An allergy is a physical reaction to certain substances such as pollen, medications, foods, detergents etc. In the allergic person, the immune system mistakenly identifies the substance as being a harmful and begins a defense against the substance. The Unnecessary defense reaction is often excessively vigorous, and the mounted defense (antibodies) manufactured to fight the substance have irritating, harmful or even life threatening effects, which constitute an allergic reaction.
Allergies have the tendency to run in families suggesting genetic deficiencies. However, environmental factors also have an affect. Allergies develop through prolonged exposure to substances, and a process called sensitization that can occur on first contact, or over a brief period or even through repeated exposure over several years. During this period, the immune system is activated to react against what is usually a relatively harmless substance.
Allergies can show up at any age but they often appear first in childhood, particularly contact allergies that are reaction on first contact with the allergenic substance.
Asthma and hay fever, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, cowsí mil allergy and various other food or drug allergies are well-know conditions. If you are a sufferer, contact with the offending substance will trigger a variety of unpleasant symptoms that could include skin rashes, itching associated with swelling, red and swollen eyes, runny nose, severe nasal inflammation, wheezing and shortness of breath. Drugs or vitamin supplements or even noxious chemical released by animals or insects can cause severe reactions that require immediate emergency treatment.
Diagnosis can be a lengthy process, especially when the symptoms are more subtle. Tests performed by a professional called antigen tests aim to find the substance in the blood of the allergic person. Once a diagnosis is made, the individual will know what substances to avoid in order to be symptom free.
The most common treatments include Antihistamines and steroids. A lot of research is being done in this field in order to develop better treatments.
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Alzheimer's disease (AD), also simply called Alzheimer's, is the most common cause of dementia, afflicting approximately 24 million people worldwide. Alzheimer's is a degenerative and terminal disease for which there is currently no known cure. In its most common form, it occurs in people over 65 years old although a less-prevalent early-onset form also exists. Some studies have shown that the disease can begin many years before when a patient is in their mid to late 30ís but isnít diagnosed until around age 60. In its early stages, short-term memory loss is the most common symptom, often initially thought to be caused by aging or stress by the sufferer. Later symptoms include confusion, anger, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as his or her senses decline. Gradually the sufferer loses minor, and then major bodily functions, until death occurs. Although the symptoms are common in everyone, each individual experiences the symptoms in unique ways.
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are generally reported to a physician when memory-loss causes concern, and on suspecting Alzheimerís disease, the physician or healthcare specialists will confirm the diagnosis with a behavioral assessment and cognitive tests, often followed by a brain scan.
Neuropsychological screening tests such as the Mini mental state examination (MMSE) are widely used to evaluate the cognitive impairments needed for diagnosis, but more comprehensive batteries of tests are necessary for high reliability by this method; especially in the earliest stages of the disease.
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You may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) if you have all or most of the symptoms listed below. The DSM IV diagnosis tool is used by physicians to help identify specific medical problems. Only a qualified physician can diagnose you with GAD. However, if you answer yes to all or most of the questions listed below and think you may have GAD, contact a representative at Aspen Clinical Research to see how you can participate in a clinical trial. You may also complete our on-line contact form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Diagnosis:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), the following criteria must be met for a person to be diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
1. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least six months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).
2. The person finds it difficult to control the worry.
3. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months). Note: Only one item is required in children.
1. restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
2. being easily fatigued
3. irritability
4. muscle tension
5. difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep
6. difficulty concentrating or the mind going blank
7. symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting, and chronic stomach aches.
4. The focus of the anxiety and worry is not confined to features of an Axis I disorder, e.g., the anxiety or worry is not about having a panic attack (as in panic disorder), being embarrassed in public (as in social phobia), being away from home or close relatives (as in Separation Anxiety Disorder), gaining weight (as in anorexia nervosa), having multiple physical complaints (as in somatization disorder), or having a serious illness (as in hypochondriasis), and the anxiety and worry do not occur exclusively during post-traumatic stress disorder.
5. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
6. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism) and does not occur exclusively during a Mood Disorder, a Psychotic Disorder, or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting, and chronic stomach aches
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References:
Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005 Jun;62(6):617-27.
Bipolar disorder is not a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, clinically referred to as mania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present. These episodes are normally separated by periods of normal mood, but in some patients, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, Bipolar NOS, and cyclothymia based on the type and severity of mood episodes experienced.
An initial assessment includes a comprehensive history and physical examination by a physician. Although there are no biological tests which confirm bipolar disorder, tests are carried out to exclude medical illnesses which may rarely present with psychiatric symptoms. These include blood tests measuring TSH to exclude hypo- or hyperthyroidism, basic electrolytes and serum calcium to rule out a metabolic disturbance, full blood count including ESR to rule out a systemic infection or chronic disease, and serology to exclude syphilis or HIV infection; two commonly ordered investigations are EEG to exclude epilepsy, and a CT scan of the head to exclude brain lesions. There are several psychiatric illnesses which may present with similar symptoms; these include schizophrenia, drug intoxication, brief drug-induced psychosis, schizophreniform disorder and borderline personality disorder. Alternately, patients currently in a hypomanic or mixed affective episode may display symptoms resembling borderline personality disorder.
Diagnosis is based on the self-reported experiences of the patient as well as abnormalities in behavior reported by family members, friends or co-workers, followed by secondary signs observed by a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. There is a list of criteria that must be met for someone to be so diagnosed. These depend on both the presence and duration of certain signs and symptoms. Only a qualified professional can diagnose symptoms of Bipolar disorder. However, if you notice that you or a loved one may have some or all of these symptoms you may need to speak with a licensed professional. You may call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative about clinical trials studying bipolar disorder.
Doctors have identified 4 different forms of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder—Recurring manic episodes or mixed episodes, and often one or more episodes of depression
- Bipolar II disorder—Depression that alternates with a milder form of mania called "hypomania"
- Cyclothymic disorder—Moods that shift between short periods of mild mania and mild depression. (Many people with cyclothymia may later develop a more severe form of bipolar illness)
- Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS)—Any form of the illness that doesn't fit the above definitions (eg, recurring hypomania with no depressive symptoms)
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A bunion is a common problem that most people experience as a bony protuberance at the base or side of the big toe. When someone as a bunion, the big toe angles in towards the other toes, a condition called "hallux valgus". Bunions are most common in women, and the cause is almost always due to heredity but become worse with wearing unsuitable footwear. The word bunion is derived from the Latin word ëbunioí, which means turnip.
What is the common treatment for painful bunions?
There are many treatment solutions for painful bunions. They include better fitting shoes, shoe pads or inserts or orthotics. Over the counter analgesics are also used to relieve the pain associated with bunions. However, there is a permanent solution to painful bunions. Your bunion can be removed. Removal of a bunion is called bunionectomy surgery. To be properly diagnosed with a bunion you need to see a specialist. Aspen Clinical Research employees specialists that will provide a free consultation regarding options with your bunion removal or treatment.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to perform bunionectomy surgery. If you or your family member may be experiencing pain relating to your bunion, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Depression affects thoughts, feeling, physical health and behaviors. Depression is not just having a feeling of sadness, it is medical disorder, like high blood pressure is. Depression is not the same as grief, though extreme grief can bring on depression in susceptible individuals. Depression can be caused by many things, including genetic inheritance, an illness, traumatic events such as divorce, certain medicines, drugs, alcohol and other psychiatric conditions. A major trauma or loss during childhood is also thought to increase a personís vulnerability to becoming depressed later on in life. There are also biochemical causes, the main one being the defective regulation of the release of naturally occurring monoamines (neuro-transmittors) in the brain.
Someone that suffers from depression will experience common symptoms of "prolonged" sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, an inability to enjoy life, low energy, lethargy, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction and general loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. These symptoms can last for a few months or even years.
There are other causes of depression such as Bipolar disorder or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Only a professional can differentiate and properly diagnose and treat these disorders.
Statistics have shown with current therapies available approximately 80 percent of sufferers of depression can be treated successfully. There are three forms of treatment and in many cases it takes at least three forms of treatment to manage depression appropriately. The three forms of treatment include discussional therapy, drug therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.
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Breakthrough pain is pain that comes on suddenly for short periods of extreme and intense pain. Breakthrough pain not alleviated by patients' normal pain medications. It is common in cancer patients who commonly have a background level of pain controlled by medications, but the pain periodically "breaks through" the medication. The characteristics of breakthrough cancer pain vary from person to person, including the duration and possible causes.
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Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder causing back pain in the lower vertebrae. It can be either sudden on onset (acute) which occurs several times throughout the day, or chronic in its clinical presentation meaning there is a constant mild, moderate or severe pain. In a significant number of individuals, low back pain tends to be recurrent in nature with a reoccurring coming and going quality to it. Some studies have shown that back pain affects most adults at some stage in their life and accounts for more sick leave and disability than any other single medical condition.
An acute lower back injury may be caused by a traumatic event, like a car accident or sport injury. It occurs suddenly and its victims will usually be able to pinpoint exactly when it happened. In acute cases, the structures damaged will more than likely be soft tissue like muscles, ligaments and tendons. With a serious accident or due to osteoporosis or other causes of weakened vertebral bones, vertebral fractures in the lumbar spine may also occur. At the lowest end of the spine, some patients may have tailbone pain. Others may have pain from their sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the lumbar spine.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms possibly relating to low back pain for three months or more and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Clinical depression is a psychiatric disorder (not disease), characterized by a persistent low mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure. There are many triggers as to why people experience depression. Some factors may be social behavioral or even genetic. Although the term "depression or depressed" is commonly used to describe a temporary depressed mood when one "feels down", clinical depression can be a serious and often disabling condition that will significantly affect a person's work, family and school life. It also can take a toll on your sleeping, eating habits, overall general health and your ability to enjoy life. The course of clinical depression varies widely. Depression can be a one time event or you may have multiple recurrences, it can appear either gradually or suddenly, and can either last for a few months or may even be a life-long disorder. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide.
Clinical depression may also be a secondary result of a primary health condition such as bipolar disorder or even moderate to severe chronic pain. Often times merely treating the primary condition will help to eliminate the depression. However, and more commonly treatment of both the primary and secondary depressive disorder is needed.
A book published by the American Psychiatric Association call the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) aids physicians and allied health professionals to diagnose major depression.
Some of the symptoms that are closely watched when making a diagnosis are listed below:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Frequent irritability
- Frequent feelings of guilt
- Feelings of being punished for your wrong doings
- Feeling fatigue or lack of motivation (just feel tired all the time)
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Lack of interest in sex
Depending upon how frequently you have the above listed thoughts and feelings combined with how intense the severity, you may have major depressive disorder. Before a diagnosis of depression can be made, a qualified physician should perform a complete medical exam to rule out any possible physical causes for the suspected depression. If no such cause is found, a psychological evaluation should be done by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Aspen Clinical Research has qualified physicians that may be able to help. If you think you may have prolonged depression and are interested in participating in a on-going clinical trial investigating new therapies dealing with depression, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. Or, you may fill out our on-line questionnarie and a representative will contact you shortly.
Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer, consists of cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes approximately 600,000 deaths per year. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from non-cancerous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. The majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through colonoscopy. Therapy is usually through surgery, which in many cases is followed by chemotherapy.
Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include frequent constipation or diarrhea, incomplete defection, reduced diameter of stool size, bloody stools, mucus like stools, black tar-like, stools, bowel obstruction associated with pain, abnormal bloating feeling, vomiting, vomiting, palpable tumor, excessive gas that can be passed through the urethra or vagina in addition to the anus.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms possibly relating to colorectal cancer and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Diabetes is also known as diabetes mellitus which is a disorder caused by decreased production of insulin by the pancreas, or the decreased ability to process and use insulin. It is a serious, sometimes fatal, disorder and remains a leading cause of death in the world today. It is more common in people that are obese but obesity alone is not the cause of diabetes. The cause of diabetes mellitus in not known, though it may run in families. Normally, food digested in the body releases glucose, a form of sugar, into the blood stream. This in turn causes certain cells called beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream. The insulin aids in transporting glucose from the blood into storage in liver and muscle cells; it can be later released from these cells into the blood and used in metabolism.
There are two types of diabetes. Type I, sometimes called insulin-dependent or juvenile-type diabetes, is caused by insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas. It is usually found in persons under 25 years of age. Type II, sometimes called non-insulin-dependent, maturity onset or adult-type diabetes, is more common. It is found in persons over age 40, and is usually caused by insulin resistance.
In both types of diabetes, there is excess sugar in the blood stream causing hyperglycemia which then needs to be removed by the kidneys. Common symptoms of diabetes or the onset of diabetes are: excessive thirst, frequent urination and ketones in the urine. Only a physician can diagnose diabetes properly. Some times, a test called a glucose tolerance test is required to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes. There is no cure for diabetes; however, there are many treatment options to help regulate and control diabetes.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat diabetes. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms possibly relating to diabetes and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Hair loss involves the state of losing ones hair where it normally grows, especially on the head. The most common form of hair loss is a progressive hair thinning condition called androgenic alopecia or 'male pattern baldness' that occurs in adult male humans and other species. The amount and patterns of baldness can vary greatly; it ranges from male and female pattern alopecia. To date there is no cure for hair loss or even baldness.
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Once future medications are completed with the animal trials and a pharmaceutical company obtains approval from the FDA to conduct human trials, the first phase of study is in normal healthy volunteers. The purpose of Phase I clinical trials is to obtain safety information and also the blood levels of the investigational medication.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers that conduct Phase I clinical trials. If you or your family member are healthy and are not taking any medications or supplements you may qualify for participation in a Phase one study. Call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
High blood pressure is known as Hypertension, HTN or HPN. It is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is consistently elevated. Hypertension normally refers to arterial blood pressure. Hypertension can be classified as either essential (primary) or secondary. Essential hypertension indicates that no specific medical cause can be found to explain a patient's condition. Secondary hypertension indicates that the high blood pressure is a result of secondary to another condition, such as kidney disease or tumors. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure.
Hypertension is considered to be present when a person's systolic blood (top number) pressure is consistently 140 mmHg or greater, and/or their diastolic blood pressure is consistently 90 mmHg or greater. You can test yourself at local grocery store or pharmacy. Often these types of establishments have blood pressure machines that are free of charge. If your blood pressure is of concern and you have a family history of heart disease or stroke, you should seek a professionals help in diagnosing you. Only a qualified physician can properly diagnose and treat you with hypertension.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers that conduct hypertension studies. If you or your family member suspect you may have high blood pressure you may qualify for participation in a clinical study researching hypertension. Call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Hypercholesterolemia is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a fat found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma. Most of the cholesterol in the body is made by the body and some of the cholesterol comes from your daily diet. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes in your body. High cholesterol is not a disease but a metabolic derangement that can be secondary to many diseases and can contribute to many forms of disease, most notably cardiovascular or heart disease. Hypercholesterolemia It is closely related to the terms hyperlipidemia which means (elevated levels of lipids) and "hyperlipoproteinemia" (elevated levels of lipoproteins). There is a genetic disorder that can be passed from family member to family member called Familial hypercholesterolemia. If you are affected by this genetic disorder your body cannot properly metabolize cholesterol which leads to early death due to cardiovascular disease (stroke or heart attack) at very young ages if left untreated.
When having your cholesterol tested, it is important to measure its sub-fractions before drawing a conclusion on whether you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The sub-fractions are LDL, HDL and VLDL. You should educate yourself on what each one of the sub-fractions means so you can talk with your doctor about potential therapies. Sub-fractionations are helpful when determining what type of hypercholesterolemia you may have.
They are as follows:
Type I hyperlipidemia: is increased large fat cells called chylormicrons. The usual treatment is diet control in reducing ones saturated fat.
Type IIa hyperlipidemia: is having increased LDL (low density lipoproteins). The usual treatment is with Statin type cholesterol reducing medications in conjunction with Niacin supplements.
Type IIb hyperlipidemia: is having increase LDL, VLDL (very low density lipoproteins), and increased triglycerides. The common treatment is with Statin drugs to reduce the LDL cholesterol, Niacin, and Gemfibrozil to treat the triglycerides.
Type III or Familial hyperlipidemia: is having a defect in the ApoE synthesis which means your body cannot efficiently process fats. In turn, you end up with "extreme" high levels of LDL. The most common treatment is with Gemfibrozil and Statin medications.
Type IV hyperlipidemia: is having an increased level of VLDL, meaning that your body has difficulty converting the VLDL to LDL due to the not producing enough HDL (high density lipoproteins) which is often called the good cholesterol that aids in cholesterol metabolism. Common treatment for type four is Niacin. Niacin helps the body produce more HDL.
Type V or Familial Hypertriglyceridemia: is having an increased level of VLDL and Chylomicrons (Large cholesterol particles deposited in the blood stream from the small intestine). Common treatment of Type V Familial Hypertriglyceridemia is the use of Niacin in combination with Gemfibrozil.
There are many treatment options out there as not all drugs are for everyone. Some may have undesirable side effects. Only your doctor with your help can find the right drug that is for you.
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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening infections and death. HIV is the largest pandemic the world has ever known. It is transmitted through direct blood to blood, semen or breast milk contact. Since HIV was discovered in 1981, it has killed over 25 million people world wide. HIV primarily infects vital cells in the human immune system such as helper T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells that fight infections when the body is exposed to them. This in turn makes a person highly susceptible to once treatable diseases. Without therapy, death usually occurs within a year. There is no current cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are some therapies that can help extend ones life expectancy. Continued research is necessary to eventually cure this disease and eliminate the pandemic.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians that treat HIV. If you or your family member may have or suspect having HIV and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
HIV neuropathy is a nerve disorder that is associated with unrolled HIV. HIV neuropathy is often referred to as Painful HIV Neuropathy. HIV neuropathy results from injuring small blood vessels that supply tiny nerves in the feet, hands or eyes.
Symptoms vary depending on the nerve(s) affected and may include symptoms other than those listed below. Symptoms usually develop and or worsen gradually over years. Common symptoms include: Numbness and tingling of the hands and/or feet, decreased or loss of sensation to a body part (dysethesia), diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, loss of bladder control, impotence, facial, mouth, and eyelid drooping, vision changes, dizziness, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, speech impairment, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms, absence of orgasms, burning pain most commonly in the evenings and pain that is described as electric stabbing pains.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat HIV Neuropathy. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms possibly relating to HIV neuropathy and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep despite the opportunity. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake. Individuals with Insomnia have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time.
Insomnia can be diagnosed with sleep disorders early, in the middle, or late in the sleep cycle. It is generally recognized when sleep patterns have been disrupted for up to 7 days, and can last for several years causing other problems such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and narcolepsy (uncontrolled daytime sleep similar to syncope or passing out).
Causes of Insomnia may be related to organic (physical dysfunction) or non-organic (mental or emotional dysfunction).
Often times people who have varying work schedules or changes in time zones from travel will experience some form of sleep disturbance, but persistent sleep disturbance may need to be treated. Parasomnia (a condition where nightmares, sleep walking, or daytime hallucinations) can occur causing mood swings and unsolicited violence.
Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat insomnia. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms of Insomnia and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia affects the hemoglobin in the blood that normally carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues that leads to lack of oxygen in vital organs. Since all human cells depend on oxygen for survival, varying degrees of anemia can have a wide range of clinical consequences.
Iron Deficiency Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood especially in women. Approximately 1 in 5 females (20%) are affected by Iron deficiency; whereas only about 4% of males are affected.
Iron Deficiency Anemia often goes undetected and undiagnosed in many people, and symptoms can be small and vague. The most common complaints and symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia are:
- General feelings of weakness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating on daily tasks
- Heavy bleeding during monthly menstrual cycle
- Generally sleepy most of the time
- Consumption of non-food items such as dirt, paper, wax, grass, hair, and most commonly ice
- The uncontrollable urge to crunch or chew ice
- People with more severe anemia often report shortness of breath when exercising or walking up the stairs
- Very severe anemia prompts the body to compensate by increasing cardiac output, leading to palpitations, unusual sweatiness, and high blood pressure.
- Those with moderate to severe Iron Deficiency my have pale skin color, mucosal linings and nail beds; however this is not always apparent.
- Some patients with moderate to severe Iron Deficiency will complain of inflammatory lesions on the corner of the mouth often occurring on both sides.
- Spoon nails usually of the hand, which have lost their normal shape becoming flat or even concave.
- Chronic untreated Iron Deficiency Anemia may result in behavioral disturbances, including depression and anxiety leading to poor scholastic performance or poor performance at work.
Aspen Clinical Research is currently providing screenings at no charge for subjects that are interested in participating in the current clinical research study. If you are interested in obtaining a free screening please complete our on-line questionnaire and representative will contact you about scheduling an appointment.
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Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition, affecting between 15 and 25 percent of people in the United States. Symptoms include abdominal pain (especially cramps and spasms), bloating and abnormal function of the bowel. Some patients may have hard stools and difficulty in passing motions, whereas others may have loose stools and feeling of urgency to pass motions. Patients with IBS appear to have a greater degree of pain sensitivity in the lower bowel compared with what is normal. The cause remains obscure, but appears to involve some increased sensitivity of the bowel to the sensation of bowel functions.
Diagnosis is usually made in the absence of other physical evidence of the gut disease: the condition is thought to be a functional, rather than structural or biochemical, change in the bowel. Some other suspected causes include anxiety, depression, or nerve disorder in the lower spine. Only a qualified physician can make the diagnosis of IBS.
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Obesity is the build-up of excess fat in the body, the simple cause being consistent overeating (i.e. consuming more calories versus the number of calories being consumed). The underlying cause of obesity may be more complex than mere overeating. It may be a genetic predisposition to being unable to process fats. A brain disorder of the hypothalamus where appetite is regulated may be the underlying cause. Hormonal disorders maybe the underlying cause such as hypothyroidism. Some medications can cause one to gain weight. When one is obese, excess adipose or fatty tissue is present throughout the body, and is stored mainly at sites of the greatest numbers of fat cells, usually the hips, thighs, buttocks and abdomen. Obesity may leads to other disorders such ad diabetes.
Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat obesity. If you or your family member may be obese and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Osteoarthritis (Also known as degenerative joint disease), is a clinical condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by abnormal wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints and destruction or decrease of synovial fluid that lubricates those joints. As the bone surface becomes less protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. Your physician will likely tell you that your bones are rubbing against one another contributing to the pain. On an x-ray or MRI of the painful joint, a physician would also see tiny particles attached to the bone within the joint compartment. The tiny particles found in the joint are called osteophytes (bone spurs). Bone spurs form due to the body's increase of a damaged joint's surface area; most commonly from the onset of arthritis. Bone spurs usually limit joint movement and typically cause pain.
The main symptom is chronic pain, causing loss of mobility and often stiffness. "Pain" is generally described as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons. OA can cause a crackling noise (called "crepitus") when the affected joint is moved or touched, and patients may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons. Occasionally, the joints may also be filled with fluid. Humid weather increases the pain in many patients.
OA commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, although in theory, any joint in the body can be affected. As OA progresses, the affected joints appear larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse, the more they are used throughout the day.
Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat osteoarthritis. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms or pain from osteoarthritis and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder that is associated with unrolled diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is often referred to as Diabetic Painful Neuropathy (DPN) or PDN. Diabetic neuropathy results from injuring small blood vessels that supply tiny nerves in the feet, hands or eyes. Common conditions which may be associated with diabetic neuropathy include third nerve palsy; mononeuropathy; mononeuropathy multiplex; diabetic amyotrophy; a painful polyneuropathy; autonomic neuropathy; and thoracoabdominal neuropathy.
Symptoms vary depending on the nerve(s) affected and may include symptoms other than those listed below. Symptoms usually develop and or worsen gradually over years. Common symptoms include: Numbness and tingling of the hands and/or feet, decreased or loss of sensation to a body part (dysethesia), diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, loss of bladder control, impotence, facial, mouth, and eyelid drooping, vision changes, dizziness, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, speech impairment, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms, absence of orgasms, burning pain most commonly in the evenings and pain that is described as electric stabbing pains.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat diabetes. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms possibly relating to diabetic neuropathy and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a nerve disorder caused by the varicella zoster virus. Typically, the neuralgia (painful nerve) is confined to a dermatomic area of the skin and follows an outbreak of herpes zoster (HZ, commonly known as the shingles) in that same area that the shingles out break took place. The neuralgia typically begins when the Herpes Zoster vesicles have crusted over and begun to heal, but it can begin in the absence of HZ, in which case zoster sine herpete is presumed.
Common signs and symptoms of PHN are:
- With resolution of the herpes zoster eruption, pain that continues for 3 months or more is defined as PHN.
- Pain is variable from discomfort to very severe and may be described as burning, stabbing, or gnawing.
- The area of previous herpes zoster may show evidence of cutaneous scarring.
- The sensation may be altered over involved areas, in the form of either hypersensitivity or decreased sensation. For some people, wearing clothing agitates the pain more.
- In rare cases, the patient might also experience muscle weakness, tremor or paralysis ó if the nerves involved also control muscle movement.
Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers to diagnose and treat PHN. If you or your family member may be experiencing symptoms or pain from PHN and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Recreational drug abuse has a wide range of definitions related to taking a psychoactive drug or performance enhancing drug for a non-therapeutic or non-medical euphoric effect. All of these definitions imply a negative or illicit use of the drug in question. Some of the drugs most often associated with this term include alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methaqualone, and opium products. A very common prescription drug that is widely abused for recreational purposes is marketed under the trade name Oxycontin. Not all recreational drug abusers are addicted to drugs. Rather they are individuals that occasionally "like" to "party" with their friends and "feel" good. Often, these drugs are mixed with alcohol to increase the onset and intensity of the Euphoric feeling.
Recreational use of these drugs may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, both strongly depending on local jurisdiction.
An estimated 5% of the population aged 15 to 64, recreationally use illicit and prescription drugs annually. The state of Utah is the leading the nation in prescription drug abuse for recreational purposes.
Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers that are partnering with pharmaceutical companies to help reduce and possibly eliminate abusable prescription medications. If you or your family member may have recreationally used prescription medications and know the euphoric effects they may cause and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Onset of symptoms typically occurs in young adulthood, with approximately 0.05% of the population affected. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior by a licensed psychiatrist. No laboratory test for schizophrenia currently exists.
Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but no single organic cause has been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes.
The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Dosages of antipsychotics are generally lower than in the early decades of their use. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases—where there is risk to self and others—involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years.
The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behavior and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders; the lifetime prevalence of substance abuse is typically around 40%. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate.
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Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and researchers that treat schizophrenia. If you or your family member may be experiencing or have symptoms of schizophrenia, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative about participation in a clinical trial. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They are commonly extracted when they affect other teethóthis impaction is colloquially known as "coming in sideways." Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have more or fewer. Absence of one or more wisdom teeth is an example of hypodontia (meaning beneath the gums).
A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or to prevent problems that may come up in the future. Wisdom teeth are extracted for two general reasons: either the wisdom teeth have already become impacted, or the wisdom teeth could potentially become problematic if not extracted. Potential problems caused by the presence of properly grown-in wisdom teeth include infections caused by food particles easily trapped in the jaw area behind the wisdom teeth where regular brushing and flossing is difficult and ineffective. Such infections may be frequent, and cause considerable pain and medical danger. Another reason to have a wisdom tooth removed is if the tooth has grown in improperly, causing the tongue to brush up against it. The tongue can tolerate it for a limited time, until it causes a painful sensation, to the point where the sheer pain can numb the tongue affected, and the area around it (part of the lips, and the cheek). The numbness feels similar to the feeling of anesthesia, possibly meaning a nerve can be affected by the wisdom tooth improperly growing in. Also, it is a wise choice to have them removed if undergoing extensive orthodontic work because once the teeth have come in they could inflict some damage on expensive straightening.
The extraction of wisdom teeth should only be performed by dental professionals with proper training and experience performing such extractions. The precise reasons why an individualís wisdom teeth need to be extracted should be explained to them by their oral surgeon, after an examination which almost certainly will need to include x-rays. A panoramic x-ray (aka "panorex") is the best x-ray to view wisdom teeth and diagnose their problems.
Aspen Clinical Research employs highly skilled and experienced physicians and oral surgeons to diagnose and remove impacted wisdom teeth. If you or your family member suspect you may have impacted wisdom teeth and would like to learn more about current clinical studies, call Aspen Clinical Research to speak with a representative. You may also complete our on-line form and a representative will contact you shortly.
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