What is amputation? Amputation is surgery to remove all or part of an arm or leg. It may be done to treat injury, disease, or infection. It may also be done to remove tumors from bones and muscles. Why might I need an amputation? The most common reason for amputation is poor blood flow. This happens when arteries become narrowed or damaged. When this occurs in the arms or legs, it’s called peripheral arterial disease or PAD. PAD most often occurs between the ages of 50 to 75. It usually results from diabetes or atherosclerosis. This is a buildup of plaque inside the artery wall.

What is cancer? Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. The whole body is made of cells that act and grow in controlled ways as the body needs them. The cells are controlled by genes. The genes in any 1 of these cells can become damaged. Then the cell can grow out of control and become cancer. Cancer cells quickly grow and divide. This happens even when there's not enough space and nutrients. They also grow despite signals sent from the body telling them to stop. Cancer cells don't look the same as healthy cells. They don't work the way they should. They can spread to other parts of the body.

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome? Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). It is a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. The onset of GBS can be quite sudden and unexpected. It requires immediate hospitalization. It can develop over a few days. Or it may take up to several weeks with the greatest weakness occurring within the first couple of weeks after symptoms appear.

Learn how to wash your hands the right way and why it’s important to wash hands with soap and water. Download handwashing resources from the Centers for Disease Control website: Handwashing Poster Hand Sanitizer Fact Sheet

For the latest information about Inova's programs to treat multiple sclerosis and neuro-immunological conditions visit the Inova Multiple Sclerosis and Neuro-Immunology Center section.  What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms.

What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease (or Parkinson's) is the most common form of Parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. It is a disease that slowly gets worse over time. It is caused by the loss of brain cells that make dopamine. Dopamine is a substance that helps with smooth and coordinated muscle movement. Parkinson's often has these symptoms: Tremor or trembling of the arms, jaw, legs, and face Stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) Problems with balance and coordination What causes Parkinson's disease?