A searing, stabbing pain on one side of the face can be so severe it’s sometimes called “the suicide disease,” and may evade diagnosis. Trigeminal neuralgia is often caused by a throbbing artery in contact with nerves at the base of the brain. Treatment can be difficult though often ultimately successful. Two experts discuss.

A COVID-19 vaccine is on the horizon, but while billions have been spent on its development, little has been spent on distribution and there are still many unanswered questions. Experts discuss how vaccine distribution might be carried out, how long it’s likely to take, and the steps needed to make it work.

An estimated 35 million people were food insecure last year, and the dislocations due to COVID-19 have made it much worse now. Experts discuss the health consequences of hunger, the strategies families are using to cope with economic dislocation, and one local effort typical of new volunteer programs to feed hungry children in need.

Researchers see the new acceptance of telemedicine as an opportunity during clinical trials. Along with Zoom visits, numerous sensors on participants could provide constant monitoring of health conditions without traveling to see doctors, making control better.

A look at the top medical headlines for the week of October 4, 2020 including: Wearing a face mask may give people a sort of immunity to serious cases of COVID-19. Then, one more reason to save honeybees—their venom is a powerful chemotherapy agent against so-called “triple negative” breast cancer. And Finally, a study finds thick thighs save lives when it comes to high blood pressure.

Rheumatoid diseases number around 100, though arthritis is the most well known. They can be crippling and sometimes even fatal, but good treatments exist. The key is early detection, as an expert explains.

Studies show that medical professionals are as biased as the rest of us against people who are overweight, resulting in lectures, misdiagnoses, and patients who start avoiding the doctor. Experts explain the problem, results, and what might be done about it.

A look at the top medical headlines for the week of September 27, 2020 including: Post Office delays could keep millions of people from getting their medications. Also, a new study finds that two-thirds of the plastic waste in the United States comes from other things like electronics, consumer products and cars. And finally, if bosses want to curb fraud and unethical behavior among employees, encourage them to put up family photos at work.

Children are living through a scary time right now and often have little understanding of why their world has been turned upside down. A noted public health expert explains what he’s found about children’s concerns of the pandemic and how parents can answer their questions.

Pets are a comfort in difficult times, and the pandemic is no exception. Animal shelters report a surge in pet adoptions, especially puppies, in the last six months, and veterinarians are having to adopt procedures such as telemedicine to deal with the increase while still staying safe. Experts explain how adopting and training a new pet has changed in the pandemic.