DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My son made his high school’s football team. I never played football, so I have some fear about what might happen to his brain if he takes a head shot. I’ve seen TV programs documenting brain damage of professional players. Will you define a concussion for me and tell me what should […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: In January I was diagnosed with scabies and was treated four times with permethrin. The problem never left. Then I saw a dermatologist, who said I had eczema. Scabies treatment with Lindane or ivermectin is risky. How do I get a correct diagnosis? — C.S. ANSWER: Scabies is caused by a mite, […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you please provide information on essential tremor? Thanks. — D.C. ANSWER: When people unfamiliar with essential tremor see a person with it, they immediately assume that the person is quite nervous. The shaky hands are a giveaway. It’s not “nerves” that are causing the shakiness; it’s essential tremor. A glitch in […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My 88-year-old relative has high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, both of which are well-controlled by medication. She is mentally sharp but has developed arthritis in various joints. She’s been told that she can’t take any medicine for pain because it would interfere with her medicines for blood pressure and atrial fib. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor told me I have a femoral hernia. He said not to worry, but if I ever get severe pain, I must go to the emergency room quickly. I asked, “Why not fix it now?” He said not to worry unless it gets very painful. Is this safe? Or good sense? […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a diabetic male, age 96, with many aches and pains but no high blood pressure. I have low cholesterol and am in control of my diabetes. In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed swelling of my ankles and feet. I have been taking two water pills a day for it. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: How can I lose weight from my belly area? I have multiple sclerosis. I have gained 30 pounds since my diagnosis four years ago. I sit most of the day as a secretary. I take no medications. How can I get a handle on this jelly belly? I eat as healthy as […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Help! For more than two years I have been troubled with severe nightmares that waken me and cause my heart to beat funny. I have been to the emergency room many times, fearing a heart attack. I have asked different doctors, ER doctors and pharmacists, but get no answer. I have enclosed […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: It would be a real service to the public if you discussed multiple myeloma. It is a serious cancer, and few people, other than those affected by it, know about it. — I.M. ANSWER: Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer. The bone marrow is where all blood cells are made. “Myel” […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am an otherwise healthy male, 33 years of age. Upon completing a strenuous training program, I consulted my doctor about complaints of minor weight loss and tiredness. His diagnosis: low testosterone. He gave me a prescription for it and told me I will remain on it for life. Should I be […]