound, so it stops bleeding. What are the types of thrombosis? Arterial thrombosis A clot that forms in your artery is known as arterial thrombosis. This can cause serious problems such as a stroke (a clot in an artery in your brain), a heart attack (a clot in an artery