Une commotion cérébrale est une lésion cérébrale traumatique (LCT). Le présent guide contient de l'information sur la durée des symptômes, sur les symptômes à surveiller et sur ce à quoi s'attendre au cours des premières semaines. Une liste détaillée des symptômes courants et des moyens d'y remédier, ainsi qu'une foire aux questions (FAQ) sont également incluses. The English version of this pamphlet 0395, "Concussion Recovery", is also available. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Conc…
This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what a pacemaker is, how the procedure is done, what will happen after your procedure, and your care at home. The French version of this pamphlet 1944, "Vivre avec un stimulateur cardiaque (pacemaker)", is also available.
Cardioversion is used to treat heart rhythm problems. During a cardioversion, an electrical shock is given to your heart. This pamphlet explains getting ready for the procedure, how the procedure is done, and recovery. The French version of this pamphlet 1726, "Avant et après une cardioversion", is also available.
It can be confusing and scary to find out that you have advanced liver disease. You have been referred to a Liver Specialist at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII). A liver transplant is one of many treatments that may be used to treat advanced liver disease. You and the Liver Specialist will decide on the best treatment for you. This pamphlet explains where to go for your appointment, how the liver works, and how to manage your symptoms. A map of the QEII Health Sciences Centr…
This pamphlet gives information about the members of your Acute Stroke Team. It will also help you learn what to expect during your stay at the Halifax Infirmary. This pamphlet defines what a stroke is, what a stroke might look like, and what a stroke can cause. Other topics include admission to hospital, rehabilitation, getting back to normal, and your discharge plan. Space at the back of the pamphlet is given to help you write down your questions and to list the tests you have had. The French…
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) finds and corrects dangerous fast heart rates that start in the bottom of your heart. The device is also a pacemaker, which can treat slow heart rates. You will need surgery to have the device placed in your body. This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what an ICD is, and what will happen after your procedure. Instructions on follow-up, care at home, and when to call your primary health…
This instruction sheet outlines needed equipment and gives step-by-step procedures to help you change a urostomy appliance.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colourless fluid. It cushions the brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury. As new fluid is made, the old fluid is absorbed (taken in). A ventricular drain may be inserted (put in) to measure the pressure of CSF inside your head or to help blocked CSF flow. This pamphlet explains how the drain is inserted, what will happen when the drain is in place, the possible risks of a ventricular drain, and how the drain is taken out.
This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of your heart. During this test, a flexible tube is passed through your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus (swallowing tube that connects your mouth and stomach). There is a special probe on the end of the tube. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test.
Your coronary arteries supply blood to your heart. A DSE is done to find out if there are any blockages in these arteries and, if so, how severe they are.This test may be done when the usual tests for this problem cannot be done or have given inconclusive results. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, who will do the test, what happens during the test, and what to expect after.
A cardiac event recorder (loop recorder) records the electrical activity of your heart. You can use a loop recorder while you are at home and doing your usual activities. It will only record your heart activity when you press a button. A cardiac technologist will show you how to use the recorder. This pamphlet explains how to use the loop recorder, whether you can bathe or shower with the loop recorder, and what to do if you have problems with the recorder. Information on how to return the reco…
Catheter ablation is a treatment for certain kinds of heart rhythm problems. This pamphlet explains what to expect before, during, and after catheter ablation. The French version of this pamphlet 1914, "Ablation par cathéter", is also available.
The brain is protected by a tough outer covering called the dura. Around the dura, there are many blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. If a blood vessel (usually a vein) is torn below the dura, blood collects between the dura and the brain. This is called a subdural hematoma. This pamphlet explains the different types of subdural hematomas, causes, symptoms, possible tests, treatment, surgery, what will happen after surgery, special situations, possible complications, discharge plannin…
Good nutrition is very important. It will help you feel better and stay strong. Choosing high energy, high protein foods will help you get the nutrition you need to increase your energy levels, gain or maintain weight, heal, fight or prevent infections, and recover quicker from surgery or illness. This pamphlet gives tips to help you eat better and information about protein, energy, high sugar foods to avoid, and nutritional supplements. Recipes and a high energy, high protein sample menu are i…
These guidelines will help you stay healthy and feel more comfortable after ileostomy surgery. This pamphlet provides guidelines to help you manage symptoms that may happen after surgery. It lists food that should be avoided and suggests preferred food choices.
Angioplasty of the leg (also called a balloon procedure) is a procedure done to open narrowed arteries in your leg. It may be done to slow or stop you from having bypass surgery (surgery to help blood get past a blockage). This pamphlet explains: why you need this procedure, steps of the procedure, what a stent is, risks, how to prepare for surgery, and what recovery will be like after surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 1791, "Angioplastie des artères de jambe (intervention par ballon…
Your primary health care provider has decided that you need the care of a cardiologist (heart doctor), and tests or procedures offered by the Cardiology Service. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you are admitted to the Coronary Care Unit 6.4 (CCU), Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit 6.1 (IMCU), or Cardiology Inpatient Unit 6.2 at the Halifax Infirmary. It explains the differences between each of these units and introduces you to the various members of your health care team. Other infor…
BK virus is a part of the polyoma virus family. About 80% of people carry the virus. People usually get this virus as children. It can stay inactive in your body without causing harm for many years. It can become active if you are immunocompromised (your immune system is weak). People who have had a kidney transplant and are taking immunosuppressive medications (medications that suppress [lower] your immune system) are at risk of infection from the virus. This pamphlet explains the symptoms of …
This guide will help you learn about your care before and after one of 2 types of cardiovascular device implant procedures, a pacemaker or an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator). Topics include what will happen on the day of the procedure, what to bring to the hospital, instructions for the night before and day of your procedure, skin prep, planning for your discharge, care of your device insertion site, and signs of infection.
A pressure injury is an injury to the skin and the tissue under the skin. This pamphlet explains what causes pressure injuries, and what you and your health care team can do to help prevent pressure injuries. The French version of this pamphlet 1795, "Prévention des plaies de pression (ulcères)", is also available.