752 results found for "ana"
The disorder known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by the deficiency or deletion of a tiny piece of chromosome 22. This deletion happens near the midsection of a chromosome located at q 11.2. [read more]
3-Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3B HSD) is a very rare disorder of the genes involving steroid biosynthesis. This deficiency results into the decrease on the production of adrenal steroid groups which are inclusive of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and the sex steroids. A decrease on the secretion of mineralocorticoid would result into various salt wasting degrees in males and females. And for the 46 XY males, a deficiency in androgen would result into ambiguous genitals (the females are seen with enlarged clitoris). [read more]
3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency is known by many names. It is also called as 3MCC deficiency, Methylcrotonylglycinuria type 1, or BMCC. This is a disorder that can be inherited where the human body becomes incapable of properly processing some proteins. Those who suffer from this deficiency have an insufficient supply of leucine-breaking enzyme. Leucine is an amino acid which is a protein base. [read more]
3-Methylglutaconic aciduria also known as MGA is a term that is used to depict at least 5 varying disorders which makes the body incapable of creating mitochondrial energy. Due to this impairment, 3-methylglutaric acid and 3-methylglutaconic acid create a buildup and their presence can be detected in the patient's urine. 3-Methylglutaconic acid, by classification, is an organic acid. The potency of this acid is made possible by the roles of the double carboxylic acids. The acid function makes the 3-methylglutaconic acid detectable. [read more]
48 XXXX syndrome is a very rare disorder of the chromosomes where the normal XX combination becomes a quadruple X grouping. This condition is also called tetrasomy X, 48, XXXX or quadruple X and is only seen among females as there is no Y chromosome involved. The first occurrence of this disorder was discovered in 1961 and since then, there are about 100 reported cases globally. [read more]
Aarskog Ose Pande syndrome is a rare type of medical disorder where the main symptoms include lipodystrophy on the buttocks and face. Since this is an adipose tissue defect, the loss of body fat in the body could get severe and this state could progress extensively. There are three kinds of lipodystrophy: localized lipodystrophy, partial lipodystrophy and total lipodystrophy. One other symptom is Rieger anomaly. This anomaly is characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of teeth (it could also mean the delay of tooth eruption) and some abnormalities of the eyes and face. Having sparse hair is also a common sign. This does not only mean hair on one's head but also body hairs. Other defects include retardation of bone age and abnormal motion of the joints (which could eventually lead to dislocation). This syndrome could begin to affect the patient as early as the fetal stage. It could ruin the growth of the fetus in the uterus by slowing its development. When this happens, many other systems are affected. Development of the patient's skills on speech could also be delayed when this disorder is acquired. This and all other symptoms are similar to characteristics of many other diseases that is why the physician should perform a thorough checkup of the patient to be able to diagnose the real condition. Aarskog Ose Pande syndrome is also considered as a variant of Short syndrome. This symptom does not only mean having a short stature but also having low weight at birth and fat losses on the skin. [read more]
Aase Smith syndrome also known as Aase syndrome is a very rare disorder that can be inherited. It is often characterized by skeletal and joint defects. Aase syndrome is known as an autosomal dominant condition. The genetic origin of the illness is still not known. Anemia which results from this syndrome is often caused by the underdevelopment of bone marrows. These bone marrows are where formation of blood cells takes place. The syndrome was named after two pediatricians who were David Weyhe Smith and Jon Morton Aase. [read more]
Cystic lymphangioma is a very rare tumor (comprises just about 6% of tumors that are benign in children) which is often located in the axillary or cervical regions. Sometimes, there are exceptional cases where it is situated in the abdomen. When it is situated in the abdomen, it becomes a rare type of benign tumor which often appears in infants and some children under the age of 5. Boys are more vulnerable to this disease. Abdominal cystic lymphangioma happens when there is an inborn defect in the link of central connecting structure and the primary lymphatic channel. This manifests in abdominal tumors which could occur even without any compression from structures that are adjacent to that part. When clinically tested, these cysts appear as pseudo appendices or pseudo-ascites syndrome. [read more]
Aberrant subclavian artery is also known as the aberrant subclavian artery syndrome. This condition is a rare anatomical variety of the source of the left or the right subclavian artery. This abnormality has the most number of cases when it comes to the anomaly of inborn vascular aortic arch. The aberrant artery commonly occurs just distal on the left portion of the subclavian artery. It then passes later to the mediastinum when it is on its way to the upper right extremities. This course may be the root cause of a vascular ring about the mediastinal makeup. [read more]
Abscess, bartholin (Bartholin's abscess) is characterized by the accumulation of pus that results in the formation of a lump or swelling in one of the Batholin glands, which are located on each side of the vaginal opening. [read more]
Accessory pancreas is a medical condition that is rare and in which there are little clusters of pancreatic cells that are distinct from the pancreas. This condition could occur in the mesentery of small intestines, duodenal walls, the upper portion of the jejunum or, in its rarest form?in the stomach walls, spleen, ileum or gallbladder. Accessory pancreas was first observed and described in 1859 by Klob. [read more]
Acid maltase deficiency or AMD is a type of autosomal recessive disorder which is characterized by an extreme buildup of glycogen contained by vacuoles (in almost all cell types) that are lysosome-derived. Quantities of free extralysosomal glycogen that are in excess have also been depicted. AMD was first observed and described by JC Pompe in 1932 at Amsterdam. He reported a case of a baby girl, aged 7 months, who became chronically ill from what they believed to be pneumonia. The autopsy that was done later showed an uncommonly engorged heart but with normal valves. This condition was called cardiomegalia glycogenica diffusa by Pompe. He considered it as a disorder that is analogous to the von Gierke syndrome. This very first article was soon followed by reports that seemed similar. The two other authors described the children as afflicted with cardiomegaly and acute muscle weakness. They died in their early infancy. Their disease was linked to an excess in the deposition of glycogen in numerous tissues. This disorder was then named the Pompe disease and by the year 1957, it was typified as type 2 glycogenosis by GT Cori. [read more]
Acid reflux is a result of the inflammation of the esophagus due to the presence of gastric acid coming from the stomach. It is commonly known as heartburn. Acid reflux can be treated by weight loss management and medications that help reduce gastric acid production, as well as surgical procedures. [read more]
Acne vulgaris or just acne is a common skin disease which is caused by changes on the pilosebaceous units (structures of the skin which consist of sebaceous gland and a hair follicle). The severe cases of acne are often inflamed but it can also show up as non-inflamed. Lesions are common and they are called spots, zits or pimples. This condition is common during the stage of puberty (affecting about 85% of teeners) while some cases carry on to adulthood. Most acne cases diminish and then disappear over time and this begins during the early twenties of an individual's life. There are no means of predicting when the disease will totally disappear because some cases continue even when the person is already in his thirties or forties. Acne is an altered form of the Greek word akun (or skin eruption). The vernacular name bakne or bacne is used often to specify acne that is found at the back of a person. [read more]
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome also termed as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a compilation infections and symptoms that result from a specific damage to an individual's immune system. This is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (or HIV) and other similar viruses such as SIV or FIV. The late phase of HIV and AIDS exist to slow down the viral progression. Currently, there is still no cure for this illness. AIDS can be transmitted through direct contacts of the bloodstream or of a mucous membrane with any of the body fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal fluid, breast milk, or preseminal fluid. The modes of transmission could be sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, oral sex, anal sex, or a contact with hypodermic needles that are contaminated with the virus. Another unfortunate means of getting the virus is the exchange of fluids between the baby and its mother during pregnancy. [read more]
Syphilis is a venereal medical condition which is and which comes in two categories: acquired or congenital. Acquired syphilis is further divided into sub-categories which are early and late. The early stage consists of the primary, secondary and the early latent less than two years of being infected. The late sub-category is described as late latent greater than two years, tertiary which includes gummatous, neurological and cardiovascular involvement, the two latter forms are also termed as quartenary syphilis. [read more]
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an autosomal recessive disease which affects zinc metabolism. This is characterized by periorificial (in the region of natural orifices) and in the limbs (acral dermatitis), loss of hair (also known as alopecia), and diarrhea. Having acquired zinc deficiency is somewhat similar to acrodermatitis enteropathica because it, too, can be congenital. The other known terms for acrodermatitis enteropathica are: Brandt syndrome, congenital zinc deficiency, and Danbolt-cross syndrome. [read more]
Acrofacial dysostosis or Nager syndrome is a term that was coined by Nager and DeReynier in 1948. This condition is described as a syndrome which involves the upper limbs and skull. The most ordinary type of acrofacial dysostosis is the Nager Type (NAFD) of the so-called pre-axial acrofacial dysostosis. Generally, the effects of Nager type acrofacial dysostosis are palpebral fissures that are down-slanted; micrognathia; coloboma of the lower eyelids; and absent or hypoplastic radii or thumbs. [read more]
Acromicric dysplasia is a very rare inherited illness that is often characterized by unusually short feet and hands, retardation of the patient's growth and delays on bone maturation which lead to short stature, and mild abnormalities of the face. The face often appears with a happy or ?smiling' expression thus the descriptive word geleophysic which is derived from the Greek word ?gelios' which means ?laughing' and ?phylis' meaning ?nature'. Most of the number of cases for this illness has occurred in random for no obvious reason (sporadic). It has not been ruled out, though, that this is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder. The disease database clearly indicates that acromicric dysplasia is similar to Geleophysic dwarfism (also known as Geleophysic dysplasia) and Focal mucopolysaccharidosis. [read more]
Actinomycosis (pronounced ak-tuh-nuh-my-KOH-sihs) is a rare and infectious bacterial disease among humans. This is generally caused by Propionibacterium propionicus and actinoyces israelii, A.gerencseriae. This condition is unlikely a polymicrobial infection. Actinomycosis is a sub-acute to chronic bacterial disease which is caused by the filamentous, anaerobic to microaerophilic, and gram positive bacteria that are non-acid fast. [read more]
Activated protein C resistance is a hemostatic disease which is characterized by a reduced anticoagulant response to APC or activated protein C. The result is a heightened risk of venous thrombosis. The activated protein C resistance or APCr was first studied and reported by Dahlback in 1993. Activated protein C with protein S as its co-factor degrades Factor VIIIa and Factor Va. Activated protein C resistance is the failure of protein C to cleave Factor VIIIa and/or Factor Va. This permits for a longer extent of thrombin generation and could proceed to the hypercoabulable phase. The most common form of hereditary resistance to activated protein C is Factor V Leiden. Acquired types occur together with elevated concentrations of Factor VIII. It has been evaluated that up to 64% of people who are afflicted with venous thromboembolism could also have activated protein C resistance. [read more]
Acutane embryopathy is a rare disease that is caused by exposure of the fetus to retinoids and which often results into physical and mental defects at birth. [read more]
Acute articular rheumatism is a rare and non-contagious medical condition brought about by a bacterial joint infection that can possibly come with a heightened risk of the development of heart complications. Adults are the common victims affected by this disease. However, statistics have shown that less than 200, 000 Americans are afflicted with this condition, which explains why it is categorized as a rare disease. [read more]
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or ANUG is characterized as a plymicrobial infection of the patient's gums that normally leads to bleeding, inflammation, necrotic gum tissue and deep ulcerations. Patients with this condition also suffer from fever and halitosisi. ANUG is also known as Vincent's angina, a popular term whioch was coined in WW1 when a great number of soldiers suffered from this condition. [read more]
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a medical condition involving the death of tubular cells that form the tubule that transports urine to the ureters while reabsorbing 99% of the water, highly concentrating the salts and metabolic byproducts. Tubular cells continually replace themselves, and if the cause of ATN is taken out, then recovery is likely. ATN presents with acute renal failure and is one of the most frequent causes of ARF. The presence of "muddy brown casts" of epithelial cells present in the urine during urinalysis is pathognomonic for ATN. ATN may be classified as either toxic or ischemic. Toxic ATN arises when the tubular cells are exposed to a toxic substance (nephrotoxic ATN). Ischemic ATN occurs when the tubular cells do not get adequate amounts of oxygen, a condition they are highly sensitive to due to their very high metabolism. [read more]
Short Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCADD) is a condition in which the body fails to oxidize fatty acids because an enzyme is either missing or not functioning correctly. Short-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase deficiency (SCAD) is a rare condition that stops the body from converting certain fats into energy, especially during periods without food (fasting). People affected with this disorder are not able to break down a certain group of fats called short-chain fatty acids efficiently. Some affected infants will display vomiting, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a lack of energy (lethargy), poor feeding, and failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive). Other features of this disorder may include poor muscle tone (hypotonia), developmental delays, seizures, and a small head size (microcephaly). The symptoms of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency may be activated by periods of fasting or during illnesses such as viral infections. In some cases, signs and symptoms may not exhibit themselves until adulthood, when some individuals may develop muscle weakness and wasting. Other people with gene mutations that can lead to this disorder may have such mild symptoms that they are never diagnosed. [read more]
Adenomyosis is more popularly known as amenorrhea, and is characterized as a serious health complication among women that consist of the detection of an ectopic endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, are found to extend into the muscular and fibrous tissue of the uterus.There are two known types of adenomyosis?primary and secondary. This disorder may coexist along with external endometriosis. [read more]
An adhesion is a band of fibrous tissue that binds the unconnected anatomic surfaces, which are separated from each other. It develops commonly in the abdomen after trauma or injury. Sometimes it is a congenital defect like the obstruction of the intestine. [read more]
An adrenal incidentaloma is an adrenal mass which is seen during the imaging for other causes that are non-adrenal related. This means that the lesion was discovered serendipitously. Adrenal incidentaloma is the most common adrenal disorder and it is found during 1-5% of CT scans for the abdomen. 5-10% of patients who are diagnosed with adrenal incidentaloma have masses that are non-functioning (this is based on postmortem examinations). This disease affects both males and females with most of the incidentalomas being hormonally inactive and benign. There are only a few numbers of cases where adrenalectomy is required (and this is done only when the lesion becomes functioning and malignant). The diagnostic assessment often evaluates the hormonal activity of the lesion and if it is malignant. Assessment of functions require plasma dihydroepiadosterone; urinary catecholamines for 24 hours and metanephrines; a low dosage of a test of dexamethasone suppression; serum ACTH; standing serum renin to aldosterone ration for hypertension and hypokalemia. The evaluation of the danger of malignancy requires MRI or CT scans; on CT lesions that are malignant are not regular, non-homogeneous and have great attenuation; for lesions that are MRI malignant, an clear concentration on T2 weighed image; it may also be useful to have CT guided cytology; there is also a need to exclude paechromocytoma before this procedure; [read more]
The more proper term for adrenogenital syndrome is congenital adrenal hyperplasia or CAH. This refers to numerous other autosomal recessive disor which result from biochemical paths of cortisol setoidogenesis from cholesterol done by the adrenal glands. Most number of these conditions could have lesser or greater sex steroid production and they can alter primary or secondary sex characteristic development among adults, children and infant patients. Only a few cases of people with CAH can be appropriated with intersex condition although this attracted the attention of the American public in the 90's and since then, there have been various accounts that have been circulated. It is estimated that 95% of CAH cases are caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Conditions Caused by CAH The most common conditions that are caused by adrenogenital syndrome are: ambiguous genitals (in some female patients wherein it can be initially hard to know the exact sex of the infant); salt-wasting that causes vomiting (which may lead to dehydration and eventually?death); the early appearance of pubice or the occurrence failure or the delay of puberty (including sexual infantilism); too much facial hair; virilization; irregular menstrual periods during the adolescent stage; infertility caused by anovulation; and hypertension. [read more]
Adrenoleukodystrophy is also known as ALD, Sudanophilic leukodystrophy and Schilder's disease. This is a rare disorder that is inherited which often leads to progressive damage of the brain, adrenal gland failure and eventually, death. ALD belongs to a group of disorders that are inherited which are called Leukodystrophies. Leukodystrophies often progressively destroy the myelin (a complex fatty neutral tissue which insulates numerous nerves of the peripheral and central nervous systems). The absence of myelin intensifies destruction. Patients of this disorder have a missing essential protein called the transporter protein. The transporter protein is needed in carrying an enzyme (the one used in breaking down long chain fatty acid in a normal person's diet). A long chain fatty acid accumulation can bring about brain damage and adrenal gland damage. Usually, the patients of ALD are males who inherit the X-linked disorder. Leudodystrophies are not similar to demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis where the myelin is normally formed but is eventually lost through immunologic dysfunction or for other causes. [read more]
Agoraphobia is usually referred to as "fear of open spaces" though this explanation is simple and confusing. Agoraphobia is like an irrational fear or anxiety related with unknown environment or events or situations though this explanation also oversimplifies a complicated topic.. Panic attacks from panic disorder, usually causes agoraphobia to arise in several situations and the fear of places or situations happen when these were the reasons of the panic attacks. Agoraphobia in other words is the ?fear of having another panic attack? or simply the fear of something or somewhere that may cause a panic attack. A violent sequence situates in where worry or fear of certain places or circumstances create a panic attack more possible to happen, which in turn elevates the level of anxiety. No matter what the explanation is, agoraphobia can not be only put pressure emotionally but it can really turn to be devastating which results to a life of self-imposed loneliness. [read more]
Agyria pachygyria polymicrogyria is an abnormal development of the human brain distinguished by a huge amount of small folds or concolutions (gyri) on the exterior of the brain. The entire surface or other parts of the brain may be involved. [read more]
Aicardi syndrome is an unusual abnormality syndrome distinguished by the lack of a major structure in the brain referred to as corpus callosum, the existence of abnormalities in the retina adn seizures in the form of immature spasms. An X-linked dominant trait is inherited in Aicardi syndrome that is fatal in males. [read more]
Alien hand syndrome , also identified as Dr. Strangelove syndrome and anarchic hand is an very unusual neurological disorder, characterized by the apparent loss of control of one's hand, and the sufferer's hand appears to have a mind of its own. [read more]
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, also known simply as Alpha-1 or A1AD, is a genetic disorder caused by the defective production of ?alpha 1-antitrypsin?. When this happens, the blood and lungs receives insufficient amounts of A1AT while the liver cells receive excess amounts of A1AT proteins. Serious cases of Alpha-1 cause emphysema in most patients with this condition. Children and adults may experience liver diseases. Treatments of this disease include intravenous A1AT protein infusions, liver or lung transplants and avoidance of dangerous inhalants. People of Iberian, Saudi Arabian and northern European ancestry are more at risk of having A1AD. [read more]
Alveolar Hydatid Disease is a rare medical condition where there is a multi-organ infection caused by the larval stage of a Echinococcus multilocularis, tapeworm that is usually microscopic and is usually found in foxes, coyote, dogs and cats. When affecting human, the tapeworm thrive on the lungs, brain and organs of the body. [read more]
Alveolar soft part sarcoma or ?ASPS?, which was first identified in 1952, is an extremely rare type of soft tissue sarcoma, a slow-growing tumor that occurs mainly in children and young adults. ASPS is a highly angiogenic disease, which involves an intensive production of new blood vessels connecting the tumor to the blood and enabling dissemination of tumor cells into the bloodstream. Because of this, tumor cells can easily transfer into various parts of the body, usually affecting the brain and lungs. ASPS is a sarcoma that affects soft tissues that connects and supports organs and structures of the body. It usually develops in the deep soft tissues and muscles of the leg or thighs, but could also appear in hands, head and neck. However, it could also spread and develop inside bones. [read more]
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, is an inflammation of the alveoli found in the lung. This condition is caused by hypersensitivity to various types of inhaled organic dusts. People with this disease are usually exposed to dust from their hobbies or occupations. Several types of extrinsic allergic alveolitis exist based on the provoking antigen. These include Bird-Breeder's Lung (avian proteins), Farmer's Lung (molds), Bagassosis (moldy bagasse or sugarcane), Malt Worker's Lung (moldy barley), Humidifier Lung (by mist of standing water). Mushroom Worker's Lung (mushroom compost), Compost Lung (compost), Peat Moss Worker's Lung (peat moss), Suberosis (moldy cork dust), Japanese Summer-Type HP (damp wood and mats) and Cheese-Washer's Lung (cheese casings). Other types of EAA include Hot Tub Lung, Mollusc Shell HP, Metalworking Fluids HP, Isocyanate HP, TMA HP, Beryllium and Wine-grower's Lung. The most common of all EAA are Bird-Breeder's Lung and Farmer's Lung, affecting 8 to 850 people in 100,000 persons each year for farmers alone and 6,000 to 21,000 people in 100,000 persons for pigeon breeders yearly. [read more]
Ambiguous genitalia is a very rare medical condition in which the external genitals of the newborn do not clearly appear if it's a male or female usually because it is not properly formed. This may cause serious social stigma and question to the baby's gender. In most cases, it is important to wait to determine to true gender of the child. [read more]
American trypanosomiasis, also known as Chagas' disease, is a human parasitic disease, which occurs in tropical areas in South America. The pathogenic agent of this disease is a ?flagellate protozoan? called ?Trypanosoma cruzi?, which is transmitted to mammals by blood-sucking assassin bugs of the Reduviidae Family. These insects are also called barbeiro, chupanca, chipo, vinchuca, benchuca and kissing bug. However, other forms of transmission are possible; some affected patients acquire the disease through fetal or blood transmission as well as ingestion of food contaminated with various parasites. [read more]
Anal cancer is a type of cancer which arises from the anus, the distal orifice of the gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Anal exudates are wastes, either in fluid or semi-solid form, which are released by the anus. They also referred to as feces. [read more]
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal. Frequently in infants' ages 6 to 24 months, anal fissures are less likely to develop in older children. Adults may generate anal fissures as a result of passing hard or large stools during bowel movements. [read more]
Anal itching is characterized by an intense itching felt around the anus causing extreme discomfort. This medical condition is also called pruritus ani and can be caused by a number of irritants such as abrasion of the clothing, moisture or even pressure in sitting. [read more]
Anaphylactic Shock is also called Anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction in humans and other mammals. It occurs when an allergic response triggers a rapid release from mast cells of huge quantities of immunological mediators leading to systemic vasodilation and edema of bronchial mucosa. Anaphylactic shock can advance to death in a count of minutes if left untreated. Anaphylactic Shock may occur after ingestion, injection of an allergen, skin contact or, in rare cases, inhalation. [read more]
Anaphylactoid Purpura otherswise known as the Henoch-Schonlein purpura or HSP is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation of the blood vessels or the vasculitis. [read more]
Anaphylaxis, from the Greek words ?ava ana? (against) and ?phylaxis? (protection), is a severe type I hypersensitivity and acute systemic allergic reaction in mammals, including humans. This condition occurs when an animal or person is exposed to an allergen that has already become sensitized. Large amounts of this allergen may cause a life-threatening reaction. Anaphylaxis occurs after injection, ingestion and inhalation of an allergen. In the United States, 1% to 17% of the population is estimated at risk for experiencing an anaphylactic reaction if exposed in various allergens, especially insect stings and penicillin. Of those who suffer from Anaphylaxis, 1% die as a result, accounting to 1,000 deaths per year in the United States. [read more]
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a type of thyroid cancer that has an extremely poor prognosis with only 14% survival rate. This disease is known for its aggressive behavior and fatal resistance to available cancer treatments. Anaplastic thyroid cancer quickly invades surrounding tissues. [read more]
Anasarca, also called Swelling is the enlargement of skin, organs or other body parts. It is caused by build up of liquid in the tissues. The extra fluid can advance to a quick upsurge in weight over a short period of time. Anasarca can occur throughout the body or only in a definite part of the body. [read more]
Pernicious anemia, also called ?Addisson's anemia? or ?Biermer's anaemia?, is a type of megalobastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults. [read more]
Angelman syndrome is a hereditary disorder that causes developmental disabilities and neurological problems, such as balancing and walking, and difficulty speaking. Regular smiles and outbursts of laughter are common for people with Angelman syndrome, and many have happy, excitable personalities. [read more]
Anisakiasis is a condition caused by an infection from Anisakis worms of the genus parasitic nematodes. These nematodes have a life cycle that involves marine mammals and various fishes. When fishes are infected with Anisakis, it could produce an ?Anaphylactic reaction? in people sensitized to IgE (immunoglobulin) Anisakiasis usually occurs in areas where fish is consumed raw, salted or lightly pickled. The highest number of people with Anisakiasis is Japan (consuming sushi), Scandinavia (due to cod liver), South America (after eating ceviche) and Netherlands (from infected fermented herrings). [read more]
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic degenerative inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing a painful and eventual fusion of the spine. When complete fusion occurs and results in complete spine rigidity, it becomes a condition known as ?bamboo spine?. [read more]
Ankylostomiasis, derived from the Greek words ?anclo? (crooked or bent) and ?stoma? (mouth), is the disease caused by hookworms. It is also known as tunnel disease, Egyptian chlorosis, Miner's anemia, helminthiasis and Brickmaker's anaemia. Ankylostomiasis is a condition caused by large numbers of hookworms present that produce iron deficiency anemia by aggressively sucking blood from its host's intestinal walls. Hookworm is the leasing cause of child and maternal morbidity in areas of the tropics and subtropics. In children, Ankylostomiasis could cause growth retardation, prematurity, intellection and cognitive retardation, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight for newborns with infected mothers. Ankylostomiasis is rarely fatal, but severe anemia could be present with patients heavily infected with the disease. [read more]
Anorgasmia is a medical term to refer to the regular difficulty of reaching reaching orgasm especially even after ample sexual stimulation and causing personal distress. Anorgasmia is actually a very common occurrence with about 15 percent of women report such cases of experiencing difficulty in reaching orgasm. [read more]
Aortic dissection is a condition wherein the wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aorta wall and forcing the layers apart. Aortic dissection is a life threatening condition and is considered as a medical emergency because it could lead to a quick death even with appropriate treatments. If the dissection tears the aorta through all its three layers, rapid and massive blood loss would occur. Aortic dissection that result in rupture have 80% mortality rate. Almost 50% of patients with aortic dissention die before they reach the hospital. [read more]
Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a fixed form of congenital left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction that arises as a localized or a diffuse narrowing of the ascending aorta beyond the superior margin of the sinuses of Valsalva. It is responsible for less than 7% of all fixed forms of congenital LVOT obstructive lesions. SVAS may arise sporadically, as a manifestation of elastin arteriopathy, or as part of Williams syndrome (also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome), a genetic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance. [read more]
Apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a potentially fatal genetic disorder and autosomal recessive cause of hypokalaemia, prenatal and postnatal growth failure, undetectable levels of aldosterone and renin and hypertension, which responds to treatments using glucocorticoid. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is an extremely rare disorder, accounting to only 60 patients recorded for the past 20 years. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is a result of mutations of the HSD11B2 gene, which is responsible for encoding the kidney isozyme ?11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase?. This isozyme inactivates the circulating cortisol to the less-active metabolite cortisone, which leads to an elevated amount of cortisol in the kidney. Note that high concentrations of cortisol could activate the ?mineralocorticoid receptor?, which leads to an aldosterone-like effect in the patient's kidneys. This occurrence causes hypernatremia, hypokalemia and hypertension. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess can also be caused by licorice ingestion, which blocks 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and increase cortisol activity. Early and aggressive treatment of Apparent mineralocorticoid excess can prevent and improve the mortality and morbidity of end-organ damage rates. Diagnosis is made by DNA and hormonal analysis. [read more]
A disease due to the swelling of the arachnoids which is a membrane that encloses and shields the central nervous system nerves together with the spinal cord and the brain. The swelling can be caused by infections due to viruses or bacteria and can also be caused by chemical irritation. The swelling may cause creation of scar tissue and bonding that results the nerves on the spine to ?bond?. The disease is usually progressive and treatments differ in its efficiency, the disease is not often cured. [read more]
Argininosuccinic aciduria, also referred to as argininosuccinic academia, an inborn condition that results to ammonia being accumulated in the urine and the blood. In the earlier days of life it becomes evident, take note that ammonia is toxic particularly in the nervous system. A lack of argininosuccinate lyase enzyme, which is required to get rid of nitrogen from the body, causes ammonia to build up in the blood and urine. A baby infected with argininosuccinic aciduria can appear exhausted and be reluctant to eat, with poorly-controlled breathing rate or body temperature, occurrence of seizures or abnormal body movements, or worse might result to coma. [read more]
A broken arm is a very common injury that both occur in children and adult. A fracture would usually require immediate medical attention and surgery to realign the bone. [read more]
Ocassionally it is called as Chiari II malformation or ACM, it is is a hereditary deformity of the brain. It is an unusual deformity where the support of the brain goes through the upper spinal canal. This disorder happens to approximately every child born with both spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Chiari malformations I, II and III is associated with the apparent irregularity of the hindbrain which was described by German pathologist Hans Chiari in the late 1800's. Afterwards, further investigators supplemented a fourth (Chiari IV) malformation. The severity scale is rated I ? IV, with IV as the most severe. Arnold Chiari Malformation particularly refers to the Chiari II malformation. [read more]
Arterial tortuosity is an unusual hereditary connective tissue disorder distinguished by elongated and widespread tortuosity of the main arteries involving the aorta. The autosomal recessive acquired and location of the gene responsible is in the chromosome 20q13. [read more]
Arteriovenous malformation or commonly known as AVM is an inborn disorder distinguished with a multifaceted, twisted web of arteries and veins. The hereditary spreading guide of AVM (if any) are unidentified, and AVM is not usually considered to be an inborn disorder--unless in the framework of a particular genetic disease. AVM may be evident at birth it may appear as a blemish that resembles a hemangioma. Comparing to other areas of the skin the skin of the AVM is warmer to the touch. The blemish is dark red. Throbbing in the mass can be noticed from the fast moving among arteries and veins. [read more]
Arthritis is a condition that usually involves damage on the joints of the body. For people older than fifty-five years, it is the leading cause of disability. Arthritis is a medicinal term, which mean any kind of joint swelling but the term is usually used to refer to age-related osteoarthritis that is the most usual kind. Though, there are other kinds of arthritis involving rheumatoid arthritis (second-most usual, involving younger adults and juveniles), and different kinds of minor arthritis which are caused by a primary condition: immediate arthritis caused by an infection, psoriatic arthritis from psoriasis, gonococcal arthritis from gonorrhea, and the like. Several probable circumstances with arthritis-like signs involve ankylosing spondylitis and gout. [read more]
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) previously identified as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most ordinary type of unrelenting arthritis in children. Occasionally it is called as juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) a term that is not exact as JIA does not include all types of persistent childhood arthritis. Arthritis causes the lining of the joint (synovium) to swell. JIA is a division of arthritis noticeable during childhood, which might be temporary and self-limited or persistent. It varies considerably from arthritis usually noticed in adults (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), and other kinds of arthritis that can present in infancy which are persistent conditions. [read more]
Arthrogryposis also referred to as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, an unusual hereditary disorder that results to multiple joint contractures and is distinguished by weakness of the muscle and fibrosis. It is a not a progressive disease. The ailment obtains its name from Greek, exactly meaning ?bent or curved joints'. There are several identified subgroups of AMC, with varying signs, symptoms, causes and the like. In several cases, a small number of joints might be affected and the variety of movement might be just about normal. In the majority type of arthrogryposis, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, feet and knees are affected. In the majority rigorous types, almost each joint is involved, as well as the jaw and back. Normally, the contractures are accompanied by muscle weakness that adds limitation to movement. AMC is normally balanced and entails each four extremities with a number of dissimilarity seen. [read more]
Arylsulfatase A deficiency also referred to as Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is the very ordinary type of a family of hereditary ailments identified as the leukodystrophies, ailments that involves the enlargement and/or growth of myelin, the fatty layer which works as an insulator around nerve fibers all through the inner and marginal nervous systems. Arylsulfatase A results to a damaging swelling of fatty material in the body. [read more]
Ascariasis is a human infection caused by the parasitic roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. Maybe one quarter of the world's inhabitants is infected and ascariasis is mainly common in humid regions and in regions of poor hygiene. Additional types of the species Ascaris are parasitic and can cause infections in domestic animals. Disease happens during eating of food contaminated with feces having Ascaris eggs. The larvae hatch hideaway all the way through the intestine, arrive at the lungs, and lastly travel up the respiratory tract. Starting there they are then re-swallowed and grow up in the intestine, growing up to 30 cm (12 in.) in length and securing itself to the intestinal wall. Diseases are typically asymptomatic especially if the quantity of worms is little. They may nevertheless be associated with swelling, fever, and diarrhea, and serious harms may extend if the worms travel to other portions of the body. [read more]
Aseptic meningitis symptoms happens the same as meningitis without the location contributing organism. The disease causes the lining of the brain or meninges to swell and a pyogenic bacterial source is not present. History of distinguishing symptoms and certain examination findings is the basis to diagnose meningitis. Using lumbar puncture it should show an increase in the amount of leukocytes visible in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Several cases of aseptic meningitis embody infection with viruses or mycobacteria that cannot be noticed with custom techniques. Although the start of polymerase chain effect has augmented the capability of clinicians to identify viruses for instance cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, and herpes virus in the CSF, several viruses can still escape detection. [read more]
The term is given to a broad diversity of ailments resulted from the genus of fungi Aspergillus. The usual types are pulmonary aspergilloma, invasive aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. [read more]
Asthenia is a medical term referring to the feeling of weakness without actually losing strength. General asthenia happens to a lot of chronic wasting ailments like cancer and anemia and most likely developed in ailments of the adrenal gland. Asthenia may partially affect specific organs or systems. [read more]
Ataxia means ?lack of order? in Greek where the term originated. It consists of nasty in-coordination of muscle movements which is considered as a neurological sign and symptom. Ataxia is an exact medical sign entailing dysfunction of potions of the nervous system that manage movement for instance the cerebellum. Every September 25th of each year the "International Ataxia Awareness Day" is observed. [read more]
Atresia a state where in an opening or passage in the body is unusually closed or missing. Examples of Atresia: Biliary atresia - destruction of a part of the bile ducts because of arrested fetal growth, resulting to persistent jaundice and liver injury ranging from biliary stasis to biliary cirrhosis, through splenomegaly as portal hypertension develops. Ovarian follicle atresia - points to the deterioration and consequent resorption of more than one undeveloped ovarian follicles. Vaginal atresia - hereditary occlusion of the vagina or subsequence sticking together of the walls of the vagina. Esophageal atresia - involves the alimentary area resulting to the esophagus to end prior to linking normally to the stomach. Choanal atresia - obstruction of the back of the nasal opening, typically by irregular bony or soft tissue. Anorectal atresia - deformity of the opening among the rectum and anus. Pulmonary atresia - deformity of the pulmonary valve where in the valve orifice stops to grow. Aural atresia - a hereditary deformity of the outer ear or pinna. Intestinal atresia - deformity of the intestine Coping skills Always provide support to family members or friends who have this disorder. Write down or keep records of the individual's medical history, this will help doctors to keep track and know about the condition of the individual affected. Always communicate with the affected individual because he might want to know where he is at and what has he achieved and as well as the progress he made. Even though each situation varies, take note that a lot of children with hereditary heart abnormalities grow up productive and healthy. [read more]
Atrial Fibrillation is an abnormal rhythm of the heart characterized by quivering instead of normal beating. This decreases the efficiency of the heart to move blood increasing the incidence of stroke because of the formation of blood clots in the heart. [read more]
Atrioventricular canal defect is a condition that pertains to a number of congenital heart abnormalities, including the presence of a hole between the heart's chambers as well as valve anomalies involving blood flow regulation. [read more]
Atrioventricular septal defect formerly known as "common atrioventricular canal" (CAVC) or "endocardial cushion defect" distinguished by a deficit of the heart's atrioventricular septum. It results from an abnormal or insufficient union of the lower and higher endocardial cushions with the middle part of the atrial septum and the muscular part of the ventricular septum. The Atrioventricular septal defect is divided into two forms which are ?partial? and ?complete? forms. In partial AVSD there is a partial defect in the primum or lower portion of the atrial septum but does not have straight intraventricular communication while in complete AVSD, there is a huge ventricular element underneath each or both the higher or lower bridging leaflets of the AV valve. [read more]
Attachment disorder pertains to a relatively rare but nonetheless serious mental problem characterized by the inability of infants and young children to form healthy bonds with parents and/or their primary caregivers. [read more]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity is it classified as a neuro-behavioural developmental disorder which affects 5% of the world's population. It is usually acquired during childhood, and is distinguished by a constant pattern of distraction or hyperactivity and forgetfulness, poor inclination control or impulsivity, and being distracted and over the years it has been increasingly seen on adults. Children around 60% who have this disorder carries it as they grow. [read more]
Autoimmune hepatitis is an abnormal presentation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II on the exterior of hepatocytes it might be because of the hereditary predisposition or severe liver infection that results to a cell-mediated immune response in opposition of the body's liver causing autoimmune hepatitis. [read more]
Avian influenza pertains to a condition that humans can contract from infected birds. It is more commonly known as bird flu. [read more]
Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a bacterial disease brought about by two kinds of bacteria under the Bartonella family: Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. The infection is usually characterized by tumor-like lesions in the skin and other internal organs of the body, and can manifest in people affected by AIDS. [read more]
Bacteremia is a medical condition whereby there is an invasion or spreading of bacteria in the bloodstream of a person thereafter spreading to the other parts of the body resulting into abscesses and inflammation of abdominal cavity. [read more]
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges ? the protective membranes wrapping the central nervous system. This condition may develop as a result of viruses, bacteria and a number of infectious agents. However, it may also occur in people who recently experience physical injury, those with cancer and others who have a history of drug abuse. Most cases of meningitis resolve without treatment. However, this condition can become severe because the inflammation can damage the spinal cord and the brain, which are both in close proximity to the areas affected by meningitis. Since severe meningitis could cause serious neurological damage or death, immediate medical attention and diagnosis is needed. The most common type of meningitis ? infectious meningitis ? can be treated with antibiotics alone, but requires continues observation. Other types of meningitis can be prevented through scheduled immunization. [read more]
Bacterial Vaginosis Is a type of vaginitis resulting to overgrowth of organisms present in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginitis can be present in many pregnant women without even knowing that they have it. Sometimes bacterial vaginitis in early stages is often asymptomatic. [read more]
Bad breath is known medically as halitosis. It pertains to bad odor emanating from an individual's oral cavity, usually as a result of poor hygiene, certain diets, or bacterial infections. [read more]
Baldness refers to extreme hair loss from an individual's scalp, and may be either permanent or temporary. Baldness is known medically as Alopeicia. [read more]
Baldness refers to extreme hair loss from an individual's scalp, and may be either permanent or temporary. Baldness is known medically as Alopeicia. [read more]
Bannayan-Zonana syndrome or other term is Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome is an unusual hamartomatous disorder through the incidence of several subcutaneous macrocephaly, lipomas and hemangiomas. In an autosomal prevailing form the disease is inherited though wild cases have been documented. Hamartomatous polyposis syndrome is the family where the disease belongs that also involves juvenile polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and Cowden syndrome. BZS lesions are slowly developing and simply resectable. Intracranial association and visceral may happen in unusual conditions and can result to bleeding and indicative automatic compression particularly of the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots and may need surgical resection. [read more]
Barber's itch is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles, usually as a result of infections. Barber's itch is known medically as folliculitis. [read more]
Bare lymphocyte syndrome 2 or the other term for the disease is Defective expression of HLA class 2. BLSII genetic basis is not because of the gene MHC II. The result of the mutations in genes is used as the genetic basis that codes for proteins that usually control the expression if the MHC II genes. [read more]
Baritosis a condition of the lung, that results from inhaling barium dust or barium that has compounds. It is a condition that is benign generally that does not result to symptoms except for irritation. On chest X-rays the particles of barium can be evident as an opaque shadow on individuals that has Baritosis. When contact to barium dust stops the abnormalities seen on chest X-rays slowly disappears. [read more]
Barotrauma pertains to physical damage to tissues as a consequence of pressure differences between an air space inside the body and the surrounding liquid or gas. Typically, barotrauma occurs when an individual rapidly moves to and from a higher pressure environment; such as when a scuba diver rapidly ascends or descends underwater. [read more]
Bartonella infections previously known as Rochalimaea it is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria. Bartonella species may contaminate healthy people though are considered particularly essential as opportunistic pathogens. Bartonella is spread by insect vectors like fleas, ticks, sand flies and mosquitoes. It is known that eight Bartonella species or subspecies are recognized to infect humans. Bartonella rochalimae was the sixth species discovered in June 2007 that is recognized to infect humans and also the ninth species and subspecies generally recognized to infect humans. [read more]
Basal ganglia diseases or also known as basal nuclei are a collection of nuclei in the brain interrelated with the cerebral cortex, thalamus and brainstem. [read more]
Basilar artery migraines an unusual condition distinguished by headache related with a range of neurological symptoms. The state is a result of a trouble of the basilar artery that is seen in the brainstem. [read more]
Beals Syndrome, also known as Congenital contractural arachnodactyly or CCA, is a heritable disorder involving the connective tissue of the skeleton. It is related to, but distinct from, Marfan Syndrome. [read more]
Becker's nevus is a skin disorder that predominantly affects males. The nevus mostly first appears as an irregular pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) on the torso or upper arm (though other areas of the body can be affected), and gradually enlarges in an irregular shape, becoming thickened and often developing abnormal hair growth (hypertrichosis). It is also known as Becker's pigmented hairy nevus, Becker nevus, Becker pigmented hairy nevus, Becker melanosis and pigmented hairy epidermal nevus. [read more]
Beckwith-Wiedmann syndrome (BWS) is an inherited disorder that affects a person's normal growth development. [read more]
Bed-wetting is a developmental phase wherein an infant or child is unable to retain bladder control at nighttime. It is also sometimes called nocturnal enuresis or nighttime incontinence. [read more]
also known as pressure sores, decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers areas of damaged skin and tissue develops when sustained pressure cuts off circulation causes the tissue of the vulnerable parts of the body to die. Prone areas include the skin on the hips, buttocks, and heels. [read more]
Bee And Wasp Stings are insect stings brought about by bites of bees and wasps. Bees are fuzzy insects that feed on flowers while wasps are non-fuzzy insects closely related to bees but can also feed on animal food and other insects. The two insects may l [read more]
Bell's Palsy is a paralysis of the facial nerve which results to an inability to control facial muscles in the affected side. There are several conditions that can cause facial paralysis: brain tumor, stroke, and Lyme disease. However, if no specific cause can be traced to the paralysis, the condition is called Bell's Palsy. It is named after the Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who first described it. Bell's palsy is the most common acute mononeuropathy, or diseases involving only one nerve, and is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis. Bell's Palsy is defined as an idiopathic unilateral facial nerve paralysis, and is usually self-limiting. Its trademark is the rapid onset of partial or complete palsy, usually in a single day. [read more]
Benign astrocytoma (or astrocytoma Grade I, astrocytoma Grade II, intracranial neoplasm, intracranial tumor) is categorized into two types: Diffuse (Adults, cerebral hermisphere and brainstem) and circumscribed (Children, characteristic location/morphology). They are benign tumors that occur in the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms and severity of the astrocytoma depends on its location and size. [read more]
Benign essential tremor (ET) is a movement disorder affecting the neurological system. It is characterized by involuntary fine rhythmic tremor of a body part or different parts, mostly the hands and arms (upper limbs). In many individuals affected by this, upper limb tremor may occur as an isolated finding. In others, however, tremors may gradually involve other regions of the anatomy, such as the head, voice, tongue, or palate (roof of the mouth), leading to dysarthria, or difficulty articulating speech. Less common are tremors that affect muscles of the torso or legs. It is also known as Presenile Tremor Syndrome, familial essential tremor, or hereditary benign tremor. [read more]
Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a neurological condition that consists of exaggerated brain pressure without the presence of tumors or edemas in the brain. [read more]
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), also known as benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV), is a condition caused by problems in the inner ear. [read more]
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also called nodular hyperplasia or benign enlargement of the prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy. This refers to the condition wherein the prostate, usually of middle-aged men to elderly men, increase in size. The condition is one of a hyperplasia not hypertrophy as previously believed. The prostatic stromal and epithelial cells becomes hyperplastic which then results to the formation of fairly discrete and large nodules of the prostate specifically in the periurethral region. The enlarge nodules then compress the urethral canal and cause obstruction of the urethra either partially or completely, which interferes urination. [read more]
Bernard-Soulier disease is condition usually present in newborn infants, wherein the blood platelets are not able to stick to the ruptured walls of the blood vessel. This may cause problems in blood clotting and becomes a result of profuse abnormal bleeding. [read more]
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease, also known as sarcoidosis, is a disease which can affect different organs inside the body. It causes the development of microscopic granulomas on the organs. These are masses resembling little tumors or look like grains of sugar or sand. They are made up of groups of cells from the immune system. These tiny granulomas can increase in size and number and clump together, making many large and small groups of lumps. If numerous granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ functions. This can cause symptoms of Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease. [read more]
Bile duct cancer is a relatively rare carcinoma affecting the biliary tract. This type of cancer, also called cholangiocarcinomas, can also occur in several areas in and around the liver. [read more]
Binswanger's Disease, also known as subcortical dementia, is a rare form of dementia characterized by cerebrovascular lesions in the deep white-matter of the brain, mood changes, and loss of memory and cognition. Patients often show signs of abnormal blood pressure, blood abnormalities, stroke, disease of the large blood vessels in the neck, and disease of the heart valves. Other prominent features of the disease include urinary incontinence, clumsiness, difficulty walking, speech difficulty, slowness of conduct, and lack of facial expression. These symptoms, which tend to start after the age of 60, are not present in all patients and may sometimes appear only as a passing phase. [read more]
Biotinidase Deficiency (BIOT) is the result of the lack of an enzyme called biotinidase. Without treatment, this disorder can cause seizures, developmental delay, eczema, and hearing loss. [read more]
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a group of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, clinically referred to as mania. People who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or combined episodes which present with features of both mania and depression. These episodes are normally separated by periods of normal mood, but in some patients, depression and mania may rapidly alternate with eachother, known as rapid cycling. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia and is based on the type and severity of mood episodes experienced. [read more]
Bird flu is a disease commonly affecting wild and domestic birds that, when transmitted to humans, can be potentially fatal. [read more]
Birt-Hogg-Dub syndrome is a rare disorder that affects the skin and lungs and heightens the risk of certain types of tumors. The condition is characterized by multiple noncancerous (or benign) skin tumors, particularly on the face, neck, and upper chest of the person. These growths typically first appear during a person's twenties or thirties and become larger in size and more numerous over time. Affected individuals also have a higher chance of developing cysts in their lungs and an abnormal accumulation of air in the chest cavity (pneumothorax) that may lead to the collapse of a lung. Additionally, people with Birt-Hogg-Dub? syndrome have a greater risk of developing cancerous or noncancerous kidney tumors and possibly tumors in other organs and tissues. [read more]
Bladder control, loss of (loss of bladder control) is defined by an inability to control urine flow or bladder function. It is also known as urinary incontinence. [read more]
Bladder infection pertains to a bacterial infection affecting part or parts of the urinary tract. It is also alternatively known as urinary tract infection or UTI. [read more]
Bladder inflammation is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bladder which causes chronic pain in the pelvic area. [read more]
Blastocystis hominis infection is an infection caused by a microscopic parasite known as B. hominis, which is commonly found in human stools. [read more]
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the Blastomyces dermatitidis organism. Blastomycosis causes clinical symptoms that have similarites to histoplasmosis. The organism causing blastomycosis is endemic to portions of North America. [read more]
Body odor and sweating pertain to excessive perspiration that produces a foul-smelling smell emanating from the body. [read more]
Bone spurs pertain to bony protrusions or projections around the edges of the bones. Also called osteophytes, bone spurs are not necessarily painful on their own but may rub against surrounding nerves and bones, thus causing pain. [read more]
Also known as fecal incontinence is the lack of ability to control bowel movement, which causes stool to seep out from the rectum without warning. The severity can range from occasional stool leakage in combination to passing of gas to total loss of bowel control usually causing embarrassment and withdrawal from social events thinking that sudden stool leakage may occur. [read more]
Bowen's disease (BD) is a skin disease induced by sunlight, considered either as an early stage or intraepidermal form of squamous cell carcinoma. [read more]
Results when nerves connecting the arm and spinal cord get stretched and torn when the shoulder is pressed down forcefully while the head is pushed up away from the shoulder. [read more]
In medicine (neurology), bradykinesia means "slow movement". Its etymology is brady = slow, kinesia = movement. It is a feature of several of diseases, most notably Parkinson's disease and other disorders of the basal ganglia. Rather than being a slowness in initiation (related to hypokinesia) bradykinesia describes a slowness in the execution of movement. [read more]
Brain aneurysm is characterized by a bulge forming in an artery of the brain, which may be tiny or large enough to put pressure on surrounding brain tissue. [read more]
Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome is marked by malformations of the outer, middle, and inner ear associated with conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing impairment; branchial fistulae and cysts; and renal malformations, ranging from mild renal hypoplasia to bilateral renal agenesis. The presence, severity, and type of branchial arch, otologic, audiologic, and renal abnormality may be different from right side to left side in an affected individual and also among individuals in the same family. Some individuals develop to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) later in life. The name branciootorenal syndrome describes the body systems most frequently affected by this genetic disorder. The term "branchio" refers to the abnormalities of the neck found in people affected with this syndrome. Cysts (lump or swelling that can be filled with fluid) and fistulas (abnormal passage from the throat to the skin) in the neck appear frequently. The term "oto" refers to the ear disorders that are associated with the syndrome. For example, the outer ear can be abnormal in appearance. Hearing loss is also commonly associated to the syndrome. Finally, the term "renal" stands for the kidney problems commonly found in patients with this condition. [read more]
Breast pain is a common complaint of discomfort among women, affecting approximately seventy percent of females at some point in their lives. Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is more common in the younger age bracket, particularly among pre-menopausal women, although it may afflict older females as well. [read more]
Bright's disease (also known as nephritis) is a historical classification of kidney diseases that is described in modern medicine as acute or chronic nephritis. The term is no longer in use, as diseases are now classified according to their more fully understood etiologies. It is typically characterized by the presence of serum albumin (blood plasma) in the urine, and frequently accompanied by edema (tissue particulate). Many people believe that too much protein consumption can lead to Bright's disease, but this is a spurious statement and is nothing but a myth. [read more]
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI, or sometimes known as Brittle Bone Disease) is a genetic bone disorder. People with this disease are born without the proper protein (collagen), or the ability to make it, usually because of a deficiency of Type-I collagen. People with OI either have lesser collagen than normal or the quality is poorer than normal. As collagen is an important protein in bone structure, this impairment can result to those with the condition to have weak or fragile bones. As a genetic disorder, brittle bone disease is an autosomal dominant defect. Most people with OI inherit it from a parent but it can also be an individual (as in de novo or "sporadic") mutation. [read more]
A broken leg is defined as a fracture or a crack in one of the leg bones. It is also alternatively known as a leg fracture. [read more]
Broken ribs pertain to a common injury wherein the bones in the rib cage breaks, fractures, or cracks. [read more]
Bronchial asthma is a pulmonary inflammation wherein the air passages become narrow, causing incessant coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. Severe asthma attacks can be fatal. [read more]
Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation, or irritation, of the airways in the lungs. Airways are the tubes in the lungs where air passes through. They are also known as bronchial tubes. When the airways are irritated, thick mucus forms inside of them. The mucus plugs up the airways and makes it hard for the person to get air into your lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that produces mucus (sometimes called sputum), breathing difficulties, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. [read more]
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia involves the abnormal development of lung tissue. It is marked by inflammation and scarring in the lungs. It occurs most often in premature babies, who are born with underdeveloped lungs. "Broncho" is the name of the airways (the bronchial tubes) through which the oxygen we breathe travels into the lungs. "Pulmonary" refers to the lungs' tiny air sacs (alveoli), where carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged. "Dysplasia" means abnormal changes in the organization or structure of a group of cells. The cell changes in BPD occur in the smaller airways and lung alveoli, making breathing difficult and causing problems with lung function. [read more]
Bruton agammaglobulinemia was the first immunodeficiency disease to be described. Colonel Ogden Bruton noted in 1952 the absence of immunoglobulins in a young male with a history of pneumonias and other bacterial sinopulmonary infections. Bruton was also the first physician to furnish specific immunotherapy for this X-linked disorder by administering intramuscular injections of immunoglobulin G (IgG). The patient improved but died of chronic pulmonary disease in his fourth decade of life. This disorder is now formally known as X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and the gene defect has been mapped to the gene that codes for Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) at band Xq21.3. The BTK gene is big and consists of 19 exons that encode the 659 amino acids that form the Btk cytosolic tyrosine kinase. Mutations can happen in any area of the gene. Btk is needed for the proliferation and differentiation of B lymphocytes. In the absence of working Btk, mature B cells that express surface immunoglobulin and the marker CD19 are few to absent. The lack of CD19 is readily detected with fluorocytometric assays, and this finding usually easily confirms the diagnosis of XLA in a male. As Bruton originally described, XLA shows itself as pneumonias and other bacterial sinopulmonary infections in 80% of cases. Such infections that start in male infants as maternal IgG antibodies, acquired transplacentally, are lost. Thus, XLA is most often diagnosed when unusually severe or recurrent sinopulmonary infections occur in a male infant younger than 1 year. [read more]
Bruxism is the medical term used in referring to gnashing, grinding or clenching of teeth; usually affecting children and adults alike. Individuals with bruxism clench teeth at daytime usually when anxious or stressed. Long-term bruxism leads to unpleasant conditions such as jaw problems, damaged teeth, and headache. [read more]
The bubonic plague, also known as bubonic fever, is the best-known variant of the deadly infectious disease caused by the enterobacteria Yersinia pestis (Pasteurella pestis). The epidemiological use of the term ?plague? is currently applied to bacterial infections that cause buboes, although historically the medical use this term has been applied to pandemic infections in general. [read more]
In medicine (gastroenterology and hepatology), Budd-Chiari syndrome is the clinical picture resulted from occlusion of the hepatic vein or inferior vena cava. It presents with the classical triad of abdominal pain, ascites and hepatomegaly. Some examples of occlusion include thrombosis of hepatic veins and membranous webs in the inferior vena cava. The syndrome can be acute, fulminant, chronic, or asymptomatic. It takes place in 1 out of 100,000 individuals and is more common in females. Some 10-20% also have a sort of obstruction of the portal vein. [read more]
Bundle branch block pertains to an obstruction or delay in the electrical impulse pathway that causes the heart to beat. [read more]
Bursitis pertains to a painful inflammation of the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs that lubricate pressure points) that often results from repetitive stress on the body's joints. [read more]
Bursitis of the knee is a condition characterized by inflammation of a bursa (tiny fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between moving parts of the knee) located near the knee joint. [read more]
Caffey's Disease is also known as infantile cortical hyperostosis, which is a very rare form of disease that is characterized by the abnormal thickening of certain bones in the body such as the long bone shafts and mandible. [read more]
Calculi are stones that form in an organ or duct of the body. Stones are concretions of materials, usually mineral salts that can cause various important medical conditions. [read more]
Canavan Disease (also know as ACY2 deficiency) is a rare genetic defect that characterizes a spongy deterioration of the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms that indicate the spread of the disease develop at infancy, usually beginning with progressive mental decline and rapid loss of head control, balance and muscle tone. Affected infants have an abnormally large head caused by swelling. This disease is caused by an abnormality found in the ASPA gene that stops the cells from producing aspartocytase, an enzyme important in brain development. [read more]
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive disorder that is the most common cerebral degenerative disease of infancy. The disease causes progressive damage to the brain's nerve cells. It is also a gene-linked, neurological birth disorder, wherein the white matter of the brain disintegrate into spongy tissue puzzled with microscopic fluid-filled spaces. The disease belongs to a group of genetic disorders called leukodystrophies, which are characterized by the degeneration of myelin. Myelin is an electrically insulating dielectric covering the phospholipids layer of neuron insulating the axon. Canavan disease hinders the body's normal production of myelin. Called the central nervous system's ?white matter,? this fatty membrane ensures that nerve impulses are properly transmitted. [read more]
Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells are hostile, invasive, and sometimes metastatic. These three are considered malignant properties of cancers that differentiate them from benign tumors. Although some benign tumor types are capable of being malignant, they are usually self-limited in their growth and don't invade or metastasize. People from all ages, even fetuses, may be affected with cancer but age is a factor that can raise the risks for more common varieties. About 13% of all deaths are caused by cancer and according to the American Cancer Society, 7.6 million people died from cancer in 2007 across the world. Even plants and animals may be affected by cancer. Abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells practically cause all cancers. Carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, chemicals, radiation or infectious agents may have caused said abnormalities. Some however, may be randomly acquired through errors in DNA replication or inherited. DNA methylation and microRNAs are new aspect of the genetics of cancer pathogenesis that are gaining importance. The tissues from which the cancerous cells originate are used as bases in classifying cancer. There are also two general classes of genes affected by cancer anmely the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. [read more]
Commonly called yeast infection or thrush, candidiasis is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any of the Candida species. The most common Candida specie is Candida albicans. Candidiasis includes infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. The latter belongs to a category called candidemia are usually confined to severely immunocompromised persons. These include persons with cancer, transplant, and AIDS patients. [read more]
Carcinoid syndrome points to the collection of symptoms that happen next to carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid tumors happen together along with gastrointestinal tract (GI) that are distinct, colored yellow and well-circumscribed tumors. The tumors usually affect the ileum, appendix and rectum and it is usually distinctive and endocrine in nature. The tumors produce hormones into the blood stream that go through to the end organs and operates then by proper receptors. Though it fairly unusual, out of 15 cases per 1,000,000 population carcinoid tumors report for 75% of GI endocrine tumors. [read more]
Cardiac tamponade, is also known by another medical term as pericardial tamponade, which is characterized as an emergency condition where fluid accumulates in the sac that encloses the heart. The accumulation of the fluid can significantly elevate the heart's pressure and can ultimately lead to shock and possible death if without any medical intervention. [read more]
Carnitine transporter deficiency is a hereditary carnitine deficiency, which is a result of defective proteins. These proteins are called carnitine transporters. These transporters are responsible for carrying carnitine to wherever it's needed in the body, and prevents it from being excreted. With the deficiency, carnitine is released through urine. Illness or fasting may trigger severe attack. [read more]
Caroli disease is categorized as an uncommon congenital disease that involves the cystic dilatation of the liver's intrahepatic bile ducts. It has two types, known as Simple Caroli disease and Complex Caroli disease. The first type is characterized by ectasia or dilatation of bile ducts, while the latter includes the presence of portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis besides ectasia. [read more]
Carotenemia is a condition of excess beta-carotene in one's blood. It's common and generally harmless in infants, usually appearing when they start eating solids. Ingestion of too much beta-carotene containing foods, deposits the carotene in one's skin adding yellow color to it. While the condition is not dangerous, it may lead to mistaken analysis of jaundice. [read more]
Cat Eye syndrome is a very uncommon chromosomal disorder relating to chromosome 22 genetic abnormalities. The syndrome affects the eyes' appearance, and can be apparent at birth. Its name is derived from the distinctive eye abnormality present in affected individuals. This characteristic consists of the partial lack of coloboma or ocular tissue, which often affects both eyes. [read more]
Catatonic schizophrenia is a subtype of chronic mental illness known as schizophrenia, which is characterized by altered perception of reality, behavior, and thinking. Patients with catatonic schizophrenia are typically extremely inactive or display minimal movements that seem disconnected from their surroundings. These episodes, known as catatonic episodes, may last for mere minutes or as long as a few hours. [read more]
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a condition wherein there is formation of blood clot made up of fibrin and platelets in the brain's cavernous sinus. Cavernous sinus is found at the brain's base and contains several nerves, other structures, and a vein. This vein transports deoxygenated blood from face and brain then back to the heart. Associated conditions are craniocerebral trauma, thrombophilia, and infections of paranasal sinuses and contiguous structures. [read more]
Celiac disease pertains to a digestive disorder set off by consumption of gluten, a type of protein that can be found in pasta, bread, pizza crust, cookies, and other food products that contain barley, wheat or rye. [read more]
Centronuclear myopathy belongs to a group of rare diseases called congenital myopathies. Congenital myopathies are conditions wherein the cell's nuclei is located within the skeletal muscle cells, an abnormal condition. Normally, the nuclei would be positioned in the periphery of the cell, but with centronuclear myopathy the nuclei is in the center, hence the name. [read more]
Cercarial dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by an itchy rash caused by certain parasites. It is also commonly referred to as ?swimmer' itch?. [read more]
Cerebral palsy is a group of diseases that are non-progressive and non-contagious. The word cerebral refers to the cerebrum, and palsy means disorder of movement. Cerebral palsy is characterized by damaged motor control centers in the brains of young children. The brain damage that occurs does not worsen over time, although orthopedic difficulties may accompany the condition. There are 4 common classifications of cerebral palsy according to the damaged area of the brain. These are spastic, athetoid/dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, and this type of cerebral palsy affects the motor cortex, corticospinal tract, or pyramidal tract, which leads to neuromuscular conditions. Patients with this type of CP also are hypertonic. Athetoid or dyskinetic type of CP have mixed muscle tone, and have either hypertonia or hypotonia. Ataxia, the least most common type of cerebral palsy, is characterized by tremors, hypotonia, and possibly some difficulties with motor skills. [read more]
Cerebrohepatorenal syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by the lack of peroxisomes, the cell structures that remove toxic substances from the body. Peroxisomes are found in the kidneys, liver and brain. [read more]
Cerumen impaction pertains to an abnormal accumulation of earwax in the external ear canal. The earwax becomes too tightly packed to the point of causing an obstruction in the said canal. [read more]
Chancroid is a kind of sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. This STD is common in hot, tropical countries, and is characterized by open, painful sores in the genital area. When left untreated chancroid may give way to ulcers that may persist in the affected area for up to several months. [read more]
CHARGE syndrome is a genetic disorder which consists of a set of congenital defects on newborn babies. It was first discovered in 1979 and the acronym was coined in 1981. The acronym CHARGE stands for Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the nasal choanae, Retardation of growth, Genital abnormalities and Ear problems. [read more]
Chemophobia literally means a fear of chemicals. It is a fully-developed psychological fear of chemical substances due to pre-existing beliefs and hearsays about the negative effects of chemicals to one's body. However, some experts do not consider chemophobia as a psychological condition, but rather a term marketing analysts and advertisers coined in order to widen the market of the products they are selling. [read more]
Chiari malformation is the displacement of brain tissue into the spinal canal. [read more]
Childhood nephrotic syndrome is an illness characterized by the kidney's loss of protein in the urine. The condition then causes the blood protein to decrease allowing water movement into the tissues of the body resulting to edema or swelling usually around the eyes, belly, and legs. Children doen't go to the bathroom and gain weight because of the swelling. [read more]
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that causes people to communicate and behave differently than most other people through disorganized, detached, paranoid, or illogical behaviors. [read more]
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria. A common STD, Chlamydia can cause serious complications which may lead to damages in the female reproductive organs. It can also bring forth permanent problems such as infertility in both males and females. This disease is regarded to be a ?silent killer? because around 75% of infected people notice no symptoms. If the signs do surface, these are usually noticed a few weeks after the disease is acquired. [read more]
Cholestasis is a medical condition where the bile fluids cannot pass from the liver to the duodenum. This condition occurs when gallstones block the bile ducts due to side effects from other diseases or as a genetic defect in a person's DNA. [read more]
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of leukemia which attacks a particular lymphocyte called the B cell, which can be found in the bone marrow, whose task is to fight infections. A person with CLL has a damaged B cell, thus it cannot fight infections and rather eats up other blood cells that are able to fight infection. [read more]
Chronic myelogenous leukemia or CML is a rare kind of blood cell cancer. It is considered as chronic leukemia due to its slow progression pattern, sometimes over a period of years. CML isn't solid tumor that may be removed surgically. Fortunately, prognosis for individuals with CML might be improving due to new medications for treatment of the condition. [read more]
Chronic pelvic pain refers to any pain in the pelvic region lasting six months or more. It may be a symptom of another disease, or designated as a condition in its own right. [read more]
Chronic sinusitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the sinuses causing fluid buildup that plugs the sinus cavity and prevents normal mucus drainage. The condition recurs or stays longer than 12 consecutive weeks. [read more]
Chronic vulvar pain or Vulvodynia is a pain in the area around the vagina opening that lasts for months. [read more]
Cicatricial pemphigoid is a comparatively rare blistering disease involving the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, throat, nose, and genitals. The disease is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system generates antibodies that attack certain proteins that attach the epidermal cells to each other. The disrupted connection causes the cell to separate from the skin's lower layers, thus blisters form. [read more]
Cleidocranial dysplasia is an inherited condition that mainly affects bone development. It is distinguished by an absence or incompletely developed collar bones, as well as facial and cranial abnormalities. [read more]
Cockayne's syndrome is defined as an uncommon genetic disorder involving ?progressive multisystem degeneration'. The DNA or genetic material inside body cells is harmed by ultraviolet radiation. Generally, the body is able to repair the damaged DNA, but individuals with the syndrome are deficient of this ability. [read more]
Coffin-Lowry syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition linked with delayed development and mental retardation. It is also distinguished by skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. Males are typically more extremely affected compared to females. The syndrome is inherited in a pattern known as X-linked. [read more]
Colic is the condition wherein babies seem to cry and fuss a lot despite of the fact that they are perfectly healthy, well-fed and well taken care of; one of the most worrisome and difficult problems in infancy that is very disappointing for parents; usually common in both breast-fed and bottle-fed infants. [read more]
Colitis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract primarily distinguished by colon inflammation. The disease causes sores and swellings, known as ulcers, in the large intestines' top layer lining. [read more]
Colon cancer is malignancy (cancer) of the large intestine; which is the lower part of the digestive system; usually starting as small, benign cell appearing in clusters known as adenomatous polyps. [read more]
Colorado tick fever (CTF) is defined as a tick-borne viral illness that was largely suffered by humans in the United States. This medical condition is usually caused by an infection that is directly related to the Colorado tick fever virus, which is recorded to be a type of Coltivirus genera.. [read more]
A common cold is characterized as an infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, throat and nose. This condition is usually harmless and is known to be self-limiting. There are about 200 viruses that are known to cause common colds, making this condition highly prevalent among adults and children alike. [read more]
Compulsive sexual behavior is an individual's preoccupation and overwhelming urge for sex. It is also called hypersexuality, nymphomania, or erotomania. [read more]
Compulsive Skin Picking or Dermatillomania is an obsessive compulsive disorder characterized by the urge to repetitively pick one's own skin resulting to damage to the skin and skin bleeding; which is often followed by depression or hopelessness when the damage has been done to the skin. [read more]
Conduct disorder is the most severe psychiatric disorder usually affecting children and adolescents involving persistent antisocial behavior violating the rights of others; characterized by activities such as stealing, truancy, substance abuse, and vandalism. These behavior patterns are usually exhibited at home, school, and even in social functions and causes significant impairment the family, social, and academic performance of the child or adolescent. [read more]
Condyloma is more popularly known as genetal wart, categorized as a sexually transmitted disease that has external manifestations most particularly in the genitalia and anal area. Internal warts grow on the cervix and the upper vagina as well as in the male urethra. The lesions usually appear raised and pinkish in color but do not usually produce any other symptom. [read more]
Condyloma acuminatum is more popularly known as genital warts and is largely categorized as a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus. The estimated incubation period of this disease is approximately three months and is known to be highly contagious. The warts usually grow on the perianal and vulva areas, the cervix and vagina walls as well as the penis shaft for males. Lesions appear to be wart like and can be easily recognizable upon application of acetic acid or vinegar during examination. [read more]
Cone dystrophy is categorized as a genetic form of blindness which typically results in the impairment of the patient's photoreceptor cone cells, which is an essential part of the human vision. [read more]
Congenital hypothyroidism is also medically referred to as endemic cretinism which is characterized by the inadequate production of thyroid hormone among newborn infants. This typically occurs due to an anatomic defect in the infant's gland, which is categorized as an inborn defect of iodine deficiency or thyroid metabolism. [read more]
Congestive heart disease is a disorder that may result from any type of functional or structural disease, which impairs the heart's ability to pump or fill sufficient quantity of blood all through the body. The term ?congestive? is taken from blood ?backing up' or ?congesting' into the abdomen, liver, lungs, and lower extremities. [read more]
Conn's syndrome is an infection of the adrenal glands, wherein there is too much ?aldosterone' hormone secretion. The hormone is responsible for regulation of chief bodily functions, for instance blood pressure, correct electrolyte balance, and secondary water retention. The excessive secretion increases potassium loss and raises sodium re-absorption. The condition is also known as primary hyperaldosteronism. [read more]
Constipation is one of the most common problems in the digestive system characterized by infrequent bowel movements, passing hard stools, and straining when moving a bowel resulting to feeling bloated, lethargic, and feelings of discomfort or pain. [read more]
Conversion disorder is defined as a psychiatric disorder wherein people convey emotional distress through ?physical' manifestations and symptoms. The symptoms appear involuntarily, while medical examination doesn't explain any clear-defined root of the dysfunction. [read more]
Coproporhyria, also known as Porphria, is a term used to define a set of hereditary disorders arising from troubles in the body's manufacture of a substance identified as ?heme'. Heme is present in each body tissue. The body utilizes enzymes to transform ?porphyrins' into heme. When one of the enzymes has an inherited deficiency, the process of transformation is interrupted. This causes porphyrins to accumulate in one's body, which in turn leads to the symptoms of Coproporhyria. [read more]
A corneal abrasion is characterized by a very painful scratch or scrape on the surface of the cornea. This is the transparent window covering the iris, which is the circular colored portion of the eye. Since the cornea has nerve endings just below the surface, even the slightest damage on the surface can be very painful. [read more]
Couvade syndrome is also known as sympathetic pregnancy, pregnant dad syndrome, and male pregnancy experience is a condition wherein the expectant father is experiencing some of the physical pregnancy symptoms prior the birth of the baby. The condition is usually common in first-time fathers; however there are also cases involving fathers who had previous children. [read more]
The genetic disorder Cowden's disease causes the tumor-like growths called hamartomas to develop on one's skin or mucous membranes. Noncancerous and small, this may also grow in various areas of the body including the intestinal tract. Patients with Cowden syndrome are much more likely to contact uterus cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. [read more]
Craniodiaphyseal dysplasia (CDD or lionitis) is an uncommon hereditary autosomal recessive bone disorder characterized by deposits of calcium in the skull, causing the size of cranial foramina and the hole in the cervical spinal canal to shrink. This deforms facial features of the patients, who in most cases die at an early age. [read more]
Craniofacial dysostosis is a disorder that was first described by a French doctor named Octave Crouzon. The doctor found out that the patients who are affected by the disorder are a mom-and-daughter tandem, suggesting that craniofacial dysostosis is of genetic basis. [read more]
CREST syndrome (Calcinosis Raynaud's Esophagus Sclerodactyly Telangiectasia) is a disorder caused by a glitch in our connective tissues, the substance found outside our cells that hold the tissues and organs of our bodies together. It can be a benign condition that won't affect our bodily functions, yet in some cases it can be serious and fatal. A subset of sleroderma, it causes problems in the skin and blood vessels, and in extreme cases, lungs, digestive tract or heart. [read more]
Crigler Najjar Syndrome (CNS) is a serious disorder that interferes with the metabolism of bilirubin, a chemical formed from the breakdown of blood, usually afflicting new borns. This causes an inherited form of non-hemolytic jaundice, which may often result to brain damage in infants. [read more]
Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory disorder most usually affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It can constrict the bowel and thus cause bowel obstruction, make abnormal passageway between the bowel and other body parts such as the skin, and result to inflammation without causing strictures or fistulae. Among the parts afflicted with this disorder are the ileum and the large intestine, as well as any part of the digestive system including the mouth and the anus. [read more]
The rare syndrome Cronkhite-Canada is a disorder prevalent among individuals 50 to 60 years old and characterized by the presence of multiple polyps in our digestive tract. The polyps affect the large intestine, stomach, small intestine and esophagus, causing gastrointestinal disturbances, malnutrition, malabsorption and even colorectal cancer. The polyps are hamartomas, growths which are often non-cancerous. [read more]
The hereditary disorder Crouzon syndrome arises when the bones of a baby's skull and face close early or are incapable of expanding. This abnormal bone development is caused by disturbances in the development of the branchial arches and leads to malformation of the skull and facial features. Typically, individuals with Crouzon syndrome have low-lying ears and malformed ear canals that cause hearing loss. [read more]
The rare medical condition called Crow-Fukase syndrome is also called POEMS syndrome after the clinical features that distinguish it from other diseases ? Polyneuropathy (peripheral nerve damage), Organomegaly (abnormal enlargement of organs), Endocrinopathy (damage to hormone-producing glands)/Edema, M-protein (an abnormal antibody) and Skin abnormalities (including hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis). [read more]
The precipitation of the proteins called cryoglobulins in low temperature can cause serious health problems for some people. The condition is called cryoglobulinemia and it occurs when there are huge deposits of cryoglobuline in the blood, damaging organs and causing illness. It could be linked to multiple myeloma, liver disease, lymphoma, and infection. More women are afflicted with the disease. [read more]
Cryptorchidism, also referred to as undescended testicle, is a condition in which the testes did not completely descend into the scrotum. [read more]
Cryptosporidium infection is a gastrointestinal disease. [read more]
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is considered an extremely rare disease, and is usually occurs in people between the ages 40-60, primarily affecting the skin. This medical condition is caused by the uncontrollable development of within blood cells on the skin, which is known as T-cells. Among the most common types cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides. [read more]
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a chronic vomiting disorder having no identified cause. It is most common in children ages 3-7 years which they will outgrow in teenage years. But since it is recurring, it can occasionally happen in adults as well. [read more]
Dandy-Walker syndrome is defined as a brain deformity that involves the ?cerebellum' and the fluid that fills the space surrounding it. The malformation happens before birth; thus, it's submitted as a ?congenital malformation'. The syndrome is characterized by enlargement of the brain's fourth ventricle, complete or partial absence of cerebellar vermis, and a formation of cyst near the skull's internal base. There is also increased fluid size and pressure increase in the fluid spaces around the brain. [read more]
Prolonged nighttime sleep or recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness are among the characteristics of Hypersomnia. [read more]
De Sanctis-Cacchione syndrome is a very uncommon disorder distinguished by eye and skin manifestations of XP or xeroderma pigmentosum, occurring in involvement with mental retardation, neurological abnormalities, underdeveloped ovaries or testes, and abnormally short stature or dwarfism. [read more]
Degenerative nerve disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive fatal illness that affects the motor neurons that control the body's skeletal muscles. It is characterized by paralysis and weakening of the voluntary muscles. It is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. [read more]
Degos disease is an uncommon systematic disease that involves the medium and small sized arteries, wherein these arteries become blocked. The disease typically progresses into two stages. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of distinguishing skin lesions that may stay for some time, ranging from a few weeks to several years. Lesions inside the small intestines often mark the second stage, and other organs can also be affected. [read more]
Dejerine-Sottas disease is an uncommon genetic motor and sensory polyneuropathy that manifests progressive effects on mobility. The peripheral nerves thicken and enlarge, leading to weakness of the muscle. The progress of this disease is irregular, as well as frequently accompanied by numbness, pain, weakness, and a burning, prickling, or tingling sensations in one's legs. [read more]
Demyelinating disease is defined as any type of nervous system condition wherein the neurons' protective covering, called myelin sheath, is damaged. This causes impairment in the transmission of signals within affected nerves, which in turn results to damage in movement, cognition, sensation, or other bodily functions, depending on the nerves involved. Some common demyelinating disease includes multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, devic disease, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, transverse myelitis, and adrenomyeloneuropathy. [read more]
Dent's disease, also known as Dent Disease, is a rare X-linked recessive condition that is hereditary. It affects the Kidney and is one of the many causes of Fanconi syndrome. It is characterized by hypercalciuria, tubular proteinuria, nephrocalcinosis, chronic renal failure and calcium nephrolithiasis. Because it it only associated with the X-chromosome, this disease is most common to males. Studies show that more men (9 out of 15) suffer from this disease compared to women (1 out of ten) at an average age of 47 [read more]
Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) is a special type of dissociative disorder where an afflicted individual suffers from recurrent and resistant feelings of depersonalization. This is characterized by a sense of automation as well as the feeling of disconnection from the body, often making it difficult to relate to reality. [read more]
Hugely affecting your legs that may appear to have red and often itchy rash on the lower part of your body is a disorder called statis dermatitis. It often occurs after a long-term swelling of the legs that could be caused by poor blood circulation. [read more]
Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis is a congenital disorder most common in women. It is a rare type ectodermal dysplasia disorder. Although most cases are reported in Europe, there is not enough evidence to say that the disease is associated with any race. [read more]
Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare state where the heart's apex is positioned abnormally towards the right side, other than the heart the liver and the spleen are reversed too. This condition is not a life threatening disease and most patients are capable of living a normal life. [read more]
Diabetic dermopathy is also commonly known as shin spots or the pigmented pretibial patches. This is a skin condition that is usually found to develop on the lower legs of people who have diabetes. This medical condition is often the result of changes in the small blood vessel, which are primarily responsible in supplying the skin blood products. [read more]
Diabetic nephropathy or nephropatia diabetica is also called Kimmelstiel-Wilson syndrome. Another term is intercapillary glomerulonephritis. It is a kidney disease, which is progressive in nature and is caused by angiopathy of the capillaries in kidney glomeruli. It occurs because of diabetes mellitus that has been in the patient for a long period of time already. [read more]
Diamond-Blackfan Disease (DBA) is also called congenital erythroid aplasia that is present in infancy. That is caused by low red blood cell counts or anemia. [read more]
DiGeorge sequence (DGS), is an abnormal developmental condition that involves the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches. [read more]
Diphallia is also known as penile duplication (PD), dophallic terata or diphallasparatus. It is a disorder of male infant born with two or more penis. This disorder commonly accompanied with congenital anomalies like renal and anorectal duplication. A Diphalilic patient have high risk to develop spina bifida, a congenital defect that has incomplete closure of the empbryonic neural tube that allow spinal cord to protrude through the opening. It also has higher death rate because of its complicated renal and colorectal structures that results infection. [read more]
Diptheria is a communicable disease of upper respiratory tract it is caused by an anaerobic Gram- positive bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. it is spread through direct contact. Vaccine of this bacteria is recommended for children after four weeks of birth, it has 3 dosage with 3 weeks interva. It also recommended to travellers. Incubation period of Diphtheria is from 2 to 5 days. [read more]
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus or Systemic Lupus Erythamatosus is a systemic disorder cause by autoimmune response of the body. The immune system fights against own body cells that leads to inflammation of the tissues that affects different parts of the body. It occurs in unexpected times, this period is called "flares". [read more]
A chronic illness that causes altered perceptions of the world is called schizophrenia and disorganized schizophrenia is a subtype of such disorder. People who have disorganized schizophrenia display grossly disorganized behavior, disorganized thinking and an absent or inappropriate emotional expression. [read more]
Diverticulitis is a very common disease in the digestive system, specifically in the large intestine. This disorder developed from diverticulosis involving the formation of diverticula on the colon particularly on the outside part. It occurs if one of these many pouches or diverticula swells. [read more]
Dizziness is common sensation characterized by unsteadiness and a moving vision of one's surroundings. Children, like adults, may experience dizziness every once in a while. [read more]
Dry socket is a form of dental condition that usually occurs when the site of the tooth extraction has dislodged the blood clot, thereby exposing the nerves and bones. This causes a more intensified pain. This dental complication is quite common after tooth extraction. [read more]
Dubin-Johnson syndrome is a disorder usually autosomal and recessive. This condition causes an increase of bilirubin without elevation of the liver enzymes ALT and AST. This condition is often associated with the inability of hepatocytes to secrete produced conjugated bilirubin to the bile in the liver. It can be diagnosed in early infancy. Building up of biliburin in the bloodstrean cause yellowish color of the eye and skin. [read more]
is a form of muscular dystrophy that is characterized by decreasing muscle mass and progressive loss of muscle function in male children [read more]
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is characterized by the abnormal multiplication of cells and the gradual formation of a growth within a milk duct of the breast. This medical condition may be difficult to detect. However, this is normally not a fatal condition since it is not a form of cancer but would still require a form of treatment. [read more]
Dupuytren's contracture is characterized of a fixed flexion contracture of the person's limbs where the fingers tend to bend towards the base of the palm and cannot be fully extended or straightened naturally. It disorder is named in honor of a particular surgeon named Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, who was the first to define a surgical operation to correct the said affliction. [read more]
Dyskeratosis congenita is also referred to as Zinsser-Engman-Cole Syndrome. It is a type of rare disease that is characterized by a gradual failure of the bone marrow. [read more]
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily involves reading and writing characterized by trouble in word-sounds processing and difficulty in short-term verbal memory; evidences are visible in spoken and written language. The condition is an impairment of the ability of the brain to translate written images received by the eyes into meaningful language. [read more]
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps, referring to dull and throbbing pain felt in the lower abdomen just before or during menstrual periods. [read more]
Dysrhythmias are also known as tuberous sclerosis, which is categorized as a very rare form of genetic disease that causes growth of benign tumors in several parts of the body. The most common areas of growth include the brain, skin and kidneys. [read more]
Cervical dystonia is characterized by a painful condition wherein the muscles of the neck contract involuntarily. This causes the head to turn or twist to one side. Most often this condition causes the repetitive jerky motion of the head. [read more]
Early puberty is characterized by the rapid growth of the muscles and bones as well as premature changes in the size and shape of the body. This condition is often more prevalent among girls than boys. [read more]
Earwax blockage is the obstruction of the ear canal with cerumen. Cerumen or popularly known as earwax is part of the body's natural defenses that protects the ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. [read more]
Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a long lasting condition featuring an itchy eruption on the skin; usually accompanied by asthma or hay fever. The condition is often found in infants and children but can be a continual condition into adulthood. In some cases, the condition appears later on in life. [read more]
Simply known as swelling, edema is the enlargement or organs, skin, or other body parts. The most common parts where swelling is observed are the hands, feet, ankles, and legs. [read more]
Eggs are identified as one of the most common allergy-causing foods. Such allergies can affect both children and adults and usually occurs after a few minutes of eating eggs or any food that may contain egg. The symptoms may range form mild to severe and can possibly cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. [read more]
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is characterized by some form of a clinical triad consisting of joint structures that usually develop during early childhood. This is accompanied by the slow progression of muscle weakness as well as wasting that starts from the scapular down to the pelvic girdle, along with cardiac muscle involvement. [read more]
Encephalomyelitis, Myalgic is an inflammatory, chronic, mainly neurological disorder that's multisystematic and affects the body's immune system, cardiovascular system, muscoskeletal system, endocrinological system, and central nervous system or CNS. In every case of myalgic encephalomyelitis, there is an extent of disability and impaired mobility. The impairment level and complexity will depend on the level of brain injury and involvement of the end organ. [read more]
Endocardial cushion defect or also known as atrioventricular canal defect is a combination of several abnormalities in the heart that is congenital. In this condition, a hole between the chambers of the heart is present. There are also problems with the valves that regulate blood flow in the heart. The condition is also called atriventicular septal defect. There are two common types of atrioventricular canal defect. The fist one is partial, which means that only the two upper chambers of the heart are involved. The other one is called the complete form, which allows the blood to travel freely among all chambers but also lets extra blood circulate to the lungs, causing the heart to enlarge. [read more]
Endocarditis is characterized as an inflammation of the inner layer of the patient's heart, which is medically termed as the endocardium. Among the most common structures of this medical condition involves the heart valves. [read more]
Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is one of the most common cancers in American women. About 40,000 American women receive a diagnosis of endometrial cancer each year, which makes it the fourth most common cancer found in women. [read more]
Endometrial cancer is a common type of cancer affecting most American women. Roughly forty thousand American women are diagnosed per year, making it the 4th most common female cancer. It begins in the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), and may also affect other cells of the uterus. It is alternatively known as uterine cancer, and usually appears as the female's reproductive period ends, usually at ages 60-70. [read more]
Endometriosis is a very common condition of women characterized by a growth outside the uterus of the endometrium which is the tissue that lines the uterus. This disorder is known to have affected women who are around 30 to 40 years old and who have not experienced being pregnant. These women are of reproductive age all around the world. This disorder, however, can occur just rarely in women at their postmenopausal age. In Endometriosis, the endometrium, which is misplaced, is unable to get out of the body. Although the tissues will still detach from the wall and bleed, but the result is internal bleeding, the surrounding areas swell, pain, shedding of blood and tissue, and scar tissue formation. [read more]
Eneuresis, or enuresis, is a childhood disorder in which the child urinates while asleep. This is one of the pediatric issues common even today. [read more]
Enlarged heart or cardiomegaly is a sign of an underlying problem. [read more]
Also known as bed-wetting, nocturnal enuresis of nighttime incontinence is a developmental stage and is not a sign of toilet training gone bad. Primary enuresis is the term for children who have never been dry at night. Those who begin to wet the bed after at least six months of dry nights are considered to have secondary enuresis. [read more]
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome or EMS is an incurable neurogical condition. Sometimes this conditon is fatal to some patients. It is flu-like condition that is associated to be triggered by ingestion or consumption of L-tryptophan supplements which are poorly produced. Like the regular eosinophilia, it can cause increase in the eosinophil granulocytes present in the patient's blood. There are new developments though, another explanation for EMS claims that it is brought about by the consumption of large amount of tryptophan. It leads to the production of the metabolites, which can interfere with the normal degradation of histamine. Also too much activity of histamine has been associated and related to blood eosinophilia and myalgia. [read more]
Eosinophilic granuloma is a rare disease often involving proliferation of clones of the langerhans cells, ana some abnormal cells from the bone marrow which are and capable of migrating from the skin to the lymph nodes. In a clinical test, its presentations may range from an isolated bone lesions to a disease involving many parts of the body systems. [read more]
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is also termed as Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia or Lutz-Lewandowsky epidermodysplasia verruciformis. This is a very rare skin disease which is characterized by growth of scaly macules and rashes or papules, especially on the patient's feet and hands. Epidermodysplasia usually begins in childhood stage without any known cure. In some cases though, high doses of vitamin A may help ameliorate the condition. [read more]
Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is also called bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. This condition is a relatively rare autosomal ichthyosis which is dominant. It was first described in 1902 by Brocq as bullous a ichthyotic erythroderma to distinguish it from the congenital ichthyotic erythroderma. The defect which causes the condition is found to be in the genes for keratin 1 and 10. [read more]
Epididymitis is a condition wherin the epididymis swell or becomes inflamed. This medical condition may entail mild to extremely pain. Adminsitration of antibiotics may also be needed to control infection. Epididymis is structure located along the posterior area of the testis. It is coiled and tubular in appearance. It is the structure that allows for the transport, storage, and maturation of the sperm cells and also connecting the efferent ducts to the vas deferens. Swelling of the epididymis can either be acute or chronic and is commonly caused by infection. [read more]
Epilepsy in children refers to the random seizures experienced by children from time to time. These seizures are caused by abnormal neurological transmissions that occur in the brain. They can be mild or cause violence not just to the child but as well as his immediate surroundings. Children with congenital neurological damages are affected by epilepsy, and attacks can be triggered by sudden burst of emotions. Epilepsy can lead to more severe problems including death when not managed. [read more]
Erb-Duchenne Palsy is also referred to as Brachial plexus paralysis or simply Erb's Palsy. This is a condition which is mainly caused by birth trauma. It can affect one or can be all of the primary nerves supplying the feeling and movement of the arm. The Erb's palsy can be cured even without intervention or it may sometimes require correction by a surgical intervention. [read more]
Erythema nodosum is a kind of ?skin inflammation', found in a specific part of the skin's fatty layer. The disorder results in painful, tender, reddish lumps that's most commonly found in front of one's legs on the lower part of the knees. These lumps vary in dimension, from one to five centimeters. The lumps can also occur for several weeks or months, and eventually go away. [read more]
Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a rather mild type or form of a porphyria , although it is very painful. This condition arises because of a deficiency in the human ferrochelatase enzyme. The deficiency then leads to abnormal often very high levels of protoporphyrin present in the tissue. The extent of the condition significantly varies from one person to another. [read more]
Esophageal spasms are an uncoordinated series of muscle contractions that prevent food from traveling properly from your esophagus to your stomach. These spasms can be very painful. Chest pain is a common symptom of esophageal spasms. [read more]
Esotropia is a form of squint or strabismus. In this condition, one or both of the eyes are turned inwards. Esotropia can be present constantly or may occur in an intermittent manner. It can usually give a cross-eyed appearance of the affected person. Esotropia is also sometimes wrongly called as lazy eye. [read more]
Essential thrombocytopenia refers to low platelets level in blood. The normal platelet count in the blood ranges from 150,000 and 450,000 per mm3. While in thrombocytopenia it has less than 150,000 per mm. [read more]
Essential thrombocytosis (ET) also known as essential thrombocythemia refers to overproduction of platelets in the bone marrow . In some cases this disorder is progressive, it means this disease get worst. [read more]
The word ?essential? in essential tremor means that the disorder isn't linked to other disease and is a sign of a movement disorder characterized as dismissed trembling hands or shaking head also it is also part of a normal aging process. It is the most common of the many movement disorder. [read more]
Evans' Syndrome is a disorder that refers to an autoimmune disease. It means that the patient's antibodies attack their own blood products like the red blood cells and platelet. It is commonly cause by the two autoimmune disorders, the Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (a condition in which the red blood cells are destroyed by an autoimmune process). And the immune thrombocytopenic purpura (a condition in which the platelets are destroyed by autoimmune process.) [read more]
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is also called Multiple exostosis it is a disorder in which multiple bone growth in the bony area. [read more]
Swimmer's ear or external otitis is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal. This happens when the ear is exposed to excess moisture and water is trapped in the ear canal. The acidity that normally prevents infection is diluted because the skin becomes soggy. Cuts along the lining of the ear can also cause bacteria to penetrate the skin. [read more]
Factor V deficiency is a hereditary disorder in which there is an anomalous blood coagulation, resulting from a deficiency in a plasma protein called Factor V. Factor V functions as an enzyme cofactor; the deficiency will lead to a tendency for hemorrhage, while some mutations influence thrombosis. [read more]
Factor VIII deficiency is an uncommon bleeding disorder in which a fundamental clotting factor, known as gene Factor VIII, is lacking. The lack leads to Hemophilia A disorder, which results to an increased bleeding risk from injuries, particularly injuries on joints, brain, muscles, and digestive tract. [read more]
Fahr's disease is an uncommon genetically dominant neurological disorder in which there is a presence of abnormal calcium deposits in brain areas that control movement, including the ?cerebral cortex' and ?basal ganglia'. This condition is frequently referred to as IBGC or ?idiopathic basal ganglia calcification', as there's no obvious explanation for calcification within these regions of the brain. [read more]
A genetic health condition, familial Mediterranean fever is characterized by the repeating occurrences of inflammation in the chest, abdomen, or joints. These episodes, which were found to be painful, typically happen along with fever, and at times, a rash. [read more]
Familial Polyposis is a genetic medical condition that attacks the patient's large intestine. Although this disease is considered rare, leaving it untreatedd can cause the onset of cancer. [read more]
Fanconi's anemia (FA) is an inherited ailment that involves children and adults belonging to all ethnic backgrounds. FA is distinguished by skeletal abnormalities, short figure, elevated occurrence of solid tumors and leukemias, failure in bone marrow and cellular sensitivity destroying agents like mitomycin C. [read more]
Fasciculations are muscle twitches that occur within the involuntary muscles underneath the skin. They occur due to a sudden discharge of skeletal muscle fibers. Most fasciculations are benign. [read more]
The inability to take control of bowel movements which causes the stool to drip from the rectum unexpectedly [read more]
Fecal incontinence or Bowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, resulting in involuntary passage of stool. This can range from an occasional leakage of stool with the passage of gas, to a complete loss of control of bowel movements. [read more]
Feingold syndrome is an extremely uncommon syndrome with several congenital anomalies. The syndrome is characterized largely by gastrointestinal abnormalities, toe and finger deformities, eye abnormities, and a small head. The features of the syndrome share considerable overlap with Vacterl and Vater connections, particularly patients that have esophageal/duodenal atresia. [read more]
Felty's syndrome is a result of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. It is characterized by the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen, and low white blood cell count. [read more]
Female pseudohermaphroditism is a type of pseudohermaphroditism wherein the affected person is an inherent and ?gonadal' female having partial masculinization. Pseudohermaphroditism is a condition where the affected individual has gonads of one sex, but there's one or more existing contradictions in its morphologic sex criteria. In the case of female pseudohermaphroditism, a person has normal ovary development, internal reproductive tract, and XX karyotype, but they have virilized external or ambiguous genitalia. [read more]
Feminisation is a medical condition where physical as well as behavioral female characteristics develop. This becomes an abnormality when the process takes place after sexual differentiation. It can be induced by genetic as well as environmental conditions. [read more]
Fetal thalidomide syndrome primarily results from the utero exposure to thalidomide. This medical condition is typically characterized the anomalies in the mental function and fetal growth, as well as other abnormalities that may include facial, cardiac, limb, kidney, anal, spinal and CNS. Preganant women who are exposed to thalidomide during the first trimester of pregnancy has 10-15% of risk of embryopathy. [read more]
Also known as pyrexia is a symptom of disease that describes that there is an internal termporary increase in the body core temperature which is above the regular body's thermoregulatory set point usually about 1 ? 2 0C. [read more]
Also called chronic cystic mastitis, diffuse cystic mastopathy and mammary dysplasia characterized by noncancerous lumps in the breast; roughly 30 ? 60 % of women estimated to suffer from this condition. [read more]
Fibromyalgia is categorized as a chronic condition that is characterized by extensive pain in the ligaments, muscles and tendons. It can also be accompanied by multiple tender points and fatigue. This medical condition is more prevalent among females than male. Although the pain symptoms may vary, this condition may never be able to disappear completely. [read more]
Influenza or flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. Though it is commonly called flu, influenza is not the same virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. [read more]
Flynn-Aird syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder that is characterized by gradual neurological degeneration that is associated with symptoms such as ataxia, dementia, eye problems, muscle wasting and skin disorders. [read more]
Sometimes called drop foot, foot drop is a general term used to describe the difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot and cases of dragging the front of the foot on the ground when walking. Foot drop is a sign of an underlying cause such as neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem and is not a disease. [read more]
Fragile X Syndrome is a defect in the X chromosome. This condition is the cause of mental retardation in people. People with defective X chromosomes exhibit various signs and symptoms. Those who have this body condition possess chromosomes which are fragile, prone to tear and break downs. Fragile X syndrome affects 1 in every 2,000 males. [read more]
Frontotemporal demential is considered to be a clinical syndrome wherein the cause of the condition is due to a degeneration of the brain's frontal lobe and extends to the temporal lobe. This syndrome can occur in patients diagnosed with a motor neuron disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. It often occurs in people of young age. When FTD is diagnosed together with MND, the prognosis is worse. [read more]
Frontotemporal dementia is a general umbrella medical term to a diverse group of rare disorders that primarily affects the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. These are the areas that are generally associated with individual personality and behavior. It usually affects the younger people and are known to undergo very rapid changes in the personality and usually become socially inappropriate. [read more]
An infection of nail fungus develops when fungi infect one or more of the nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into the nail, it may result to nail discoloration, thickening and developing of crumbling edges ? an unsightly and potentially painful problem. [read more]
Galactorrhea is otherwise known as the spontaneous discharge of milk unrelated to pregnancy or nursing. It is defined by Contemporary Maternal-Newborn Nursing Care as ?nipple discharge?. [read more]
Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the gallbladder in particular and the biliary tract in general. The gallbladder, along with the bile duct, is responsible for transporting bile. Cancerous gallbladder tumors are called adenocarcinomas, which commonly develop in the inner surface of the gallbladder. These adenocarcinomas are extremely invasive, rapidly penetrating deep into the gallbladder and spreading from the inner surface to the outer surface of the gallbladder. If untreated, the cancer can spread to lymph nodes or travel through the bloodstream and invade other parts of the body. [read more]
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a condition first documented in 1937 by Kaijser. It manifests as the diffuse eosinophilic infiltration in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, usually with chronic relapses. Any point of the gastrointestinal tract may contract this condition, and how it manifests depends on the extent of the involvement of the bowel wall. Common areas of the GI tract that are affected are the stomach, the small intestine, and the colon. [read more]
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a form of hemorrhage that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, reaching from the pharynx down to the rectum. The bleeding can be very life-threatening. [read more]
These are rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract also known ?GIST'. GIST is a form of joint tissue cancer or sarcoma. GISTs are therefore non-epithelial tumors, separate from common forms of bowel cancer. [read more]
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is marked by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things, which is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD usually catastrophise, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, family problems, friend problems or work difficulties. [read more]
Genital herpes is a highly contagious (STD) sexually transmitted disease. [read more]
Highly contagious sexually transmitted infection. Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be carry tiny or can spread into large masses in the genital or penis area. For women they occur on the outside and inside of the vagina on the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus) or around anus. [read more]
German measles, commonly known as rubella, is a disease caused by Rubella virus. [read more]
Giant platelet syndrome, also known as Bernard-Soulier disease, is a disorder found in newborn infants. In this condition the blood platelets fail to stick to the walls to the blood vessels, affecting the ability to clot properly. It can be a cause for abnormal bleeding. [read more]
Gigantism is a condition wherein the human body grows excessively in height and weight during childhood, before the bone growth plates close, causing a person to live with overgrown bones. [read more]
Glucagonoma is a tumor affecting the pancreas' alpha cells, causing extreme surplus production of the hormones insulin and glucagons. The malignant and fast-spreading nature of the disease affects these alpha cells, causing the overproduction of hormones. [read more]
Glutaryl-Coa dehydrogenase deficiency, also known as Glutaric aciduria type 1 or Glutaric aciduria, is a hereditary disease characterized by the body's disability to completely metabolize lysine, tryptophan, and hydroxysiline, which are amino acids. This results in byproducts of the breakdown, including glutaryl-CoA, glutaric acid, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, and glutaconic acid, and the accumulation of these can harm the brain. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease (GSD) refers to a group of conditions caused by enzyme defects affecting glycogen synthesis and resulting in inborn errors of metabolism. It is also known by the names dextrinosis and glycogenosis. Nine diseases make up the classification of glycogen storage disease. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type II, also known as acid maltase deficiency or Pompe disease, is characterized by an enzyme acid maltase deficiency. The body uses the enzyme acid maltase to metabolize glycogen for energy. Among all the glycogen storage diseases, this is the only one with a lysosomal metabolism deficiency. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type V is a glycogen storage disease characterized by a myophosphorylase deficiency. It is also known by the names muscle phosphorylase deficiency or McArdle's disease. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type VI, also known as Hers disease, is a glycogen storage disease (GSD) characterized by a liver glycogen phosphorylase deficiency. It is also one of the less severe forms of all GSDs. [read more]
Golfer's elbow is pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. The pain may spread into the forearm and wrist. [read more]
Mixed gonadal dysgenesis is a condition of unusual and asymmetrical gonadal development leasing to an unassigned sex differentiation. Considering that the gonads in this medical condition may not be symmetrical, the development of the Mullerian and Wolffian duct may asymmetrical too (Donahoe PK, Crawford JD, Hendren WH Mixed gonadal dysgenesis, pathogenesis, and management. Pediatr Surg. 1979 Jun;14(3):287-300). [read more]
Turner type Gonodal Dysgenesis, otherwise known as Turner Syndrome or Ullrich syndrome, is a condition wherein the monosomy of X chromosome is the most ommon, making the female sexual characteristics though present are generally underdeveloped. It is said to occur in about one out of every 2500 female birth (National Institutes of Health (2004). Clinical Features of Turner syndrome). [read more]
Gonorrhea most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Non-genital sites that thrives are in the rectum, the throat (oropharynx), and the eyes (conjunctivae). The vulva and vagina in women are often spared because they are lined by stratified epithelial cells in women the cervix is the usual first site of infection. [read more]
Gout is a complex disorder that can affect anyone. Men are most likely to get gout than women are, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause. [read more]
Gray platelet syndrome, also known as Alpha Granule Deficiency, is a rare congenital disorder characterized by large and gray platelets on light microscopy. The gray color is caused by an absence of alpha-granules in blood platelets. [read more]
Constitutional growth delay is a condition wherein skeletal growth is delayed. It is the most common origin of pubertal delay and short stature. The condition affects children and teens, although they have no other physical abnormality except short stature. It occurs in both girls and boys although more frequently in boys. [read more]
Guillan-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a disorder affecting the body's immune system, causing it to attack part of the peripheral nervous system. GBS is autoimmune and acute in nature. GBS has many forms, although its most common form is acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). [read more]
Gingivitis ("inflammation of the gums") (gingiva) around the teeth is a general term for gingival diseases affecting the gingiva (gums). As usually used, the term gingivitis refers to gingival inflammation induced by bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) adherent to tooth surfaces. [read more]
Hib is an bacterium which is said to be responsible for some three million severe illnesses and an estimated 386,000 mortalities per year mainly through pneumonia and meningitis. Affected children range from five years old and below. In developing countries where a large majority of Hib deaths occur, pneumonia is accounted for bigger number of mortalities than meningitis. [read more]
Hib is an bacterium which is said to be responsible for some three million severe illnesses and an estimated 386,000 mortalities per year mainly through pneumonia and meningitis. Affected children range from five years old and below. In developing countries where a large majority of Hib deaths occur, pneumonia is accounted for bigger number of mortalities than meningitis. [read more]
Hageman factor deficiency is an uncommon hereditary disorder which is characterized by the low plasma protein known as factor XII. [read more]
Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common disease characterized by mouth sores, fever, and rashes. Enteroviruses from the family Picornaviridae causes the disease. It is common in infants and children, and is moderately contagious. Contact with feces or mucus of an infected person can trigger contagion. [read more]
Hand writing Rett syndrome, or more commonly known as Rett syndrome, is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. [read more]
Hantavirosis is a term that describes an infection from the Bunyaviridae virus family which is transmitted from rodents. The condition occurs in China, Russia, Korean Peninsula, northern and western Europe, Brazil, Chile, United States, Panama, Canada, and Patagonian Argentina. [read more]
Harlequin type ichtyhysosis is a hereditary congenital skin disorder characterized by thick and cracking skin that splits apart due to thickening of the keratin layer. The skin contains reddish, diamond-shaped scales. It is the most severe form of congenital ichthyosis. Individuals with the condition are known as harlequins, harlequin babes, or harlequin fetuses. [read more]
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease wherein the body's antibodies attack the thyroid cells. It is also known by the name chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is also the most common form of hyperthyroidism in the United States. [read more]
Head and neck cancer is a collective term used to describe cancers that form in the aerodigestive area, in organs such as the mouth, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, larynx, pharynx and lip. These cancers can affect the lymph nodes when not treated early. [read more]
Rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches, occur when pain medications (analgesics) are taken too often to relieve headache. [read more]
During a spinal tap, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is withdrawn from the spinal canal. During spinal anesthesia, medication is injected into the spinal canal to numb the nerves in the lower half of the body. If spinal fluid leaks through the tiny puncture site, a spinal headache may develop. [read more]
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headaches. The pain can radiate from the neck, back, eyes, or the other muscle groups in the body. Tension-type headaches account for almost 90% of all headaches. [read more]
Hearing impairment refers to reduction in sensitivity to sounds, which may be accompanied by some loss in the ability to correctly interpret auditory stimuli even when amplified (Stolov, W., Clowers, M. 2000. Handbook of Sever Disability,p. 395) [read more]
Heavy metal poisoning is poisoning through ingestion of heavy metals such as common transition metal such as copper, lead and zinc. These metals are a cause of environmental pollution (A Dictionary of Chemistry. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford Reference Online.Oxford University Press). [read more]
Hemangio thrombocytopenia syndrome or HTS is a rare disease affecting infants characterized by a vascular tumor which causes low platelet count as well as bleeding problems. The condition is also known as Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome. [read more]
Hemorrhoids are varicosities or swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids are actually the anatomical term for "'Cushions of tissue filled with blood vessels at the part of the rectum and the anus." However, the term has come into usual usage to indicate the condition described herein.q [read more]
Hemothorax is a disease wherein blood accumulates in the chest. It is a relatively common condition, usually occurring from traumatic force in the thorax which causes the serous membrane of the thorax surrounding the lungs to rupture. [read more]
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP or anaphylactoid purpura) is a kind of blood vessel inflammation or vasculitis. [read more]
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a condition wherein doses of heparin causes low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). The condition is a thrombotic disorder where there are high concentrations of thrombosis in the arteries. HIT usually occurs 4-14 days after the heparin administration. Heparin is administered during cardiovascular surgery. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. [read more]
Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignant liver neoplasm arising in infants and children and composed of tissue resembling fetal or mature liver cells or bile ducts. They are generally present with an abdominal mass. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) commonly is heightened but when AFP is not elevated at diagnosis the prognosis is poor. [read more]
Hepatomegaly is the condition of having an abnormally enlarged liver. [read more]
Angioedema, also known as Quincke's edema, is the rapid swelling (or edema) of the skin, mucosa and submucosal tissues. Aside from the common form, mediated by allergy, it has been reported as a side effect of some medications, specifically ACE inhibitors. [read more]
The hereditary ataxias are a group of genetic disorders marked by slowly progressive incoordination of gait and often associated with poor coordination of hands, speech, and eye movements. Frequently, atrophy of the cerebellum arises. The hereditary ataxias are grouped by mode of inheritance and causative gene or chromosomal locus. [read more]
Hereditary deafness is hearing loss that is passed down from parents to their children. This type of hearing loss may be inherited from one or both parents who may or may not possess a loss of hearing themselves. [read more]
Hereditary elliptocytosis is a blood disorder in which a large proportion of the sufferer's erythrocytes (i.e. red blood cells) are elliptical instead of being biconcave disc-shaped. The disorder comes before haemolytic anaemia. [read more]
Hereditary sensory motor neuropathy is a genetic disorder that leads to nerve damage. Also known as Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, it usually triggers the legs, hands, arms and feet. It also causes reduced sensation, but it is not life-threatening. [read more]
Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) is an inherited disease which leads to oculocutaneous albinism (decreased pigmentation), bleeding problems due to a platelet abnormality (platelet storage pool defect), and storage of an abnormal fat-protein compound (lysosomal accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin). [read more]
Hermaphroditism (or Intersex) is a group of conditions where there is a discrepancy between the external genitals and the internal genitals (the testes and ovaries). [read more]
Inguinal hernias are protrusions of abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. [read more]
Infection of the genitals is commonly known as herpes and predominantly occurs following sexual transmission of the type 2 strain of the virus (HSV-2). Oral herpes, colloquially called cold sores, is commonly caused by the type 1 strain of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). [read more]
Commonly affecting both men and women, genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease which include itching, pain and sores in your genital area. [read more]
Herpes zoster oticus (HZ oticus) is a viral infection affecting the inner, middle, and external ear. HZ oticus manifests as severe otalgia and associated cutaneous vesicular eruption, typically of the external canal and pinna. When linked with facial paralysis, the infection is called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. [read more]
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis includes a wide variety of disease processes that HSV can cause in the human cornea. A variety of clinical manifestations of infectious and immunologic etiologies, such as neurotrophic keratopathy, infectious epithelial keratitis, necrotizing stromal keratitis, immune stromal keratitis (ISK), and endotheliitis, can affect all levels of the cornea. Although more common as a manifestation of recurrent HSV infection, HSV keratitis may also be detected during a primary infection. [read more]
The socket of the human hip joint known as acetabulum is naturally lined by some cartilage called labrum, which provides proper stability as well as cushioning for the hip joint. In the case of thehip labral tear, known as a hip labral tear or otherwise known as the acetabular labral tear can often arise from injury or because if some repetitive movements that cause the wear-and-tear on the hip joint, such as osteoarthritis. [read more]
Hirsutism is described as excessive and increased hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal hair normally is minimal or absent. [read more]
Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency is an inherited disorder in which the body is unable to utilize the vitamin biotin effectively. This disorder is classified as a multiple carboxylase deficiency, a group of disorders marked by impaired activity of certain enzymes that depend on biotin. [read more]
Human adjuvant disease is a connective-tissue disease that may develop after a person undergoes cosmetic surgery. Mammary augmentation procedures may lead to systemic lupus erythematosus and chylous effusion disorders especially when one is inserted with silicone gel implants. [read more]
Hunter syndrome is an inherited metabolic disorder that arises when an enzyme the body needs to break down molecules called glycosaminoglycans, or mucopolysaccharides, is either missing or malfunctioning. [read more]
Huntington's chorea is a disease causing certain of the brain's nerve cells to waste away. It is also called huntington's disease. [read more]
A hydatidiform mole (or hydatid mole, mola hytadidosa) is an anomalous growth containing a nonviable embryo which implants and proliferates within the uterus. [read more]
Hymenolepiasis is infestation by one of two species of tapeworm: Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta. [read more]
Hyperadrenalism, more commonly known as Cushing's Syndrome, is an endocrine abnormality marked by the presence of high cortisol levels in the blood. Hyperadrenalism is also often called hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism. Its more familiar moniker, ?Cushing's Syndrome?, is attributed to Harvey Cushing, an American physician who is credited for its discovery and consequent study. According to the results of Cushing's studies, the disease is characterized by abnormal fat deposition. It also occurs commonly in dogs and domestic horses. In particular, Cushing's syndrome occurs when the adrenal cortex is invaded with a tumor and particularly deficient ACTH levels. [read more]
Hyperaldosteronism, also commonly known as aldosteronism, is a disorder in which the adrenal glands produce abnormally high levels of aldosterone, which can lead to decreased levels of potassium in the blood. [read more]
Hyperammonemia, also known as hyperammonaemia, is a type of metabolic defect marked by high levels of ammonia in the blood. Hyperammonemia can be a fatal condition which can easily lead to encephalopathy and eventual death. [read more]
Hyperandrogenism is an endocrine disorder that occurs in women, affecting roughly 10% of the female population. Occurring among all races and nationalities, this hormonal defect is known as the leading cause of infertility worldwide. The more popular form of this hormonal disorder is Hyperandrogenic Chronic Anovulation, more commonly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). [read more]
Hypercalcaemia (sometimes spelled Hypercalcemia) is a disorder characterized by elevated levels of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcaemia may be asymptomatic. It can, however, indicate the presence of other diseases; therefore, a diagnosis is needed if it persists. [read more]
Literally, Hypercholesterolemia means ?high blood cholesterol?. Characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, Hypercholesterolemia is not a disease per se, but a metabolic dysfunction which may be indicative of other diseases as well as contribute to several other forms of disease. Hypercholesterolemia is strongly correlated with ?hyperlipidemia?, marked by high lipid levels, and ?hyperlipoproteinemia", marked by high lipoprotein levels. A rare genetic form of this disorder is known as familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition occurring in families where members cannot properly metabolize cholesterol. [read more]
Hyperexplexia is an uncommon inherited disorder in which infants show a heightened startle reflex or reaction. The onset of the disease is soon after birth, and is characterized by rigidity or stiffness and supposition of flexed fetal placement. This startle reflex is sometimes joined by ?acute generalized hypertonia' that causes an individual to suddenly fall like a stiff log onto the ground. Other names for this disease include ?startle disease', Kok disease, and stiff baby syndrome. [read more]
Hyperlexia is a child spontaneously and precociously masters single-word reading. It can be viewed as a super ability, that is, word recognition ability far above expected levels. The most common definition also includes difficulties with comprehension of printed material beyond or even at the single-word level. Several hyperlexics also have trouble understanding speech. Probably all children with hyperlexia also lie on the autism spectrum. [read more]
Farsightedness (also known as hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which one can see objects in the distance clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry. [read more]
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by an over activity of the parathyroid glands, often caused by an overproduction of the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates and helps maintain the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body. When one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes over-active, calcium levels are elevated while phosphate levels drop. [read more]
Hyperprolinemia is a disorder resulting from excessive protein-building block (known as proline) in the patient's blood. This inherited condition has two types, namely Type I and Type II. [read more]
Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by recurring episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness. People in this condition tend to take a nap at random hours during the day. [read more]
High blood pressure or more popularly referred to as hypertension means high pressure in the arteries or the vessels that carries blooding from the heart to other parts of the body. The normal blood pressure of a human being is typically below 120/80 and people who reaxch 140/90 are most likely suffering form hypertension. [read more]
Hypertensive heart disease is a complication of arterial hypertension that involves the heart. It is one of the most common causes of fatalities in different societies. [read more]
Hypertrichosis, or werewolf's disease, refers to an abnormally excessive hair growing on the body. This hair tends to cover the face, arms and other parts of the skin. [read more]
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a defect in the muscle of the heart known as myocardium. This disease is characterized by the thickening (or hypertrophy) of the myocardium without any evident cause. HCM is believed to be the leading cause of sudden, unexpected cardiac arrest in any age group. [read more]
Hypertropia is characterized by the misalignment of the eyes, in which the visual axis of one eye is higher than the other. It is similar to hypotropia, wherein focus of the eye with the visual axis is lower than the fellow fixating eye. [read more]
Hypoadrenalism is a condition whereaby the adrenal glands are underactive, with suppressed ability to produce a range of hormones. The adrenal glands, located above each kidney, are responsible for hormone production. The inactivity of these glands is called hypoadrenalism. [read more]
Hypocalcemia is a type of electrolyte disturbance characterized by a having low serum calcium levels. The human body regulates only the calcium that are not bound to proteins or ionized. Individuals with abnormally low levels of blood proteins may have plasma calcium that are inaccurate. In cases like this, the ionized calcium level is considered more accurate. [read more]
Hypochondrogenesis is a disease characterized by bone growth malformations. Though it is severe, Hypochondrogenesis is considered milder than achondrogenesis type 2 which is another skeletal disorder. [read more]
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare disease characterized by very low blood calcium that results in muscle weakness and paralysis. [read more]
Hypothalamic hamartoblastoma syndrome, also known as Pallister-Hall syndrome syndrome, is a disease characterized by an abnormal growth in the brain known as hypothalamic hamartoma. Hypothalamic hamartoblastoma syndrome affects many parts of the body but does not pose serious complications most of the time. While the growths often do not cause any health problems they sometime lead to seizures and other life-threatening conditions. Some individuals with this disease have an obstruction in their anal opening, malformation of their airways and even kidney abnormalities. [read more]
Hypotropia is a condition misalignment of eyes characterized by having the visual axis lower than the fellow fixating eye. A similar but opposite condition is called hypertrophy. [read more]
Hysteria is a mental illness associated with other psychiatric disorders. It is characterized by dissociative and conversion reactions depending on the patient's condition. [read more]
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin condition characterized by dry and scaly skin. It is the most common form of a general skin condition known as ichthyosis as it affects 1 in 250 people. This is why it is also sometimes called common ichthyosis. [read more]
Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is a form of eosinophilic pneumonia wherein the cause is undetermined. Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is a condition in which eosinophil a certain type of white blood cell, accumulates in the lung. Eosinophil cause disruption of the alveoli (air spaces). There are two forms of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia: acute eosinophilic pneumonia and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. [read more]
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is one of the primary causes of lateral knee pain in runners. The iliotibial band is a superficial thickening of tissue on the outside of the thigh, extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserting in the lower part of the knee. The band is crucial in stabilizing the knee during running, moving from behind the femur to the front during the gait cycle. [read more]
An imperforate anus or anal atresia is a congenital defect in which the rectum is malformed. [read more]
Sporadic inclusion body myositis (acronym: sIBM) is a rare condition marked by gradually progressive wasting and weakness of the proximal and distal muscles. This inflammatory muscle disease is most evident in the muscles of the legs and arms. Two progressive processes, one degenerative and the other autoimmune, seem to occur simultaneously in the muscle cells. In the autoimmune aspect, the T cells are cloned, seemingly driven by certain antigens to invade the fibers of the muscles. In the degeneration aspect, holes (vacuoles) appear in the muscle, with amyloid-related protein deposits and abnormal filamentous inclusions appearing in the cells. [read more]
Inclusion conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part, or sclera, of the eyeball) by the chlamydia trachomatis. [read more]
Infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying. If a woman keeps on having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Several couples have infertility problems. For the third of the time, infertility can be traced to the woman. In another third case, it is because of the man. While the rest of the time, it is because of either partners or no cause is found. [read more]
Inguinal hernias occur when soft tissue ? usually part of the intestine ? protrudes through a weak point or tear in the lower abdominal wall. The resulting bulge of this common condition can be painful ? especially when the person coughs, bends over or lifts a heavy object [read more]
Inguinal hernias happen when the soft tissue sticks out through a fragile point or cut in the lower abdominal wall which can be painful when coughing, bending or lifting heavy objects. [read more]
An insulinoma is a tumour of the pancreas derived from the beta cells which while keeping the ability to synthesize and secrete insulin is autonomous of the normal feedback mechanisms. [read more]
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is probably an under diagnosed cause of headache, even though it is estimated to affect only about one in 50,000 individuals. [read more]
Intraocular lymphoma is a rare malignant form of eye cancer that is capable of quickly spreading to the brain. [read more]
Jacobsen syndrome is a medical condition categorized as a very rare chromosomal disorder with the absence of chromosome 11q. It can be the cause of mild mental retardation, a characteristic facial appearance, and many medical problems like heart ailments and bleeding disorders. Generally, it affects numerous phases of mental and physical advancement. [read more]
Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome is a rare medical condition; a type of Long QT syndrome. The disorder causes the muscles of the heart takes longer than average to recharge after every heartbeat. Once left untreated, the irregular heartbeats can lead to fainting and seizure attacks. Worse scenario would be sudden death. It is an autosomal recessive disorder that may cause loss of hearing (deafness). [read more]
Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin. The warm, moist environment is the best place for the fungus to grow. [read more]
Joubert syndrome is a genetic disorder that is very rare. This disorder affects the brain areas which control coordination and balance. It was first identified by a pediatric neurologist named Marie Joubert from Montreal in Canada. The physician was then working with McGill Neurological Institute. [read more]
A part of every human's instinct of survival includes sudden reaction to unexpected stimulus. Often, the reaction is a startle which is a reflexive movement to get away from the stimulus. This reaction also causes change of blood pressure and respiration. Among normal people, this could only last for seconds but for those who suffer from Jumping Frenchmen of Maine disorder, the result could be very interesting (and in some cases, shocking). Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is a very rare disease which was originally described in 1878 by a certain George Miller Beard. [read more]
Juvenile dermatomyositis or JDM is an autoimmune disorder which causes vasculitis manifesting itself among children; and it is a pediatric equivalent of dermatomyositis. JDM manifests vasculitis an inflammation which is caused by the attack of the body's immune system to the blood vessels. In the US, the rate of occurrence of JDM is estimated to be 3 in every 1,000,000 children annually. This is about 300 to 500 fresh cases every year or about 3,000 to 5,000 children. Other types of juvenile myositis include juvenile inclusion-body myositis (JIBM) and juvenile polymyositis (JPM). These two other types are very rare and are not that as common among children. The underlying cause of Juvenile dermatomyositis is still unknown. It is most probable that it has a genetic component such as other autoimmune diseases (inherited within the family). The most common triggering factors include infections, immunizations, sunburn and injuries. [read more]
JRA or Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not just a single illness. It is, in fact, a group of illnesses of unidentified etiology. The manifestation is a chronic inflammation of the joint. Treatment advances in the last thirty years have altered the prognosis for the more acute types of this disease. The first treatment is limited with only the use of salicylates and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The initial treatment resulted into numerous patients being bound to their wheelchairs. Some patients tried synovectomies to get rid of tissue excesses which result from uncontrolled arthritis. The second-line medicines that were added have improved the prognosis for those who suffered from JRA. It started with gold salt injection and gradually replaced by MTX or methotrexate which is a more effective solution. These drugs are administered with team approach background in centers of pediatric rheumatology. In there, occupational and physical therapies have allowed much improved physical functions. The introduction of etanercept (which is a biologic enemy of tumor necrosis factor or TNF) has introduced a new era in treatments. A few more biologic agents such as the anakinra (which is an IL-1 or interleukin-1 receptor opponent) could be used in some patients who are not responsive to second-line medication. The future holds an inhibition of IL-6 which could be effective in systemic sufferers with JRA with high levels. [read more]
Kidney cancer is also known as renal cell carcinoma arising from the renal tubule. It is the most common kind of kidney cancer in adults. It is notoriously resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotheraphy. [read more]
Kidney stone also called renal calculi, are solid concretions (crystal aggregations) of dissolved minerals in urine; calculi typically form inside the kidneys or bladder. The terms nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis pertains to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively. [read more]
Kleine-Levin Syndrome is a rare disease identified by periods of too much, unnecessary sleepiness that can reach to 20 hours of sleep; excessive food intake (compulsive hyperphagia); hypersexuality or abnormally uncontrolled sexual drive. This rare disorder is more probable to occur in males in their puberty rather than females. [read more]
Kugelberg-Welander disease, or juvenile spinal muscular atrophy, is a disease that affects one's manner of walking, running and climbing steps. [read more]
Lafora disease is a deadly autosomal hereditary disease marked by the presence of inclusion bodies within the cells of neurons, heart, liver, skin, and muscles. These inclusion bodies are known as Lafora bodies. Lafora Disease is name after a Spanish neuropathologist, Gonzalo Rodriguez Lafora. [read more]
Lateral epicondylitis is commonly called tennis elbow where the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. Based from the available scientific evidence, tennis elbow is an idiopathic, self-limiting, enthesopathy, of middle age. A lot of other hand and arm conditions, speculative etiologies such as overuse, tennis, etc. has limited scientific support and likely overstated. [read more]
Left heart failure is a condition wherein the left side of the heart becomes unable to pump enough blood to the different parts of the body. [read more]
Leiomyoma is a benign muscle neoplasm which may develop in any body organ but occurs mostly in the esophagus, small bowel and the uterus. [read more]
The Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder which is transmitted by the mother to her male offspring. Patients with the disease suffer from sever mental and physical disabilities as well as self-mutilating behaviors all throughout life. [read more]
Leucinosis, or sometimes known as the Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that affects branched-chain amino acids. [read more]
Leukemia, B-Cell, chronic, is a cancer of the white blood cells. It attacks a particular lymphocyte called B cell and thrives on the lymph nodes. When the B cell is damaged, it can no longer fight infections and kills other healthy blood cells in the process. [read more]
Lewy body dementia shares characteristics with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It can also cause distinctive physical signs typical of Parkinson's rigid muscles, slowed movement and tremors. Lewy body dementia may also cause hallucinations. [read more]
Lichen planus is an inflammatory illness affecting the skin and oral mucosa. [read more]
Literally meaning ?smooth brain?, lissencephaly is a rare brain abnormality characterized by a lack of normal convolutions (or folds) in the brain. In lissencephaly syndrome type 1, the cerebral cortex is not normally developed, and the gyri are malformed. [read more]
Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder similar to the Marfan syndrome. It was first discovered by Harry Dietz and Bart Loeys. [read more]
Louis-Bar syndrome, also referred to as Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) or Boder-Sedgwick syndrome, is an immunodeficiency disorder associated with a defect in T-cells. It occurs in approximately 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 300,000 births. [read more]
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a condition caused by extremely low sugar levels in the blood. This is a common condition for patients with diabetes. [read more]
Lung abscess pertains to an acute lung infection characterized by a localized accumulation of pus, inflammation, and tissue damage. [read more]
Lyell's Syndrome, also referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), is a potentially fatal dermatological disorder typically resulting from an adverse reaction to medications. This condition is life-threatening, characterized by the detachment of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) from the dermis (the lower layers of the skin) in the entire body. [read more]
Lymphangiectasia is an intestinal disease commonly afflicting dogs, but also affecting humans in rare cases. Distinct characteristic of lymphangiectasia include chronic diarrhea and loss of proteins such as globulin and serum albumin. [read more]
Lymphangiomas are a rare type of angioma or benign tumors that typically appear at birth or early in childhood. [read more]
Lymphedema otherwise known as lymphatic obstruction is a condition where there is retention of localized fluid caused by an unhealthy lymphatic system. Its primary danger to a person is the constant risk of developing an uncontrolled infection in the affected limb. [read more]
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), which is an uncommon sexually transmitted disease and is characterized by its spreading though having unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex is caused by certain types of the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease causes swollen and painful lymph nodes, which can then break into large ulcers. As it develops, lymphogranuloma venereum goes through 3 distinct stages where the first 2 stages may be minor and you might not even be aware of any symptoms until you reach stage 3, called genitoanorectal syndrome. [read more]
By definition, this disease was named named after the French physician Prosper M?ni?re, who was the first to make a report in an 1861 article that vertigo was caused by inner ear. Today, M?ni?re's disease is recognized as a disorder of the inner ear that can affect both hearing and balance [read more]
Malabsorption is a condition characterized by impaired absorption of nutrients from the GI tract, affecting the small intestine's ability to adequately absorb nutrients that are essential for the normal functioning of the body. [read more]
Manic depression, bipolar covers a wide range of mood disorders. It is signified by the presence of one or more abnormally elevated mood episodes. This occurrence is clinically termed as mania, mostly associated with bipolar disorders. It is also referred as ?manic-depressive disorder? but now changes into bipolar affective disorder, which involves episodes of alternating manic-depressive symptoms and good overly excited thoughts. There are 3 subdivisions of this disorder: bipolar I & II and cyclothymia depending on the type and gravity of the mood and thought episodes encounters. [read more]
Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy pertains to a condition characterized by an abnormal appearance of the eye cornea, usually with map-like patches or gray outlines resembling continents on a map. This condition is also known as epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. [read more]
Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome is a rare disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism due to a deficiency of the enzyme aryl sulphatase B, the enzyme necessary to break down the complex sugar glycosaminoglycan (formerly referred to as mucopolysaccharide). This complex sugar needs to be recycled and replayed to carry out its normal function of providing structure to skin, bones, organs, and airways. It belongs to a group of uncommon inherited diseases categorized as lysosomal storage disorders. Other names for Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome are mucolopolysaccharidosis VI and MPS VI. [read more]
Marshall-Smith syndrome is a rare genetic disorder involving specific facial features, remarkable accelerated skeletal maturation, failure to grow and thrive, and breathing problems that are severe in nature. [read more]
Martin Bell syndrome, also known as fragile syndrome X, is a mental defect that involves learning disabilities and behavioral problems. [read more]
Mast cell disease or mastocytosis is a group of rare disorders marked by the presence of too many mast cells in various organs and tissues such as the skin, spleen, liver, bone, and the gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Mastalgia is breast pain and is generally classified as either cyclical (linked with menstrual periods) or noncyclic. [read more]
Mastocytosis is a disorder that results when too many mast cells, called mastocytes, and CD34+ mast cell precursors exist in the body. It has many types and may be experienced by children and adults. [read more]
Mastocytosis is a group of unusual disorder of both children and adults caused by the presence of too many mast cells (mastocytes) and CD34+ mast cell precursors in a person's body. [read more]
By definition MacArdle's disease is also known as Glycogen storage disease type V and is a kind of metabolic disorder that is characterized by the body's inability to produce enough of the muscle isoform called phosphorylase. Relatively recent, it was first identified in 1951 by the English physician whose name it now bears. [read more]
2Measles, which is also known as, Rubeola is a viral disease that has had a long history with medical accounts of it going as far back as 600 B.C. It was first clinically described in an Arabic book which significantly distinguished it from small pox. Measles is one of the great childhood killers, claiming the lives of more then 200 million children and adults in the last 150 years. The development of a vaccine has made the effectively checked the disease. [read more]
By definition Meckel syndrome is also known as Meckel-Gruber Syndrome, Gruber Syndrome, Dysencephalia Splanchnocystica and is an extremely rare and often lethal genetic disorder; it is so rare that estimates for rates of incidence is about .02 for every 10,000 births. The country of Finland has the most number of cases with the incidence as high as 1.1 per 10,000 births. [read more]
Mediterranean anemia is a type of an inherited blood disorder that is characterized by reduced levels of hemoglobin and few red blood cells in the body. Genetic defects are largely the cause of this disease. Mild conditions do not usually require any form of treatment. Although the sever form would require regular blood transfusions. [read more]
By definition, Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary inflammatory disorder that specifically afflicts a groups of patients who come from in and around the Mediterranean Sea- hence the name. The disorder is also very prominently present among Armenians, Sephardi Jews and people from Turkey and some Arab countries. [read more]
By definition, this deficiency is a fatty acid oxidation disorder that is connected with inborn errors of metabolism errors that occur at birth The defect is found in the enzyme complex called medium-chain acyl dehydrogenase (MCAD) whose ability to function efficiently is reduced significantly. The disorder has also been known to cause (rarely) Sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. [read more]
Megalencephaly is a form of cephalic disease characterized by an abnormally large, heavy, and malfunctioning brain. This disorder is also known as macrencephaly. [read more]
Memory loss refers to the different processes to which one tends to forget his thoughts, whether uncontrollably or by intent. Among kinds of memory loss are amnesia, senility, and aphasia. [read more]
Menarche is a medical term used in reference to a female's first menstrual period, or the first menstrual bleeding in women that signals her transition into puberty. [read more]
Meningitis is one of the more common diseases which result from the inflammation of the protective membranes that the central nervous system, known collectively of course as the meninges from where it gets its name. [read more]
Menstrual cramps often referred to as dysmenorrhea, is the pain in the lower abdomen experienced by women before and during their menstruation. [read more]
Meralgia parenthetica is a paresthesia that results from damage to one of the nerves coursing through the spine to the thigh region. [read more]
Merasmus is a disease characterized by progressive emaciation and general wasting as a consequence of a weakened disposition rather than any specific identifiable cause. It is generally considered to be a type of malnutrition. Merasmus may also be spelled Marasamus, Mirasmus or Marasumus. Sometimes, it is also referred to as Miasma. [read more]
Metachromatic leukodystrophy or MLD is the most common type of leukodystrophies, a family of genetic disorders that affect myelin growth and development. Myelin is the fatty covering that insulates nerve fibers throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Metachromatic leukodystrophy is also alternatively known as Arylsulfatase A deficiency. [read more]
Metastatic cancer is a term used in reference to cancer that has spread from its origin to other organs or parts of the body. Only malignant or cancerous cells have the capacity to metastasize. [read more]
Microscopic polyangiitis is an autoimmune disease resulting from the inflammation of blood vessels causing damage to the organ system. [read more]
Microtia an inborn deformity of the outer ear, which may be only on one side or both sides. When only one side is affected, the right ear is usually affected. [read more]
Migraine comes form the Greek word hemicrania, which literally means "half (the) head." It is a neurological syndrome that causes various symptoms during an attack. [read more]
A migraine can be disabling with symptoms so severe, all you think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down. Up to 17 percent of women and 6 percent of men are experiencing migraine. [read more]
Milk produced by cows is among the common allergy-causing dairy product, especially among children, However, majority of the cases of mild allergy, children outgrow this condition after a few years or so. Allergic reactions usually start after a few minutes of drinking milk, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions that causes serious distress. [read more]
Referring to any several rare hereditary forms of diabetes mellitus due to dominantly inherited defects of insulin secretion, maturity onset diabetes of the young or MODY acts like a mild version of type 1 diabetes. the continued partial insulin production and normal insulin sensitivity however mean it is not type 2 diabetes in a young person. The most common forms of the disease are MODY 2 and MODY 3 but as of 2004, six more types have been named and more are likely to be added. [read more]
There are over a thousand identified types of mold found in the environment. However, only a few dozen are culprits in triggering an allergic reaction. Mold allergy is the hypersensitivity to exposure to certain types of mold, which can either thrive outdoor or indoor. [read more]
Named after French surgeon Henri Modor, Mondor's disease is a rare condition that may involve thrombophlebitis of the breast's superficial veins and the anterior chest wall. The disease may sometimes occur in the arm or penis. The disease is benign and self-limited. It may also involve 1 or more of 3 venous channels namely the thoracoepigastric vein, the lateral thoracic vein and the super epigastric vein. [read more]
Monomelic amyotrophy (or MMA) pertains to a rare disorder of the motor neurons, which are a group of nerves responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. [read more]
Referred to as mucopolysaccharidosis IV or Morquio, the disorder is known to be an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharide disease that is usually inherited. It is also considered a relatively rare case of dwarfism with serious consequences. This happens when the body cannot process certain types of mucopplysaccharides, then they just build up or are eliminated causing a range of symptoms. The type A form is a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase. [read more]
Mounier-Kuhn's syndrome, also called tracheobronchomegaly is a rare lung disorder characterized by marked widening or dilation of the trachea and sometimes the larger bronchial tubes. When this happens the ability to clear mucus from the lungs is impaired. [read more]
Mouth ulcer is a condition characterized by the appearance of an open sore inside the oral cavity. It is also alternatively known as oral ulcer. [read more]
First described in 1962 by Thomas James Muckle and Michael Vernon Wells, Muckle-Wells syndrome is also known as Urticaria-deafness-amyloidosis (UDA). It is a rare autosomal disease, which causes sensorineural deafness, recurrent hives, and can lead to amyloidosis. MWS happens when a mutation in the CIAS1 gene leads to increased activity of the cryopyrin protein. The disorder is closely related to two other syndromes, familial cold urticaria and neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease. [read more]
A harmless, fluid-containing (cyst-like) swelling of the mouth or lip lining (mucosa) due to mucus from the small salivary glands of the mouth leaking into the soft tissue, usually from injury (trauma) or blockage of the gland is called oral mucocele. [read more]
Hunter syndrome or mucopolysachharoidosis Type II is a lyososomal storage disease caused by a deficiency or absence of the enzyme idunorate-2-sulfatase (l2S). It is named after Scottish physician Charles A. Hunter who emigrated to Canada and practiced medicine there. [read more]
Mucormycosis also known as zygomycosis or phycomycosis is a rare yet life threatening and serious infection of fungi, usually affecting the face or oropharyngeal cavity. Occasionally, when caused by Pythium or other similar fungi, the condition may affect the gastrointestinal tract or the skin. It often begins in the nose and paranasal sinuses and is one of the most rapidly spreading fungal infections in humans. [read more]
Also known as MRKH syndrome, Mullerian agenesis refers to a condition in a female where the mullerian ducts fail to develop and a uterus will not be present. MRKH stands for Mayer-Rokitansky-K?ster-Hauser Syndrome, derived from the names Augsut Franz Joseph Karl Mayer, Carl Freiherr von Rokitansky, Herman K?ster, and G.A. Hauser. [read more]
Described as a chronic, recurring condition, Multiple chemical sensitivity is characterized by several adverse and variable affects from exposure to otherwise low levels of substances in modern human environments. MCVS has also been termed toxic injury (TI), chemical sensitivity (CS), chemical injury (CI), 20th century syndrome, environmental illness (EI), sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), and Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT). [read more]
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a medical condition that is rare, in which bony spurs or lumps (exostoses, or osteochondromas) develop on a child's bone. The disease is synonymous with Multiple hereditary exostoses and Multiple osteochondromatosis. The latter is the term used by the World Health Organization. Exostoses are do not exist at birth. However, 96 percent of affected people develop multiple exostoses by the time they are 12 years old. [read more]
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory, and demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. It also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis, which onset, usually occurs in young adults and more common among women. The disease was first described in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot. [read more]
Murray Valley encephalitis is a potentially fatal disease caused by Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), which can cause serious neurological repercussions when infecting humans. [read more]
Muscle dysmorphia is a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with the idea that he or she is not muscular enough. People who suffer from muscle dysmorphia tend to hold delusions that they are "skinny" or "too small" but are often above average in musculature. Referred to as bigorexia or reverse anorexia nervosa, it is a most specific type of body dysmorphic disorder. [read more]
Also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a poorly understood and debilitating disorder of uncertain cause or causes. According to a 1999 study among adults in the United States, CFS is thought to affect approximately 4 per 100 adults, and commonly occurs among women ages 40s and 50s. [read more]
Mycobacterium avium complex (or MAC) pertains to a group of genetically-related bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium which, in humans, can cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss. [read more]
Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia is also referred to as Agnogenic Myeloid Metaplasia, Chronic Idiopathic Myelofibrosis, and Primary Myelofibrosis. This condition was initially described in 1879. At present, it is classified as myeloproliferative disease resulting from the growth and proliferation of an abnormal bone marrow stem cell. This is due to the bone marrow being replaced with fibrous connective tissue. Assmann's Disease or Heuck-Assmann Disease is an eponym for this condition. Mean survival for patients with this condition is 5 years. Usual causes of mortality are bleeding, infection, portal hypertension, organ failure and resulting leukemia. [read more]
Myelomeningocele otherwise known as the Spina Bifida is a birth defect that is often called the neural tube defect which is caused whenever the tissue found in the spinal cord of a fetus does not close orderly resulting in to a defect in the spinal cord and the backbone of the infant. [read more]
Myocardial Infarction is the medical term for heart attack which is the occurrence of blood clot which hampers and block the blood flow in the coronary artery which is a blood vessel that supplies blood to a part of the muscle of the heart. This interruption of the flow of blood will often damage or even destroy the part of the heart muscle. [read more]
Myocarditis is a cardiology condition marked by an inflammation of the myocardium, the muscular part of the heart, due to either viral or bacterial infection. [read more]
The presence of myoglobin in the urine results in a condition known as myoglobinuria, and is usually correlated with rhabdomyolysis or muscle destruction. Myoglobin is the red pigment of muscle cells which serve as an oxygen reserve. [read more]
Myomas other wise known as the uterine fibroids, fibromyomas and leiomyomas, is a condition where there is growth of fibroids in the uterus. [read more]
Myotubular Myopathy is the most common form of Centronucleara myopathies, in which the cell nuclei are located at a position in the center of the skeletal muscle cells, instead of their normal location at the periphery. [read more]
Myositis ossificans is a nonhereditary type of a syndrome marked by heterotopic ossification or calcification of the muscles. In myositis ossificans, extra-skeletal bone develops at the area of the injured muscle, typically in the arms or in the quadriceps of the thighs. [read more]
Myotubular Myopathy (MTM) is the most common form of a group of congenital myopathies called centronuclear myopathies (CNM). CNM is characterized by the abnormal positioning of the nuclei in the skeletal muscle cells. Normally, the nuclei are located at the periphery. But in CNM patients, they are located centrally, i.e. in the center of the cell. The term myotubular myopathy was first coined by a New York neurologist named Dr. Spiro. Dr. The presence of nuclei in the center of the cells reminded Dr. Spiro of the ?myotubular? stage during embryonic development, thus the term. He suspected that the myopathy may be caused by growth detention during the myotubular phase. [read more]
The Naegeli syndrome, otherwise known as the Naegeli-Franceschetti-Jadassohn syndrome, is a rare skin condition. This genetic defect is autosomal dominant in form, with pigmentation of the reticular skin as the most striking characteristic. Named after Professor Oskar Naegeli, a Swiss dermatologist and master chess player, the Naegeli syndrome often affects the palms and soles of humans. [read more]
Naegleria pertains to a rare infection caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri which invades the brain, causing inflammation and destroying the brain tissue. [read more]
Nappy rash is a common ailment experienced by babies. It is characterized by rashes and irritation on the bowel caused by bacteria and fungi due to improper hygiene procedures. [read more]
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition wherein patients exhibit excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). The word itself is derived from the French word narcolepsie. It was Jean-Baptiste-?douard G?lineau, a 19th century French physician, who first coined the term by combining the Greek words ?narke? (meaning numbness) and lepsis (meaning attack or seizure). [read more]
Neck cancer (or, more appropriately, head and neck cancer) pertains to a group of biologically related carcinomas that originate from the upper aerodigestive tract, including: the cavity (mouth), lip, paranasal sinuses, oral nasal cavity, larynx, and pharynx. In most cases, head and neck cancers originate from the epithelium or mucosal lining of the squamous cell regions. [read more]
Neonatal hepatitis also known as perinatal hepatitis is a rare fulminant liver disease. It is characterized by extremely excessive deposition of iron in the liver, pancreas, endocrine glands, and heart. It is a life threatening condition wherein death is common during the fetal or infant stage. [read more]
Neonatal lupus (short for Neonatal lupus erythematosus) is a rare disease that results from the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies. [read more]
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome pertains to a relatively common complication affecting prematurely born infants. Also called infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), hyaline membrane disease, or respiratory distress syndrome in infants, this condition is characterized by breathing difficulties. [read more]
Neonatal tetanus is a serious tetanus infection of newborn infants. It is also alternatively known as tetatnus neonatorum. In general, tetanus can affect people of all ages; but in babies, this disease is particularly serious and may be fatal. [read more]
Nephropathy pertains to disease or damage of the kidney. Previously, nephropathy was known by its older term, nephrosis. [read more]
Neurocysticercosis pertains to an infection of the central nervous system caused by the larva of a pork tapeworm known as Taenia solium. [read more]
Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. Neurofibromatosis covers all distinct genetic disorders that cause tumors to develop along different nerves. [read more]
Neuropathic pain is a term used in reference to a state of complex, chronic pain accompanied by tissue injury. [read more]
Neurosis pertains to a wide range of mental disorders that, unlike psychosis and certain types of personality disorders, do not generally affect self-awareness and overall rational thought. It is also known as neurotic disorder or psychoneurosis. [read more]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric anxiety disorder. Individuals with this disorder have thoughts that are obsessive, distressing, intrusive, related with compulsions to neutralize their obsessions. [read more]
Occipital neuralgia is a distinct form of headache marked by throbbing, piercing, or chronic pain occurring in the back of the head, upper neck, and behind the ears, usually on only one side of the head. [read more]
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by specific working conditions that results in a limited airflow to the lungs or excessive response of the airway. [read more]
Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition of having a painful and inflamed loose joint. The formation of a lesion within the cartilage gives rise to a secondary inflammation. [read more]
Odontophobia is commonly referred to as dental phobia, which is an irrational fear of dentists and dental procedures. [read more]
Oedema, or edema, is the excess fluid that accumulates in tissues and organs in the different parts of the body, except for the bones. The accumulation of fluids often causes major system failures that lead to death. [read more]
Ohtahara syndrome pertains to a neurological disorder characterized by epileptic seizures which affect newborn infants, usually within the first 3 months of life and more commonly within the first 10 days. [read more]
Oophoritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of either one or both ovaries, usually occurring alongside an infection and possibly affecting female fertility. [read more]
Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth. It could arise as a primary lesion originating in any of the oral tissues, by metastasis from a distant site of origin, or by extension from a neighboring anatomic structure, such as the nasal cavity or the maxillary sinus. [read more]
Orf pertains to an exanthemous zoonotic disease caused by a viral skin virus, which primarily affects sheep and goats, but may also be transmitted to humans. The word ?orf? itself is derived from an Old English term that means ?rough?. It is also alternatively known as pustular dermatitis (CPD), contagious ecthyma, thistle disease, sore mouth, or scabby mouth. [read more]
Osteoarthritis is medically identified as a form of degenerative joint disease. This is found to be the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis typically occurs when joint cartilage wears down over time. Osteoarthritis may affect any joint in the body. However, the most common areas ate the joints located in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis normally affects just a single joint. Although there are some cases, such as found in finger arthritis that a number of joints are affected. Osteoarthritis will gradually worsen with time. There is still no known cure available today. However, there are available treatments that can help manage and relieve pain. [read more]
Osteochondritis describes a special variety of joint diseases involving the abnormality in the cartilage and/or bone development. OCD typically affects the elbows, shoulders, or knees. This is normally brought about by joint degeneration due to wear and tear. [read more]
Osteomyelitis is a medical condition that is caused by the inflammation or abnormal swelling of bone tissue. This is mainly caused by an infection of an infection. This disease may occur on both adults and children for different reasons. [read more]
Osteosarcoma is a disease characterized by the growth of cancer cells in the bone, commonly affecting adolescents and young adults. While it may occur in any part of the body, a majority of the cases involve a tumor found around the knee. It is alternatively known as ?osteogenic sarcoma?, which literally translates to ?bone forming cancer?. [read more]
An infection of the outer ear and ear canal resulting from the growth of bacteria and fungi which may come from contaminated water or from objects placed in the ear. It is also known as ?swimmer's ear? or external otitis. [read more]
Otosclerosis is defined as a genetically-mediated metabolic bone disoder that primarily affects the otic capsule and the ossicles. The mode of inheritance of this disease is autosomal dominant, and more women are prone to be a victim of this disease than men. Otosclerosis is largely associated with hearing loss that typically develops during the third decade of the patient's life. [read more]
Otospondylomegaepiphyseal dysplasia, or otherwise known as OSMED is categorized as a genetic disorder of the bone growth. This disorder often results in serious skeletal abnormalities, accompanied by severe hearing loss as well as distinctive facial features. People suffering from this disease often experience pain on the joints and back and are only capable of limited joint movement. [read more]
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common form of cancer found in women. This is brought about by the abnormal overproduction of ovarian and the development of tumors that may affect one or both or the ovaries. The rate of survival is critically dependent on earaly detection and expert medical intervention. [read more]
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. The ovaries are two organs both about the size and shape of an almond located on each side of your uterus. Eggs (ova) develop and mature in the ovaries and are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years. [read more]
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection or OPSI is known as the rapidly fatal septicaemia infection that is brought about by the absence of the protection of the spleen against certain types of bacteria. Most patients who either have a non-functional or absent spleens can die in a few hours if exposed by uncommon infections. However, this medical condition can be prevented with the use of antibiotics and vaccinations. [read more]
Pachydermoperiostosis is categorized as a rare disorder that is primarily characterized by clubbing of the fingers, excessive sweating and thickening of the skin of the face. It medical condition typically appears during early childhood or adolescence, and progresses slowly within the next ten year or so. [read more]
Pachygyria is defined as a congenital malformation affecting the cerebral hemisphere. This often results in the unusually thick convolutions that form in the patient's cerebral cortex. Typically, most children with this medical condition may also suffer from developmental delay as well as seizures [read more]
Palate cancer pertains to a rare type of cancer affecting the roof of the mouth. The word ?palate? pertains to the roof of the mouth which has a bony portion in the front (this part is called ?hard palate?) and a muscular portion at the back (this is known as the ?soft palate?). [read more]
Keratoderma is actually a term that literally means a marked skin thickening. On the other hand, Palmoplantar refers to the skin located on the soles of the feet as well as the palms of the hands. More often than not, this medical condition can be a condition of an internal abnormality. [read more]
Palpitation pertains to an abnormal awareness of one's own heartbeat; be it too slow, too fast, irregular, or beating at its normal frequency. The awareness is abnormal to the extent that the rhythm of one's heart interrupts the person's thoughts and consciousness. [read more]
Pancreatic cancer usually develops in the pancreas tissues. The pancreas are responsible for secreting enzymes that will aid in the digestion as well as regulate hormones that would help regulate sugar. [read more]
Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms develop into two different categories: the nonfunctional and functional varieties. However, most cases of this medical condition are found functional, which means the neoplasms secrete hormonal products into the patient's bloodstream, leading to the development of more recognizable symptoms. [read more]
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of pancreas. The pancreas is a big gland behind the stomach and just close to the duodenum. [read more]
A panic attack is characterized by the sudden episode of an intense fear that would usually develop with real or apparent reason, triggering some severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can usually be frightening since patients often feel loss of control, increased possibility pr heart attacks or can even cause death. [read more]
Panic attack is an anxiety disorder that is often characterized by the sudden and intense fear that appears to have no reason and causes severe physical reactions. [read more]
Panic disorder is the medical term for a psychiatric condition characterized by recurring panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral change or at least a month of ongoing worry about the implications or concern about having other attacks. [read more]
Paracoccidioidomycosis is characterized as an infection primarily caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Paracoccidioidomycosis is a type of fungal infection that typically involves the mouth, skin, lymph nodes and throat, although symptoms sometimes appear in the patient's liver, lungs or spleen. [read more]
Paralysis pertains to the complete loss of muscle function and/or sensation in one or more muscle groups. [read more]
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (shortened as PSP) pertains to one of 4 known syndromes of shellfish poisoning (along with diarrheal shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, and amnesic shellfish poisoning). [read more]
Paranasal sinus cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the paranasal sinuses. This condition is characterized by chronic blocking of sinuses resulting to difficulty in breathing. [read more]
Paraplegia is defined as the impairment of the sensory and/or motor function affecting the lower extremities. This medical condition is usually a result of a spinal cord injury or a congenital condition that basically affects the neural elements found in the spinal canal. [read more]
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria is also termed as Donath-Landsteiner syndrome. This is a disease usually affecting humans and is characterized by abrupt presence of the hemoglobinuria in urine especially after being exposed to very cold temperatures. [read more]
Peanut hypersensitivity or peanut allergy is a form of food allergy but are distinct from that of nut allergies. It is a specific hypersensitivity to some dietary substances found on peanuts which causes a possible overreaction of the body's immune system. This hypersensitivity may also lead to an extremely severe symptoms to countless people, physycally. Peanut hypersensitivity is the most often cause of death related to food. An extremely severe peanut allergy may result to anaphylaxis, which is often an emergency situation that requires real immediate attention from attending physician and should be treated with epinephrine. [read more]
Pendred syndrome is otherwise called Pendred disease. This is a disorder, which is genetic in nature that leads to sensorineural hearing loss involving both ears and goitre occationally accompanied with hypothyroidism. Pendred syndrome has been associated to mutations specifically in the PDS gene which is responsible for coding of the pendrin protein. [read more]
Penicillin allergy is the extreme sensitivity to penicillin and other related antibiotics. These are medications that are formularized to treat bacterial infections and allergic reaction to such products can prove to highly dangerous. It is still unclear why some people are allergic to such medications, but it is mostly a malfunction of the immune system, like all other types of allergies. [read more]
Pentosuria is a condition where xylulose which is a pentose is found in the urine at abnormally high concentrations. The condition is often associated to the deficiency of L-xylulose reductase, which is a reducing sugar. Thus it usually give false diagnosis and lead to misdiagnosis of the condition as diabetes. [read more]
Peritoneum cancer pertains to cancer originating from the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the insides of the abdomen including all the organs found here like the intestines, liver and stomach. Peritoneum cancer is a rare type of cancer mainly affecting women, similar to ovarian cancer. Peritoneum cancer is also alternatively known as primary peritoneal cancer or PPC. [read more]
Peritonitis is defined as an the swelling or inflammation of the serous membrane which lines a part of our abdominal cavity and the viscera it contains. This mebrane is called peritoneum. The swelling may be localised in just one part or covering generally the whole lining of the cavity. Peritonitis usually manifest an acute course which may depend largely on either localised or generalised infection. People with Peritonitis are usually treated with surgical emergency. [read more]
Pernicious anemia is also popularly known as Biermer's anaemia and Addison's anaemia or even Addison-Biermer anaemia. This is a rare form of megaloblastic anemia which is due to deficiency in vitamin B12 which is caused by an impaired absorption of the vitamin because of the absence of some intrinsic factor especially in the setting of the atrophic gastritis, more specifically, loss of the gastric parietal cells. [read more]
Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome is also known as Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder. This disorder results in a persistent arousal of the genitalia, with or even without orgasm or engorgement which is even unrelated to any feelings of desire sexually. Arousal caused by this syndrome can sometimes be very intense and can persist for over an extended period of time for days or even weeks. [read more]
Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor which occur in the medulla found in the adrenal glands. These originated in the chromaffin cells or from the extra-adrenal chromaffin tissues that failed to curl or curve forward after birth. [read more]
Coined after the Latin name of magpie, a bird with an indiscriminating and voracious appetite, the medical disorder pica is characterized by an individual's appetite for non-nutritive substances (such as coal, feces, chalk, paper and soil) including raw food or ingredients (like flour, starch and raw potato). An individual affected with the disorder exhibits the behavior for over a month, at the stage where eating these kinds of objects is not developmentally appropriate. Pica is observed among pregnant women, small children, especially those who are developmentally disabled. [read more]
Pili multigemini, also compound hairs, is characterized by the growth of several hair fibers in one hair canal. From a single hair canal, several hair follicles combine and develop into the skin's surface. The disease is classified as rare with less than 200,000 affected in the US. There is likewise a dearth of information on the treatment of this disease. [read more]
Pinworm infection is an intestinal and digestive tract infection wherein roundworms, which are defined as parasites that use the body as a host, infest the digestive tract. [read more]
Pituitary Cancer pertains to malignant tumor or tumors that originate from the pituitary glands, those pea-sized glands located just above and behind the nose, or at the center of the brain, which primarily control hormone production and regulation for a number of bodily functions. [read more]
Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is defined as the inflammation of the pleura, which is the double membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds each of the lungs. [read more]
POEMS syndrome is a disorder of the blood. Its name stands for the syndrome's most common symptoms: Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy/Edema, M-protein and Skin abnormalities. [read more]
Poland syndrome is a physical condition in which an individual has one-sided congenital malformations of the body characterized by underdeveloped chest muscles and webbed fingers. The abnormalities usually occur on the same side of the body. [read more]
Poliomyelitis is a very contagious disease caused by poliovirus. The disease is usually referred to as polio or infantile paralysis. [read more]
Polyendocrine Deficiency is a disease of which there are two classifications. These are simply called Type I and Type II. This disease is a heterogeneous group of rare disorders represented by autoimmune activity alongside more than one endocrine organ. [read more]
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), is a disease characterized by having low levels of the enzyme used in producing heme, a molecule vital to all organs of the body. There are basically two types of PCT, the familial type and the sporadic type. The main difference between the two is that, as its name suggests, the familial type PCT is inherited. [read more]
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), familial type, is the type of PCT that is inheritted. It constitutes 20% of all cases of the disease. In general, PCT is a disease characterized by having low levels of the enzyme used in producing heme, a molecule vital to all organs of the body. [read more]
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), sporadic type, also known as Type I PCT, is characterized by a deficiency of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) which produces an enzyme that is essential to the production of heme, a molecule vital to all organs of the body. Clinic manifestations of PCT among individuals with TYPE I PCT are usually caused by risk factors such as alcohol abuse and Hepatitis C. [read more]
Portal hypertension is called as such because it is a type high blood pressure condition that occurs in the portal vein and its branches. The condition is often defined by the difference in pressure between the portal vein and the hepatic veins, which is known as the portal pressure gradient, of 5 mm HG or higher. [read more]
Post Polio syndrome (PPS) is a disorder that is experienced by individuals who have suffered from an initial paralytic attack of poliomyelitis, a viral infection that affects the nervous system. [read more]
Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to one or several terrifying events that involved physical harm or the threat of it. These events may include a threat to the life of the patient, a death of someone close to the patient or serious physical injury or threat of it. Some cases may be caused solely by a severe psychological trauma. [read more]
Post-polio syndrome is a condition wherein a person who has had polio, experiences certain late effects of the disease, many years after the illness. [read more]
Prebycusis is more commonly known as the age-related loss of hearing, reducing the ability to hear high frequencies and found mostly in aging people. [read more]
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder also known as PMDD is a condition characterized by severe emotional and physical troubles that are associated closely with the menstrual cycle. Symptoms usually appear during the second half of the cycle and ceases as soon as the menstrual period starts or right after. [read more]
Premenstrual syndrome was originally known as PMT or Premenstrual Tension. It is a collection of symptoms such as psychological, physical and emotional which is related to woman's menstrual cycle. For other women PMS can experience severe pain that can be disabling. [read more]
Presbycusis is a common condition denoting gradual hearing loss. [read more]
Priapism is considered to be a medical condition that is harmful due to the fact that an erect penis does not return to its normal size or form in a span of at least four hours. This condition is often painful though this condition is not accompanied by any sexual arousal. The condition is considered to be an emergency condition because it needs immediate medical attention. [read more]
Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare disease of unknown origin that leads to progressive narrowing of blood vessels of the lungs, which causes high blood pressure in the affected blood vessels resulting to heart failure. [read more]
Sensory integration disorder or dysfunction is a neurological disorder resulting from the brain's inability to process information received by the body's five basic sensory systems. [read more]
Proctalgia is pain due to spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, the muscles of the anal sphincter, or the muscles of the rectum. May also be called Proctalgia fagax. [read more]
Proctitis is a medical condition characterized by inflamed lining if the rectum. [read more]
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease; an opportunistic infection occurring in individuals with deficient and ineffective immune response and individuals going through long-term chemotherapy for cancer. [read more]
Progressive spinal muscular atrophy is a disease marked by progressive degeneration of motor neurons located in the spinal cord, which causes weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles. [read more]
This is a disease where in cancer happens in a gland in the male reproductive system which is known as prostrate. This happens when prostrate cells mutate and start to multiply uncontrollably. [read more]
Prostatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflamed prostate gland caused by an infection. The prostate is the walnut-shaped organ in males that is responsible for semen production, the fluid necessary for the nourishing and transportation of sperm. [read more]
Proteus syndrome is a congenital condition characterized by skin overgrowths and abnormal bone developments, which often presents with tumors located in different parts of the body. [read more]
Pruritis ani is an itching around the anus. It is also called anal itching. [read more]
Pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias (PPSH) is a abnormal configuration of an infant's external genitalia. The genitalia then appears to be a midway between a male's scrotum and a female's vagina. [read more]
Psittacosis is a contagious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, which can be transmitted from infected birds. It is also called parrot disease, chlamydiosis, or ornithosis. [read more]
Psychogenic polydypsia is a kind of psychological disorder characterized by abusive water consumption. Because of this the patient's antiduretic hormones are reduced and urine will have low electrolyte concentration. [read more]
Pulmonary incompetence pertains to a structural defect of a heart valve. This disorder happens when the pulmonary heart valve is closes poorly and causes blood from the pulmonary artery to backflow into the right ventricle. It is more commonly known as pulmonary valve insufficiency. [read more]
Pyelonephritis is a kind of urinary tract infection that affects the pyelum or pelvis. It is sometimes called pyelitis. [read more]
This condition is an impulse to intentionally start fires to help relieve stress and usually includes relief or gratification afterwards. It is also related to arson and similar with those who start fires due to psychosis. Patients with this condition are referred to as Pyromaniacs. This condition often affects male. [read more]
Rat-bite fever in an infectious disease where in a bite from a rat transfers a bacteria or fungi infection. The symptoms of the fever will depend on the organism which caused the infection. [read more]
Raynaud's phenomenon, or Raynaud's disease, is a vasospastic disorder characterized by a discoloration of the fingers, toes, and occasionally other extremities. Named after 19th century French physician Maurice Raynaud, Raynaud's disease occurs more commonly in women than in men. When Raynaud's disease occurs without any underlying associated disease, it is known as primary Raynaud's (or simply, Raynaud's disease). If it appears as part of another disease, it is known as secondary Raynaud's or Raynaud's phenomenon. [read more]
Reactive arthritis (acronym: ReA) is a type of seronegative spondyloarthropathy and an autoimmune disorder that results from an infection in another part of the body. It is called ?reactive? because it is caused by another infection; and ?arthritis? because it presents with symptoms very similar to a range of conditions collectively called ?arthritis?. Other names for this condition include venereal arthritis, arthritis urethritica, and polyarteritis enterica. [read more]
Rectal abscess pertains to an abscess buildup in the rectal area, often due to bacterial infections that produce a localized accumulation of pus. The abscess is typically located either at the opening of the rectum or further up the rectum. Rectal abscess is also used alternately with the phrase ?anal abscess?. [read more]
Rectal cancer pertains to carcinoma affecting the last 6 inches of colon or large intestine, which is the lower part of the digestive system. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are sometimes collectively called colorectal cancers. [read more]
Rectal itching is an itching around the anus. It is also called pruritis ani or anal itching. [read more]
Rectal Prolapse is a medical disorder where the walls of the rectum jut out of the anus and can be seen outside the body. There are 3 main kinds of rectal prolapse: full-thickness (the entire rectum protrudes), mucosal prolapse (only the rectal mucosa protrudes), and internal intussusceptions (rectum collapses but does not protrude from the anus) [read more]
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition in which a single ulcer typically occurs in the rectum that may cause rectal bleeding with straining or when having bowel movements. [read more]
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is a form of a chronic neurological condition commonly known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is Type I of CRPS and does not demonstrate any distinct nerve lesions. (Conversely, Causalgia or type II CRPS presents with evident nerve damage.) [read more]
Also known as Crohn's disease, regional enteritis is a chronic, episodic, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), believed to be autoimmune in origin. Regional enteritis may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Consequently, symptoms vary among afflicted patients. [read more]
Renal artery stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the renal artery, often as a result of atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia. The narrowing of the renal artery obstructs the blood flow to the target kidney, which leads to hypertension and atrophy of the affected kidney, which in turn causes renal artery stenosis, and ultimately to renal failure if untreated. [read more]
Renal Calculi, more commonly known as kidney stones, refer to crystal aggregations or solid secretions of dissolved minerals in urine. Stones or calculi often form inside the kidneys or bladder. The presence of calculi in kidneys is known as nephrolithiasis; whereas the presence of calculi in the urinary tract is known as urolithiasis. [read more]
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) pertains to a range of conditions that result from the overuse of certain tools such as a computer, guitar, or knife, or other activities that require movement repetition. RSI commonly affects the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the hands, arms, and upper back. RSI is also alternatively known as occupational overuse syndrome, cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD). [read more]
Respiratory acidosis is the abnormal increase of acidity in the blood as a consequence of decreased ventilation of the pulmonary alveoli, which leads to an increase in carbon dioxide concentration (PaCO2). Respiratory acidosis can be either acute or chronic. [read more]
Reticuloendotheliosis is characterized by a lymphoma (or cancer that arises from the lymphocytes) of a part of the immune system known as the reticuloendothelial tissue. Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis, also known as hairy cell leukemia, is the most common type of reticuloendotheliosis. In this form of chronic leukemia, the malignant B-lymphocytes are observed in the spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood. When analyzed under a microscope, the malignant cells appear to be covered with minute hair-like protrusions. [read more]
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder mostly affecting females. This disease is categorized as a pervasive development disorder by the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). [read more]
Reye's syndrome is a disease commonly occurring in children characterized by a range of several detrimental effects to many organs in the body, particularly the liver and the brain. If undiagnosed and untreated early, it can be potentially fatal. [read more]
Rh disease, a condition affecting pregnant mothers, is one of the identified causes of hemolytic disease of the newborn (or HDN), and may range from mild to severe. In mild forms, Rh disease may cause mild anemia with reticulocytosis in the fetus. In moderate or severe forms, Rh disease can cause a more distinct anemia as well as erythroblastosis fetalis in the fetus. In its most severe form, the disease can lead to hydrops fetalis, morbus haemolyticus neonatorum, or even stillbirth. Rh disease is also alternatively called Rh (D) disease, RhD Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, Rhesus disease, Rhesus D Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn or RhD HDN. [read more]
Rhabdoid tumor pertains to a very rare and extremely aggressive tumor commonly occurring in children ages 2 to 13 years. Initially, rhabdoid tumor was believed to be a variant of Wilms' tumor. However, recent studies have shown that rhabdoid tumor is an entirely separate entity. The location of this highly malignant tumor may be intraventicular, supratentorial, or infratentorial. [read more]
Rheumatic fever pertains to an inflammatory disease which develops as a consequence of complications from a Group A streptococcal infection (e.g. scarlet fever and strep throat, etc.). Rheumatic fever commonly affects children 6 to 15 years old. [read more]
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, potentially disabling autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the joints, causing an inflammation in the joints (i.e. arthritis) as well as in other parts of the body (commonly in the lungs and the skin). [read more]
Rhinitis is a condition describing the irritation and swelling of the inner part of the nose. This condition is also seen to affect the throat, eyes and ears. It is also associated with sleeping problems. Rhinitis can also be triggered by an allergy. There are two types: allergic and no-allergic rhinitis. [read more]
Ricin poisoning is a toxic effect experience by a person due to inhalation or intake of ricin, a protein toxin found in castor beans. It can be potentially painful when taken in large doses. [read more]
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a type of viral zoonosis; meaning, it primarily affects domestic livestock, but can be transmitted to humans. It is most commonly spread among humans through bites of infected mosquitoes or direct contact with infected animals. [read more]
Riley-Day syndrome, more commonly known as familiar dysautonomia (FD), is characterized by a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. Riley-Day syndrome commonly affects the survival and development of sympathetic, (some) parasympathetic, and sensory neurons of the autonomic and sensory nervous system. [read more]
Rotavirus is an infection of a member of the Reoviridae family, it is a genus of double-stranded RNA virus. Ratovirus has 7 species simply named, A, B, C, D, E, F and G, the most common being Ratovirus A. This virus causes severe diarrhea among infants and toddlers. [read more]
Also known as German measles, Rubella pertains to a relatively common childhood infection which literally means ?little red? in Latin. While it is more common in children, it also affects adults. Affected adults recover more slowly than children. [read more]
Salla disease is an autosomal recessive congenital disease affecting lysosomal storage, resulting in early physical impairment and mental abnormalities. It is also alternatively known as Finnish type sialuria or sialic acid storage disease. [read more]
Salmonellosis (Salmonella infections) is a type of infection caused by Salmon ella bacteria. [read more]
Sandhoff disease is a genetic autosomal recessive disorder affecting lipid storage, leading to progressive damage in the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. [read more]
Sarcoidosis, also known as Besnier-Boeck disease, pertains to a disorder of the immune system characterized by non-caseating garnulomas that mostly affects young adults. The term is from the Greek words ?sark? and ?oid?, meaning ?flesh-like?. [read more]
Granulocytic sarcoma is a form of chloroma, characterized by the appearance of a solid tumor consisting of myeloblasts (i.e. or white blood cells that are described as immature and malignant). It is also alternatively known as granulocytic sarcoma or (more appropriately) extramedullary myeloid tumor. Basically, a chloroma is a solid collection of leukemic cells found outside the bone marrow; in particular, it is an extramedullary symptom of acute myeloid leukemia. [read more]
Sometimes this condition is referred to as savantism. Savant syndrome is a rare condition where in person with developmental disorder has one or more fields of expertise, brilliance or ability that are different from an individual's overall limitation. This condition can be hereditary and can also be acquired and coexists with other developmental disabilities. [read more]
Schinzel-Giedion syndrome is an extremely rare neurodegenerative terminal disease characterized by severe mid-face retraction, renal abnormalities, skull deformities, and other anomalies. [read more]
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasites with several species of fluke of the genus Schistosoma. The parasite is commonly found in Africa, Asia, and South America particularly in regions with water that is polluted with freshwater snails that may carry parasite. [read more]
Schizoaffective disorder is a kind of schizophrenia associated with other psychiatric disorders. A person with a schizoaffective disorder can also show signs of mania as well as depression. This condition can also go with other schizophrenic conditions such as schizopherniform and schizotypal disorders. [read more]
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric term used in reference to a mental disorder characterized by an impaired perception of reality. [read more]
Schwannomatosis is a disorder that causes tumors, known as Schwannomas to grow on nerves in the peripheral nervous system. It is a form of a genetic disorder known as Neurofibromatosis, an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. In Schwannomatosis, there is a great possibility that the nerves in the head and peripheral nerves may be affected. [read more]
Sciatica is a painful condition due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the main nerve that branches off and continues down to the thighs, legs, feet, and ankles. [read more]
Limited scleroderma is a condition that affects the body's connective tissue specifically only on the skin of the lower arms and legs, neck and face. It is also called CREST syndrome. [read more]
Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) is the inability of the brain to accurately process information conveyed by the senses. It is also referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder. In this medical condition, the sensory information sensed by the person with SID tends to be analyzed by the brain in a different manner causing upset and confusion. [read more]
This is a serious medical condition that is the result from decreased tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery which is caused by sepsis and infection. In severe cases it can cause death and numerous organ failures. This condition greatly affects, children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals for the reason that their immune system cannot handle such infection. [read more]
Serum sickness is a type of delayed sensitivity response. It usually appears four to ten days after exposure to the triggering substance which can be either antibiotics or antiserum. Antiserum is the portion of the serum containing antibodies like gamma globulin. Allergic reactions have rapid response while serum sickness reaction is delayed because it takes a long time for the body to produce antibodies to the new protein. [read more]
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is an infectious respiratory condition in humans. It was reported to have an initial outbreak that has turned out to be pandemic during November 2002 to July 2003. But it was only on February 2003 when SARS reached public spotlight. [read more]
Shellfish allergy is known to be one of the most common forms of food allergies and typically found in most adults. The allergic reactions to shellfish allergy can range from mild to severe and possible fatal symptoms. Shellfish are known as animals with shells such as clams, shrimp, lobster and even squid. General avoidance to shellfish is the most effective preventative treatment of this type of allergy. [read more]
Shock is a serious and life-threatening medical condition that happens when the body does not receive sufficient amount of blood causing the cells of the body to receive inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Medical shock is a critical medical emergency and has been reported as one of the leading causes of death for seriously-ill patients. There are four types of shock namely: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive and distributive shock. The most recent type of shock classified is endocrine shock, which is based on endocrine disruptions. [read more]
Sialadenitis is inflammation of salivary gland due to obstruction of the salivary gland or duct. Sialadenitis is very common among the elderly with salivary gland stones. There are also cases occurring in infants in the first few weeks after birth. Without proper treatment, Sialadenitis can progress into serious infection most especially in the injured and elderly. [read more]
Sialidosis is a very rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by an insufficiency of the enzyme alpha-neuraminidase. This insufficiency leads to the abnormal accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) and mucolipids (fatty substances) in most tissues of the body. Sialidosis belongs to a group of disorders that are known as lysosomal disorders. It is also known by other names like Mucolipidosis I, Sialidase deficiency, and Alpha-neuraminidase Deficiency. [read more]
Sick building syndrome is a collection of ailments due to a poorly maintained workplace. This can be due to structural defects, poor ventilation and facilities, as well as disorganized arrangement of offices. [read more]
Silent sinus syndrome is a spontaneous, asymptomatic collapse of the largest paranasal sinus (maxillary sinus) and orbital floor linked with negative sinus pressure; which can often result to painless facial irregularity, double vision (diplopia) and recession of the eyeball within the orbit known as enophthalmos. Diagnosis of silent sinus syndrome can be confirmed radiologically through distinctive and characteristic features of images. This would include obstruction or blockage in the maxillary sinus outlet, sinus opacification, and sinus volume loss due to the retraction of the sinus toward the inside. Surgical treatment is an option, which involves creation of mucous drainage outlet from the blockage in the sinus. [read more]
Silicosis is an occupational lung disease due to inhalation of silica dust. The disease is characterized by inflamed and nodular lesion scars in the upper lung lobes. Silicosis was first described in 1705 and is also known by other names like Grinder's disease and Potter's rot. Silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease in the world. [read more]
Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome is a rare genetic congenital disorder marked by accelerated growth and other abnormalities. The syndrome is also known as Sara Agers Syndrome and Bulldog Syndrome. The syndrome somehow resembles another overgrowth syndrome referred as Beckwith- Wiedemann syndrome; another syndrome concerned with insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). [read more]
This condition is also referred to as Sinusitis. It is the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses which can be a result of infection from fungal, bacterial, viral allergic or autoimmune issues. [read more]
Sirenomelia is a very rare congenital defect wherein infants are born with one lower extremity characterized by totally fused legs and the possibility of wide ranging abnormalities. It is also referred to as the Mermaid syndrome because the legs of an affected infant suggest the appearance of a mermaid. Incidence is very rare appearing roughly one out of every 70,000 births. Sirenomelia is a life-threatening condition because of an increased risk of developing complications involving kidney and bladder development and activity. [read more]
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder wherein immune cells attack and destroy the tear and salivary ducts causing dryness in the mouth and eyes. It is a chronic and slowly progressing disorder marked by inability to produce tear and saliva. It is also associated with rheumatic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. [read more]
Skeletal dysplasia is the medical term used to describe persons with short stature. It is also referred to as dwarfism. [read more]
A slipped disc is the protrusion of the inner substance of an invertebral disc that causes pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord. The condition is caused by sudden muscle twitches in the spine. [read more]
Smallpox is a very serious and infectious disease that is brought about by the variola virus. The name was derived from the pus-filled blisters that form and appear during the duration of the illness. Smallpox is contagious; it spreads through tiny drops of saliva when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks usually during close face-to-face contact. [read more]
Smith-Magenis syndrome is a unique and clinically identifiable genetic medical condition marked by a specific pattern of physical, behavioral and developmental characteristics and presentations. It is a rare disorder estimated to occur in roughly one out of every 25,000 births. [read more]
Snoring is an annoying condition that may indicate a serious medical condition. It occurs when air flows past cause the tissues in the throat to vibrate, which creates hoarse or harsh sounds. [read more]
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition in which a single ulcer typically occurs in the rectum that may cause rectal bleeding with straining or when having bowel movements. [read more]
The medical term for this kind of infection is pharyngitis. It is the swelling of the pharynx and in most cases is painful. It is regarded to be caused by viral infection (90%) while the remainder is caused by bacterial infection and in rare cases oral thrush. Irritation due to pollutants or chemical substance, sometimes cause sore throat. [read more]
Sparganosis is a medical condition that is caused by a parasitic tape worm. [read more]
Spasticity is a motor system disorder, especially of the central nervous system, wherein certain muscles are continuously contracted, which results to stiffness or tightness of the muscles, and may affect movement and speech. [read more]
Spinal muscular atrophy is a degenerative group of disorder affecting the spinal cord and nerves, which results in muscle wasting and weakness caused by loss of motor neurons of the spinal cord and brainstem. [read more]
Spinal Stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition puts pressure on the spinal cord. If the narrowing is located on the lower part of the spinal cord, it is referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis. Cervical spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing on the upper part of the spinal cord. However, there are also cases wherein stenosis can be found in any part of the spine. [read more]
Spinal tumor pertains to a potentially malignant mass growing at or near the spinal cord. Spinal tumors may be either cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). [read more]
Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a genetic disease wherein a person suffering from this disorder experience spinal cord and cerebellum degeneration. Degeneration of cerebellum will lead to muscle coordination loss. Spinocerebellar ataxia is a genetically inherited disorder marked by anomalous brain function representing multiple types of the disorder. [read more]
Spondylitis is inflammation of one or more of bony vertebrae of the spine. In addition to this definition, spondylitis is also used to refer to any spinal column disorder. This also refers to a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that are forms of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, joints of the spine and other organs. The spondylitis family consists of the following conditions: ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile spondyloarthropathy, undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy, reactive, enteropathic and psoriatic arthritis; and Pott's disease. [read more]
St. Anthony's fire is a very painful burning sensation in the arms and legs due to excessive exposure to ergotamines. Ergotamines are produced by particular fungi known as Claviceps purpurea, which usually contaminates rye and wheat. Ergotamines is a drug used for controlling migraine and in inducing abortion. Ergotamines are nerve toxins and can cause blood vessel constriction resulting in tissue death (gangrene). [read more]
St. Louis Encephalitis is defined as a disorder caused by the St. Louis Encephalitis virus borne by mosquitoes. This disease mainly affects the United States, but there were also a few reported cases from Canada and Mexico. [read more]
Stargardt's disease is a rare medical condition referred to as an autosomal recessive condition which causes juvenile macular degeneration leading to progressive loss of vision. This medical condition is also known as fundus flavimaculatus and Stargardt macular dystrophy. This severe form of macular degeneration begins onset in late childhood. [read more]
Steatorrhea is a medical condition wherein there is an increased fat excretion in feces. It is characterized by the formation of non-solid feces, floating stools due to excess fat from malabsorption, or the occurrence of an oily anal leakage, or some level of fecal incontinence. [read more]
Subfertility, also known as infertility, is the inability of a couple to get pregnant despite a year of frequent and unprotected sex. [read more]
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADH) is a rare metabolic disorder marked by lack of the enzyme involved in the degradation of GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. [read more]
Sulfite oxidase deficiency is a congenital error of the metabolism of sulfated amino acids. Individuals affected with sulfite oxidase deficiency typically present in the neonatal period with intractable seizures, characteristic dysmorphic features, and profound mental retardation. [read more]
Susac's syndrome (Retinocochleocerebral Vasculopathy) is a microangiopathy marked by encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions and hearing loss. [read more]
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal. It can be associated with a middle ear infection (otitis media) if the eardrum gets ruptured. [read more]
Sympathetic ophtalmitis or SO for brevity is a medical condition referring to the granulomatous Uveitis which is a kind of inflammation of both eyes as a result of a trauma to one eye. [read more]
A synovial sarcoma is a rare form of cancer which typically occurs near to the joints of the arm or leg, and is one of the soft tissue sarcomas. [read more]
Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of a synovial membrane, which line the joints which possess cavities, called synovial joints. The condition is typically painful, particularly when the joint is moved. The joint usually swells because of fluid collection. [read more]
Syphilis is a bacterial infection typically transmitted by sexual contact. The disease affects the genitals, skin and mucous membranes, but it may also involve many other parts of the body, including the brain and the heart. [read more]
Systemic mastocytosis, often called systemic mast cell disease (SMCD), is marked by mast cell infiltration of extracutaneous organs, which is in contrast to cutaneous mast cell disorders, which involve only the skin. [read more]
Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes below 300 per cubic millimeter, or less than one-fourth of total lymphocytes, in the absence of HIV infection or other known causes of immunodeficiency. This is a rare, heterogeneous syndrome and does not seem to be caused by a transmissible agent. People with ICL are susceptible to opportunistic infections, such as cryptococcus, atypical mycobacterial and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP). [read more]
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on the posterior tibial nerve that gives out symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve. [read more]
Teeth grinding, which is also known as bruxism is the unconscious clenching, grinding, or gnashing of teeth. [read more]
Temporal lobe epilepsy is a form of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition marked by recurrent seizures. [read more]
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TJD), also known as myofacial pain dysfunction, is problematic state of the jaw muscles used for chewing, or of the temporomandibular joint, which links the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. [read more]
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), also known as Lyell's syndrome, is a life-threatening dermatological condition that is commonly induced by a reaction to medications. It is marked by the detachment of the top layer of skin (the epidermis) from the lower layers of the skin (the dermis) all over the body. [read more]
Undescended testicle, also referred to as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which the testes did not completely descend into the scrotum. [read more]
Testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism is the body's insufficient production of the sex hormone testosterone. [read more]
Familial male precocious puberty (also called testotoxicosis) is a form of gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty in which boys experience early onset and progression of puberty. Signs of puberty can start as early as an age of 1 year. [read more]
Tetanus is a medical condition that is marked by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. The primary symptoms are caused by tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin given out by the Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani. [read more]
It is a congenital heart defect that originally has four anatomical components and also it is the most common cyanotic heart defect and most usual cause of blue baby syndrome. [read more]
While everyone has a rational fear of personal death built in as original equipment, thantophobia or necrophobia is extreme and irrational fear of personal death, situations involving death (such as funerals) or dead things. [read more]
Throat cancer is a type of carcinoma affecting the pharynx (which connects the mouth and the nasal cavity), vocal cords, and/or the larynx or voice box. [read more]
Thyroid cancer refers to one of four kinds of malignant tumors of the thyroid gland: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. [read more]
Tic Douleureux is another name for short-lived trigeminal neuralgia. This condition still affects the trigeminal nerve, but rather than feeling painful sensations for long periods of time, the pain only lasts for a few minutes. [read more]
Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is a rare disorder marked by severe and unilateral headaches with extraocular palsies, usually involving the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cranial nerves, and pain around the sides and back of the eye, along with weakness and paralysis (ophthalmoplegia) of certain eye muscles. [read more]
It is basically the infection of the tonsils and may or may not cause a fever or sore throat. There are three types of tonsillitis which are acute which can be viral or bacterial, subacute which is caused by the bacterium Actinomyces that can last for at least three to three months and chronic that can last for long periods if not immediately treated. [read more]
Medically, referred to as odontalgia that is experiencing pain in or around a tooth. [read more]
Tourette syndrome is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by the presence of multiple physical (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic; these tics characteristically wax and wane. [read more]
Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) is a rare genetic disease that affects fewer than 200 people in the whole world. It is a genetic condition that affects several parts of the body. [read more]
A parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, Toxoplasmosis infects most warm-blooded animals, including humans. This primary host of the disease however is the felid (cat) family. It is estimated that up to one third of the world's population carries a Toxoplasma infection. [read more]
Originating in the kidney, bladder or ureter, Transitional cell carcinoma is a type of cancer and is the most common type of bladder cancer. The disease arises from the transitional epithelium lining found in said organs. [read more]
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a psychosomatic disorder wherein people are subject to yawing, pitching and swaying motions. This can be observed while traveling in ships, airplanes and even in automobiles. [read more]
Also known as Franceschetti-Zwahlen-Kleain syndrome or mandibulo facial dysostosis, Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial deformities. Found in 10,000 births, the disease's typical features include downward slanting eyes, a small lower jaw, and malformed or absent ears. [read more]
Treponema pallidum is a subspecies of the bacteria-like spirochete pallidum, which causes a highly contagious disease known as syphilis. [read more]
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) or fish odor syndrome or fish malador syndrome is a metabolic disorder, in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a compound derived from the diet that has a strong odor of rotting fish. [read more]
Triple-A syndrome or Allgrove syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder discovered by Jeremy Allgrove and colleagues in 1978. The name Triple A stands for achalasia-addisonianism-alacrima syndrome. This means that affected individuals have adrenal insufficiency, alacrima (absence of tear secretion), and achalasia. The latter means failure of a ring of muscle fibers such as the sphincter, to relax. [read more]
A form of chromosomal variation, Triple X syndrome is characterized by the presence of X chromosome in each cell of a human female. The condition also known as triplo-X, trisomy X, XXX syndrome, and 47, XXX aneuploidy, it results during a division of a parent's reproductive cells, which occurs once in every 1,000 births. [read more]
This disorder is an extremely rare chromosomal disorder. Affected individuals have 3 chromosomes for a total of sixty-nine rather than the normal 46 chromosomes. Unborn children with Triploid syndrome are usually lost through early miscarriage but those who make it survive for as long as five months. [read more]
This disorder is a rare lethal chromosome abnormality caused by the presence of an entire extra set of chromosomes. Unborn children with triploidy has 69 chromosomes rather than 46. Most fetuses are miscarried during pregnancy and those that survive usually have severe growth retardation and multiple birth defects. [read more]
Trisomy 21 syndrome is a form of down syndrome, which is caused by the abnormal cell division involving the 21st chromosome during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell. [read more]
The most common form of CNS tuberculosis, Tuberculosis meningitis is an infection of the meninges, or the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a very rare disorder. [read more]
A genetic disease characterized by polyps in the colon in additions to tumors in the brain, Turcot syndrome is the association between familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. The first reported case was done by Canadian surgeon Jacques Turcot, hence, the name. Turcot syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner with both parents carrying a Turcot gene and a 1 in 4 risk for each of their boys and girls of receiving both parental Turcot genes and suffering from the syndrome. [read more]
Also known as Feto-Fetal Transfusion Syndrome, Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a complication with high morbidity and mortality that can affect identical twins or higher multiple pregnancies where two or more fetuses share a common placenta. Severe cases have a 60-100% mortality rate. [read more]
Tylenol liver damage is a liver disease brought about by abusive consumption of the drug Tylenol, an effective analgesic and antipyretic medication used to treat headache and fever. [read more]
Pressure ulcer or bedsores are the areas of damaged skin and tissue due to sustained pressure. [read more]
Ulcerative colitis or colitis ulcerosa is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum. A systemic disease affects many parts of the body outside the intestine, it is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). [read more]
Uncombable Hair Syndrome, also referred to as spun-glass hair, was discovered by French researchers in the early 1970s and was termed ?cheveux incoiffables.? Uncombable hair syndrome is characterized by scalp hair that has an irregular structure and that is arranged in jumbled bundles, making it impossible to comb. UHS however, is not a common phenomenon. Between 1973 and 1998, there have only been 60 reported cases of the disorder. [read more]
Ureter Cancer or the Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter is a cancer that grows in the urinary system that is either on the kidney which is responsible for collecting urine or the pelvis which empties the urine into a tube called the ureter that leads to the bladder. [read more]
Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid, crystal aggregations of dissolved minerals in urine. They typically form inside the kidneys or bladder. nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis refer to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively. [read more]
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control which is often become embarrassing to the individuals affected by this condition where in an individual cannot control the release of urine from the bladder. Urinary incontinence severity ranges from urine secretion from simply coughing or sneezing to sudden, random episodes of strong urinary emergencies. [read more]
Also known as Urocanic aciduria or urocanate hydratase deficiency, Urocanase deficiency is a rare disease characterized by the deficiency of the urocanase enzyme. [read more]
Urogenital adysplasia syndrome or renal agenesis is a rare disorder characterized by anomalies of the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive system. [read more]
Also known as Muckle-Wells syndrome, Urticaria-deafness-amyloidosis (UDA) was first described in 1962 by Thomas James Muckle and Michael Vernon Wells. It is a rare autosomal disease, which causes sensorineural deafness, recurrent hives, and can lead to amyloidosis. MWS happens when a mutation in the CIAS1 gene leads to increased activity of the cryopyrin protein. The disorder is closely related to two other syndromes, familial cold urticaria and neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease. [read more]
Uterine cancer may point to one of numerous kinds of cancer that happen in the uterus. It includes uterine sarcomas, uterine fibroids, endometrial cancers, hydatidiform mole and cervical cancer. [read more]
Uterine cancer is a most common form of carcinoma that begins in the endometrium or the lining of the uterus. Also called endometrial cancer, this type of cancer typically appears after the reproductive years, mostly in the sixth or seventh decade of life. [read more]
Uterine growths, also known as endometriosis, are benign growths that come from the tissues of the uterine lining. These tissues develop into cysts on the pelvic area. When not treated, these growths can form scars and adhesions which can bind reproductive organs together. [read more]
A nonrandom association of birth defects, VATER syndrome or VACTERL association, is not considered a syndrome since all the defects are linked. [read more]
Vaginal cancer is a rare form of carcinoma that affects the vagina, or the muscular tube connecting the uterus to the outer genitals. Most cases of vaginal cancer occur in the birth canal. [read more]
Vagina cancer is considered to be a very rare form of cancer that affects the vagina, especially the cells that use to line the surface of the vagina or otherwise known as the birth canal. This cancer usually affects women with ages 60 and up and can spread to other parts of the body. [read more]
The German equivalent of the word Vaginism, Vaginismus is a condition that affects a woman's ability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration, including sexual penetration, insertion of tampons, and the penetration involved in gynecological examinations. The spasm is not controlled by the vaginismic woman since the vagnismic reflex can be compared to the response of the eye shutting when an object comes towards it. The severity of the condition varies from woman to woman. [read more]
Vaginitis is the swelling of the vagina, which is the female genital, that can lead to discharge, pain and itching. There are common types of vaginitis which are bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, trichomoniasis and atrophic vaginitis. [read more]
Van der Woude syndrome is a condition affecting the development of the face. It is known for the acronym VDWS. [read more]
Vascular dementia is medical umbrella term that generally describes mental impairments and disorders that affect the cognitive functioning of the brain. This is usually caused by abnormalities in the blood vessels that are responsible in feeding the brain. Blockages in the blood usually cause stroke that causes dementia. [read more]
Vater Syndrome, sometimes called Vacterl Association, refers to the non-random association ofv ertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiovascular anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, renal and/or radial anomalies and Preaxial limb anomalies (Weaver, David and Brandt, Ira (1999). Catalog of Prenatally Diagnosed Codition, JHU Press, pp. 248). More specifically , it refers to the abnormalities in structures deduce from the embryonic mesoderm. [read more]
Velocardiofacial Syndrome, otherwise known as the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, DiGeorge Syndrome Strong Syndrome, is a disease or a condition that is characterized by the deletion of a chromosome that occurs near the middle of the chromosome at a location named or designated as q11.2 It usually one of the causes which causes hypemasality, language delays and speech sound errors (D'Antonio LL, Scherer NJ, Miller LL, Kalbfleisch JH, Bartley JA (2001). "Analysis of speech characteristics in children with velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) and children with phenotypic overlap without VCFS". Cleft Palate Craniofac. J. 38 (5): 455-67). [read more]
Velopharyngeal incompetence is a disease which is used to describe the functionality of the velopharyngeal valve. Specifically it is the malfunctioning of the velopharyngel mechanism of a person which is responsible for directing the transmission of sound energy and air pressure in both the oral cavity and the nasal cavity. [read more]
Vincent's disease is a medical condition that is usually characterized by the presence of ulcerating gingivitis. [read more]
Viral hemorrhagic fever, VHF for brevity, is a group of illnesses that are caused by a taxonomically diverse group of simple RNA viruses with lipid envelopes (Gravenstein, N., Lobato, E., Kirby, R. (2007) Complications in Anesthesiology, p.446). It is an illness which is commonly detected or seen in both human and animals. [read more]
Viral Meningitis is the medical condition whereby there is an inflammation of the meninges or the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord caused by viruses. [read more]
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome or Uveodematologic Syndrome or just VKH for brevity, is an immune-mediated disease. It is a rare condition which may affect both dogs and human and involves melanocyte-containing organ, which is characterized by the inflammation of the inside of the eye or the uveitus, occurrence of poliosis or the whitening of the hair, vitiligo or the loss of the pigmentation of the skin and even meningitis. The mechanism of the disease is said to be the T helper cell mediated autoimmune attack of melanocytes in the skin and uvea and in the central nervous system and inner ear of human (Sigle K, McLellan G, Haynes J, Myers R, Betts D (2006). "Unilateral uveitis in a dog with uveodermatologic syndrome". J Am Vet Med Assoc 228 (4): 543-8). [read more]
Very long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency or VLCAD for brevity is a disorder of the fatty acid oxidation disorder that hinders the normal conversion of certain fats to energy by the body especially during period without food intake. [read more]
Vulvodynia is a medical condition which refers to the disorder which causes vulvar pain and discomfort. [read more]
Vulvovaginitis is the infection of the vulva which may be accompanied with the inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. [read more]
WAGR syndrome otherwise known as the WAGR complex, Wilms tumor-aniridia syndrome, aniridia-Wilms tumor syndrome, is a genetic disorder which affect children and made them to developed Wilms tumor, Aniridi, Genitourinary disorders and mental retardation. (Fischbach BV, Trout KL, Lewis J, Luis CA, Sika M (2005). "WAGR syndrome: a clinical review of 54 cases". Pediatrics 116 (4): 984-8). [read more]
Wandering spleen otherwise known as the Pelvic spleen is a rare medical disease that is often linked to the loss or the weakening of the ligaments that help hold the spleen. [read more]
Warts are small, rough tumor that is typically located on the hands and feet and can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. [read more]
Wheat is identified as one of the most common allergy-causing foods that mostly affect children. The allergic reactions typically occurs a few minutes after eating the food products that contains wheat, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and possibly life-threatening reactions. [read more]
Wheat Hypersensitivity otherwise known as the Wheat allergy is a kind of food allergy which involves IgE and mast cell response. [read more]
Wilms tumor-aniridia syndrome otherwise known as the WAGR complex, aniridia-Wilms tumor syndrome, is a genetic disorder which affect children and made them to developed Wilms tumor, Aniridi, Genitourinary disorders and mental retardation. (Fischbach BV, Trout KL, Lewis J, Luis CA, Sika M (2005). "WAGR syndrome: a clinical review of 54 cases". Pediatrics 116 (4): 984-8). [read more]
Wolfram syndrome otherwise known as the DIDMOAD which is the acronym for the Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and Deafness, generally a genetic disorder classified as a neurodegenerative disease which affects the brain and the central nervous system. It was first describe in 1938 by Dr. Don J. Wolfram, M.D. (Wolfram, D. J.; Wagener, H. P: Diabetes mellitus and simple optic atrophy among siblings: report of four cases. Mayo Clin. Proc. 13: 715-718, 1938). [read more]
Cerebrotendineous xanthomatosis otherwise known as the cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, or Van Bogaert-Scherer-Epstein syndrome, or the cerebrotendinous cholesterosis, is a kind of xanthomatosis that isassociated with the CYP27A1 geneon the 2nd Chromosome. [read more]
Y chromosome microdeletion or YCM for brevity is a genetic disorder that is caused by missing gene in the chromosome Y. [read more]
Yeast infection is medically known as candidiasis it is an infection caused by fungi of any of the Candida species where in the most common type is the Candida albicans. Yeast infection can range from superficial to systemic which can be a dangerous disease. [read more]
Yersinia pestis otherwise known as the Pasteurella pestis is a gram-negative facultative and anaerobic bipolar staining that makes it look as a safety pin bacteria which belongs to the family of Enterobacteriaceae (Collins FM (1996). Pasteurella, Yersinia, and Francisella. In: Baron's Medical Microbiology (Baron S et al, eds.), 4th ed., Univ of Texas Medical Branch). Yersinia Pestive have three distinct forms namely: the bubonic, the pneumonic, and the septicemic plague. [read more]
Zuska's Disease, also known as lactiferous fistula, is a rare recurrent condition characterized by draining abscesses around the nipple. This disease is often misanalyzed and miscured, occasionally resulting in unnecessary mastectomy. [read more]