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House Medical Glossary
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 ey, House fans! Help flesh out the House Medical Glossary Have you learned some new medical conditions and terms just from watching House? Who knew it'd all be so educational! Share your fancy, new fangled doctor knowledge below -- or see if you can diagnose yourself from the terms below! |  |
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| Acanthosis Nigricans | : | Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. | ||
| Acute Adrenal Crisis | : | Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is not enough cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. | ||
| Addison's Disease | : | Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and non-exposed parts of the body. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisoland,in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. | ||
| Adrenoleukodystrophy | : | Andrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that cause damage to the myelin sheath, an insulating membrane that surrounds nerve cells in the brain. People with ALD accumulate high levels of saturated, very long chain fatty acids (VLFCA) in the brain and adrenal cortex because they do not produce the enzyme that breaks down these fatty acids in the normal manner. The loss of myelin and the progressive dysfunction of the adrenal gland are the primary characteristics of ALD. | ||
| Aging Male Syndrome | : | Men go through aging male syndrome (AMS) between the ages of 35 and 65 when their hormone levels (especially testosterone) decline. Testosterone is a hormone that helps maintain sex drive, sperm production, pubic and body hair, muscle, and bone. The decline of testosterone is normal in healthy males as they age. | ||
| Agraphia | : | Agraphia is a writing disorder. It is one of the four symptoms of Gerstmann's Syndrome. | ||
| Alzheimer's Disease | : | Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized in the brain by abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (neurofibrillary tangles) composed of misplaced proteins. Age is the most important risk factor in AD; the number of people with the disease doubles every five years after the age of 65. | ||
| Amyloidosis | : | Primary amyloidosis is a disorder in which protein fibers are deposited in tissues and organs, harming them. The cause of primary amyloidosis is unknown, but the condition is related to abnormal production of antibodies by a type of immune cell called plasma cells. | ||
| Aphasia | : | Aphasia is a neurological disorder caused by damages to the portion of the brain that is responsible for language. Primary signs of the disorder include difficulty expressing oneself when speaking, trouble understanding speech, and difficulty when reading and writing. Aphasia is not a disease but a symptom of brain damage. | ||
| Aplastic Anemia | : | Aplastic anemia is a disease of the bone marrow. The bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body. Any blood cells the marrow does make are normal, but there are not enough of them. Aplastic anemia can be moderate, severe or very severe. People with severe or very severe aplastic anemia are at risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding. | ||
| Arrhythmia | : | Arrhythmia's are disorders of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart. They're common--about 2.2 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation (one type of rhythm problem). Arrhythmia's can occur in a healthy heart and can be of minimal consequence. They also may indicate a serious problem and lead to heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death. | ||
| Asperger Syndrome | : | Asperger syndrome (AS)is a developmental disorder. It is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of a distinct group of neurological conditions characterized by a greater or lesser degree of impairment in language and communication skills as well as repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior. | ||
| Aspergillosis | : | Aspergillosis is a disease that is caused by aspergillus( a mold or fungus). There are many different kinds of aspergillosis. One kind is allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (also called ABPA), is a condition where the fungus causes respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing but does not invade or destroy tissue. Another type of aspergillosis is invasive aspergillosis, a disease that usually affects people with immune system problems. In this condition, the fungus invades and damages tissues in the body. Invasive aspergillosis most commonly affects the lungs, but may also cause infection in many other organs and can spread throughout the body. | ||
| Autism | : | Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors or interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. | ||
| Bacterial Endocarditis | : | Bacterial endocarditis is now known as infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart's inner lining (endocardium) or the heart valves. This can damage or even destroy your heart valves. | ||
| Bacterial Vaginitis | : | Bacterial vaginitis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning. | ||
| Baylisascaris | : | Baylisascaris is an intestinal raccoon roundworm that can be passed to other animals, including humans. | ||
| Behcet's Disease | : | Behcet's disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder. The cause behcet's disease is unknown, although there have been reports of a virus have been found in some individuals with the disease. Behcet's disease generally begins when individuals are in their 20's or 30's, although it can happen at any age. It tends to occur more often in men than in women. Symptoms of behcet's disease include recurrent ulcers in the mouth and on the genitals, and eye inflammation. | ||
| Bipolar Disorder | : | Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, they symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. | ||
| Blood Clots | : | Blood clots are the clumps that result from coagulation of the blood. A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel or within the heart and remains there is called a thrombus. A thrombus that travels from the vessel or heart to another location in the body is called an embolus, and the disorder, an embolism. | ||
| Botulism | : | Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are 3 main types of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. Wound Botulism is caused by a toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the boyulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism can be especially dangerous because many people can be poisoned by eating contaminated food. | ||
| Brain Cancer | : | A tumor that begins in the brain is called a primary brain tumor. In children, most brain tumors are primary tumors. In adults, most tumors i n the brain have spread there from the lungs, breast, or other parts of the body. When this happens, the disease is not brain cancer. the tumor in the brain is a secondary tumor. It is named for the organ or the tissue in which it began. | ||
| Breast Cancer | : | Cancer that usually forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. | ||
| Brucellosis | : | Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. These bacteria are primarily passed among animals, and they cause disease in many different kinds of vertebrates. Various Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected by contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these bacteria. In humans brucellosis can cause a range of symptoms that are similar to the flu and may include fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness. Severe infections of the central nervous system or the lining of the heart may occur. Brucellosis can also cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue. | ||
| Cardiomyopathy | : | Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle or a change in heart muscle structure. It is often associated with inadequate heart pumping or other heart function abnormalities. Cardiomyopathy can be caused by viral infections, heart attacks, alcoholism, long-term severe high blood pressure, nutritional deficiencies, systemic lupus erythematosis, celiac disease, and end-stage kidney disease. | ||
| Celiac Disease | : | Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in products we use every day, such as stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins. | ||
| Cerebral Hypoxia | : | Cerebral hypoxia refers to a condition which there is a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain even though there is adequate blood flow. Drowning, strangling, choking, suffocation, cardiac arrest, head trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, and complications of general anesthesia can create conditions that can lead to cerebral hypoxia. Symptoms of mild cerebral hypoxia include inattentiveness, poor judgement, memory loss, and a decrease in motor coordination. Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation and can begin to die within five minutes after oxygen supply has been cut off. When hypoxia lasts for longer periods of time, it can cause coma, seizures, and even brain death. | ||
| Chagas Disease | : | Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to animals and people by insect vectors that are found only in the Americas (mainly, in rural areas of Latin America where poverty is widespread). | ||
| Chimeras | : | Chimeras are people composed of two genetically distinct types of cells. They are usually defined as non-identical twins that shared a blood supply in the uterus. Those who were not twins are thought to have blood cells from a twin that died early in gestation. About 8 percent of non-identical twins are chimeras. | ||
| Chlamydia | : | Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman's reproductive organs. Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that can cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur "silently" before a woman ever recognizes a problem. | ||
| Ciguatera Fish Poisoning | : | Ciguatera fish poisoning (or Ciguatera) is an illness caused by eating fish that contain toxins produced by a marine microalgae called Gambierdiscus toxicus. People who have ciguatera may experience nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms such as tingling fingers or toes. They also may find that cold things feel hot and hot things feel cold. Cigutera has no cure. Symptoms usually go away in days or weeks but can last for years. People who have ciguatera can be treated for their symptoms. | ||
| : | Cirrhosis of the liver has many causes. In the United States, chronic alcoholism and Hepatitis c are the most common ones. Many people with cirrhosis have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, as scar tissue replaces healthy cells, liver function starts to fail and a person may experience exhaustion, fatigue, ,loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, and spider-like blood vessels that develop on the skin. | ||
| Cluster Headaches | : | Cluster headaches affect one side of the head (unilateral) and may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose. The headaches occur repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks then go away. | ||
| Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation | : | Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM)is diagnosed prenatally when an ultrasound shows a cystic or solid lung tumor. Types I and II of CCAM appear as cystic, fluid-filled masses while type III appears as a solid mass. | ||
| Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease | : | Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder. Typically, onset of symptoms occurs at about age 60. There are three major categories of CJD: sporadic CJD, hereditary CJD, and acquired CJD. There is no treatment that can cure or control CJD. | ||
| Cryptococcosis | : | Cryptococcosis is a disease due to the species of fungus Cryptococcus. C. neoformans typically infects immunocompromised persons. Most people in the United States who develop cryptococcal infections are HIV-positive. However, occasionally persons with no apparent immune system problems develop cryptococcosis. | ||
| Cushing's Syndrome | : | Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Sometimes called "hypercortisolism," it is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20-50. An estimated 10-15 of every million people are affected each year. | ||
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| Depression | : | Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is common but serious illness, and most who experience it need treatment to get better. | ||
| Diabetic Ketoacidosis | : | Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes. It is caused by the buildup of by-products of fat breakdown, called ketones. This occurs when glucose is not available as a fuel source for the body, and fat is used instead. | ||
| Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation | : | Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting are abnormally active. With DIC small blood clots form throughout the body. Overtime, the clotting proteins become "used up" and are unavailable during times of real injury. | ||
| Dystonia | : | Dystonias are are movement disorders in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements, which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle; a group of muscle such as those in the arms, legs, or neck; or the entire body. | ||
| Eastern Equine Encephalitis | : | Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a mosquito-borne viral disease. EEE virus (EEEV) in the eastern half of the United States where it causes disease in humans, horses, and some bird species. Because of the high mortality rate, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. | ||
| Echinococcosis | : | Known as Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE). AE disease results from being infected with the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis, a microscopic tapeworm (1-4 millimeters) found in foxes, coyotes, dogs, and cats. Although human cases are rare, infections in humans causes parasitic tumors to form in the liver,and, less commonly, the lungs, brain, and other organs. If untreated, infection with AE can be fatal. | ||
| Encephalitis | : | Encephalitis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling)of the brain, usually caused by infections. Encephalitis is most often caused by a viral infection, and many types of viruses may cause it. Exposure to viruses may occur through insect bites, food or drink contamination, inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person, or skin contact. In rural areas, arboviruses--carried by mosquito's or ticks, or accidentally ingested, are the most common cause. | ||
| Epilepsy | : | Epilepsy is a general term that refers to a tendency to have recurrent seizures. There are various types of seizures. People with diagnosed epilepsy often have only one type of seizure, although some experience more than one type. The term "epilepsy" can be used interchangeably with "seizure disorder." Epilepsy is not contagious and poses no risk to others. | ||
| Erdheim Chester Disease | : | Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) is a rare multi-system disorder of adulthood. It is characterized by excessive production and accumulation of histiocytes within multiple tissues and organs. Histiocytes are large phagocytic cells (macrophages) that normally play a role in responding to infection and injury. In those with ECD, sites of involvement may include the long bones, skin, tissues behind the eyeballs, lungs, brain,pituitary gland and/or additional tissues or organs. Associated symptoms and findings and disease course depend on the specific location and extent of such involvement. The specific underlying cause of ECD is unknown. | ||
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| Gallstones | : | Gallstones are small pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. the gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac located below your liver in the right upper abdomen. Gallstones form when liquid, stored in the gallbladder, hardens into pieces of stone-like material. | ||
| Gerstmann's Syndrome | : | Gerstmann's Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by four primary symptoms:a writing disability (agraphia or dysgraphia), a lack of understanding of the rules of calculation arithmetic (acalculia or dyscalculia), an inability to distinguish right from left, and an inability to identify fingers (finger agnosia). | ||
| Guillain-Barre Syndrome | : | Guillain-Barre is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles can not be used and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillian-Barre syndrome. | ||
| Gumma | : | A gumma is a soft, tumor-like growth of the tissues (granuloma). A gumma is caused by syphilis. It appears during the late stage, tertiary syphilis. It usually contains a mass of dead and swollen fiber-like tissue, and occurs most often in the liver. | ||
| Hallucinations | : | Hallucinations involve sensing things that aren't there while a person is awake and conscious. | ||
| Heart Attack | : | A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn’t restored quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and begins to die. | ||
| Hemochromatosis | : | Hemochromatosis is the most common form of iron overload disease. Primary hemochromatosis, also called hereditary hemochromatosis, is an inherited disease. Secondary hemochromatosis is caused by anemia, alcoholism, and other disorders. Juvenile hemochromatosis (affects young adults between the ages of 15-30) and neonatal hemochromatosis (affecting infants) are two additional forms of the disease. | ||
| Hepatitis C | : | Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis c virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. | ||
| Hereditary Angioedema | : | Hereditary angioedema is a rare but serious problem with the immune system that is passed through families. It causes swelling, particularly to the face and airways, and abdominal cramping. | ||
| Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia | : | Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a disorder that results in the development of multiple abnormalities in the blood vessels. This disorder roughly affects 1 in 5,000 people. | ||
| Histiocytosis | : | Histiocytosis is a general name for a group of syndromes that involve an abnormal increase in the number of immune cells called histiocytes. Histiocytosis X has typically been thought of as a cancer-like condition. More recently researchers have begun to suspect that it is actually an autoimmune phenomenon, in which immune cells mistakenly attack the body, rather than fight infections. Extra immune cells may form tumors, which can affect various parts of the body including the bones, skull, and other areas. | ||
| Histoplasmosis | : | Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affects the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected. This form of the disease is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and it can be fatal if untreated. | ||
| Huntington Disease | : | Huntington disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, mental and emotional problems, and loss of thinking ability (cognition). This disease usually appears in a person's thirties and forties. Early signs and symptoms can include irritability, depression, small involuntary movements, poor coordination, and trouble learning new information or making decisions. Individuals with adult-onset form of Huntington disease usually live about 15-25 years after signs and symptoms begin. | ||
| Hypothermia | : | In cold weather, your body may loose heat faster than you can produce it. The result is hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95 degrees is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly, | ||
| Ischemic Bowel | : | Ischemic bowel or intestinal ischemia (or infarction) is the death of part of the intestine due to its blood supply being cut off. | ||
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| Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis | : | Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is a type of arthritis that happens in children age 16 or younger. It causes joint swelling, stiffness and sometimes reduced motion. It can affect any joint, and in some cases it can affect internal organs as well. | ||
| Kawasaki's Disease | : | Kawasaki's disease is a rare condition in children that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. Kawasaki disease occurs most frequently in Japan, where the disease was first discovered. In the United States Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. It affects more that 4,000 children each year. Eighty percent of patients are under the age of 5. | ||
| Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis | : | Langerhans cell histiocytosis (histiocytosis X) has typically been thought of as a cancer-like condition. More recently researchers have begun to suspect that it is actually an autoimmune phenomenon, in which immune cells mistakenly attack the body, rather than fight infections. Extra immune cells may form tumors, which can affect various parts of the body including the bones, skull, and other areas. | ||
| Legionnaires' Disease | : | Legionnaires' disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella | ||
| Lupus | : | Like other autoimmune diseases, lupus occurs when the immune system attacks an organ. Lupus is different for every person, with symptoms that come and go. Genetics play a role in lupus, but other factors can trigger this autoimmune disease. Nine out of ten people with lupus are women. | ||
| Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis | : | Destructive growth of lymph cells, usually involving the lungs, skin, kidneys, and central nervous system. Grades I and II are not considered cancerous, but grade III is considered a lymphoma. | ||
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| Maternal Mirror Syndrome | : | Maternal mirror syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman has fetal hydropic, which is abnormal accumulation of fluid in two or more fetal compartments. This disorder gets its name because the mother suffers the same symptoms as the sick fetus. She will become ill and have signs of preeclmpsia: water retention, high blood pressure, and protein in the urine. This disorder is quite dangerous, and in some cases the fetus has died. | ||
| Migraine Headache | : | The pain of a migraine headache is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. It is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men. | ||
| Miller Fisher Syndrome | : | Miller Fisher syndrome is a rare, acquired nerve disease that is believed to be a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is characterized by abnormal muscle coordination paralysis of the eye, and absence of the tendon reflexes. Like Guillain-Barre syndrome, symptoms may be preceded by a viral illness. | ||
| Mitral Valve Stenosis | : | Mitral stenosis is a narrowing or blockage of the mitral valve, which separates the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. This prevents proper blood flow from moving between the left atrium (upper chamber of the heart) and ventricle (lower chamber of the heart). | ||
| Multiple Myeloma | : | Multiple myeloma (cancer) is a disease in which the body makes to many plasma cells. | ||
| Multiple Sclerosis | : | Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, MS can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to devastating, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body are disrupted. Many investigators believe MS to be an autoimmune disease--one in which the body, through its immune system, launches a defensive attack against it's own tissues. In the case of MS, it is the nerve-insulating myelin that comes under assault. Such assaults may be linked to an environmental trigger, perhaps a virus. | ||
| Munchausen Syndrome | : | Munchausen syndrome is a psychiatric disorder that causes an individual to self-inflict injury or illness or to fabricate symptoms of physical or mental illness, in order to receive medical care or hospitalization. In a variation of the disorder, Munchausen by proxy (MSBP), an individual, typically a mother, intentionally causes or fabricates illness in a child or other person under their care. | ||
| Myasthenia Gravis | : | Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal muscles of the body. The hallmark of this disease is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. With current therapies, however, most cases of myasthenia gravis are not as "grave" as the name implies. In fact for the majority of individuals life expectancy is not lessened by the disorder. | ||
| Necrotizing Fasciitis | : | Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a rare but severe type of bacterial infection that can destroy the muscles, skin, and underlying tissue. Necrotizing refers to something that causes tissue death. | ||
| Neurofibromatoses | : | Neurofibromatoses are a group of three genetically distinct but related disorders of the nervous system that cause tumors to grow around the nerves. | ||
| Neurosyphilis | : | Neurosyphilis is an infection of the brain or spinal cord. It occurs in persons with untreated syphilis many years after they are first infected. | ||
| Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma | : | Adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can occur in both adults and children. Treatment for children, however is different than treatment for adults. | ||
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| Pancreatitis | : | Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube, called the pancreatic duct. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. | ||
| Paraneoplastic Syndrome | : | Paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of rare degenerative disorders that are triggered by a persons immune system response to a neoplasm, or cancerous tumor. Neuralgic paraneoplastic syndromes are believed to occur when cancer fighting anti-bodies or white blood cells known as T-cells mistakenly attack normal cells in the nervous system. These disorders typically affect middle-aged to older persons and are most common in persons with lung, ovarian, lymphatic, or breast cancer. | ||
| Patent Foramen Ovale | : | A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a defect in the septum (wall) between the two upper (atrial) chambers of the heart. Specifically, the defect is an incomplete closure of the atrial septum that results in the creation of a flap or a valve-like opening in the atrial septal wall. | ||
| Pericarditis | : | Pericarditis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like covering around the heart. Pericarditis is usually a complication of viral infections, most commonly echovirus or coxsackie virus. Less frequently, it is caused by influenza or HIV infection. | ||
| Pheochromocytoma | : | Pheochromocytoma is a rare disease in which tumors form in chromaffin cells of the body. Most Pheochromocytomas start inside the adrenal gland where most chromaffin cells are located. There are two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. Usually pheochromocytoma affects only one adrenal gland. Pheochromocytoma may also start in other parts of the body, such as the area around the heart and bladder. | ||
| Pica | : | Pica is a pattern of eating non-food materials (such as dirt or paper). | ||
| Pituitary Tumor | : | Pituitary tumors are tumors found in the pituitary gland, a small organ about the size of a pea in the center of the brain just above the back of the nose. The pituitary gland makes hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body. | ||
| Pleural Effusion | : | A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity. | ||
| Polio | : | Polio is a disease caused by a virus. It enters a persons body through the mouth. Sometimes it does not cause serious illness. But Sometimes it causes paralysis. It can kill people who get it, usually by paralyzing the muscle that helps them breathe. | ||
| Porphyria | : | Porphyria is a group of different disorders caused by abnormalities in the chemical steps leading to the production of heme, a substance that is important to the body. The largest amounts of heme are in the blood and bone marrow, where it carries oxygen. Heme is also found in the liver and other tissues. | ||
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | : | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. | ||
| Psittacosis | : | Psittacosis, also known as parrot disease or parrot fever, is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Chlamydophila psittaci and contracted not only by parrots, but also from pigeons, sparrows, ducks, hens, gulls and many other species of bird. | ||
| Reye's Syndrome | : | Reye's syndrome (RS) is primarily a children's disease, although it can occur at any age. It affects all organs of the body but is most harmful to the brain and liver--causing an acute increase of pressure within the brain and, often, massive accumulations of fat in the liver and other organs. The disorder commonly occurs during recovery from a viral infection, although it can also develop 3-5 days after the onset of the viral illness. | ||
| Rheumatic Fever | : | Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that may develop after an infection with Streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). The disease can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. | ||
| Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | : | Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most severe and most frequently reported rickettsial illness in the United States. The disease is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a species of bacteria that is spread to humans by ixodid (hard) ticks. Initial signs and symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle pain, followed by development of rash. The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment it can be fatal. | ||
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| Salivary Gland Cancer | : | Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the salivary glands. Being exposed to certain types of radiation may increase the risk of salivary cancer. | ||
| Sarcoidosis | : | Sarcoidosis involves inflammation that produces tiny lumps of cells in various organs in the body. The lumps are called granulomas because they look like grains of sand or sugar. They are very small and can only be seen with a microscope. These tiny granulomas can grow and clump together, making many large and small groups of lumps. If many granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ works. This can cause symptoms of Sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis can occur in almost any part of the body, although it usually affects some organs more than others. It usually starts in either the lungs or the lymph nodes. Sarcoidosis almost always occurs in more than one organ at a time. | ||
| Selenium | : | Exposure, to high levels of selenium, can result in neurological effects and brittle hair and deformed nails. Occupational inhalation exposure to selenium vapors may cause dizziness, fatigue, irritation of mucous membranes, and respiratory effects. | ||
| Sickle Cell Anemia | : | Sickle cell anemia is a serious condition in which the red blood cells can become sickle shaped (that is, shaped like a"C"). Sickle-shaped cells do not move easily through the blood like normal red blood cells do. They are stiff and sticky and tend to form clumps ans stick in the blood vessels. The clumps of sickle cells block blood flow in the blood vessels that lead to the limbs and organs. Blocked blood vessels can cause pain, serious infections, and organ damage. | ||
| Skin Graft | : | A skin graft is a patch of skin that is surgically removed from one area of the body and transplanted to another area | ||
| Sleep Apnea | : | Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. | ||
| Staphylococcal Infections | : | Staph is short for Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria. There are over 30 types, but Staphylococcus aureus causes most staph infections, including skin infections, pneumonia, food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and blood poisoning. | ||
| Stills Disease | : | Adult Stills disease is a rare illness marked by high, spiky fevers, rash, and joint pain. It may lead to long-term (chronic) arthritis. | ||
| Syphilis | : | Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has often been called “the great imitator” because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. | ||
| Takayasu Syndrome | : | Takayasu arteritis is an inflammation of the aorta--the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body--and its major branches. The disease occurs mainly in children and women younger than 30, especially those who are of Asian or African descent. | ||
| Thallium | : | Exposure to thallium occurs mainly from eating food. Exposure to higher levels of thallium may occur in the work place. Breathing high levels of thallium may result in effects on the nervous system, while ingesting high levels of it results in vomiting, diarrhea, temporary hair loss, and other effects. | ||
| Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura | : | Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpra (TTP) is a blood disorder that causes blood clots to form in blood vessels around the body. In some cases, this disease is caused by the lack of an enzyme that is involved in blood clotting. Not having enough of this enzyme causes platelets in the blood to clump. As the platelets clump together, there are fewer platelets available in the bloodstream. This can lead to bleeding under the skin and purple-colored spots called purpura. It can also cause red blood cells to break apart and be destroyed prematurely. TTP can lead to low platelets, low red blood cell count, abnormal kidney function, and problems with the nervous system. | ||
| Thymoma | : | Thymoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form on the outside surface of the thymus. | ||
| Tick Paralysis | : | Tick paralysis is loss of muscle function that results from a tick bite. Hard-and soft-bodied female ticks are believed to make a poison that can cause paralysis in children. Ticks attach to the skin to feed on blood. It is during this feeding process that the toxin enters the blood stream. The paralysis ascending--which means it starts in the lower body and moves up. | ||
| Transient Ischemic Attack | : | A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur suddenly, are similar to those of stroke but do not last as long. | ||
| Transverse Myelitis | : | Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment of the spinal cord. The segment of the spinal cord at which the damage occurs will determines which parts of the body are affected. Damage at one segment will affect function at that segment and segments below it. | ||
| Tuberculosis | : | Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But, TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. | ||
| Tuberous Sclerosis | : | Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a rare genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain or other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. It commonly affect the central nervous system. In addition to the benign tumors that frequently occur in TSC, other common symptoms include seizures, mental retardation, behavior problems, and skin abnormalities. TSC may be present at birth, but signs of the disorder may be subtle and full signs may take time to develop. | ||
| Urethral Reflux | : | Urethral reflux (also known as reflux nephropathy) is a condition in which the kidneys by the backward flow of urine into the kidney. | ||
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| Vasculitis | : | Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the body. In vasculitis, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own blood vessels, causing them to become inflamed. Inflammation can damage the blood vessels and lead to a number of serious complications. | ||
| Ventricular Tachycardia | : | Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart beat initiated within the ventricles, characterized by three or more consecutive premature ventricular beats. Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially lethal disruption of normal heart beat (arrhythmia) that may cause the heart to become unable to pump adequate blood through the body. The heart rate may be 160-240 (normal is 60-100 beats per minute). | ||
| Vitamin B12 Deficiency | : | B12 deficiency anemia is a drop in the number of red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for normal nervous system function and blood cell production. The main sources of vitamin B12 include meat, eggs, and dairy products. | ||
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| Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia | : | Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is a rare type of slow-growing, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system). | ||
| Wegener's Granulomatosis | : | Wegener's granulomatosis is an uncommon disease in which the blood vessels are inflamed (vasculitis). This inflammation damages important organs of the body by limiting blood flow to those organs and destroying normal tissue. Although the disease can affect any organ system, Wegener's granulomarosis mainly affects the respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, trachea[windpipe], and lungs) and kidneys.This disorder can affect people of any age and strikes men and women equally. It is rare in African Americans compared with Caucasians. | ||
| West Nile Virus | : | West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues through the fall. It is carried by mosquito's and can be passed from mother-to-child. | ||
| Williams Syndrome | : | Williams Syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by mild to moderate mental retardation or learning difficulties, a distinctive facial appearance, and a unique personality that combines over-friendliness and high levels of empathy with anxiety. The most significant medical problem associated with WS is cardiovascular disease caused by narrowed arteries. WS is also associated with elevated blood calcium levels in infancy. | ||
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