Bacterial meningitis: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
What is meningitis? Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Meningitis can be acute, with a quick onset of symptoms, it can be chronic, lasting a month or more, or it can be mild or aseptic. Anyone experiencing […]
What Is An Abortion?
Comprehensive Guide About Pregnancy Termination: Knowing Abortion: What is Abortion? A series of medical procedures used to end a pregnancy. It involves removing the fetus or embryo from the uterus before it can survive independently. Many people seek abortion for various reasons, and the method used depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed and […]
What is a Pap test?
What is a Pap test? A Pap test, also called a “Pap smear,” is often part of a pelvic exam. The word “Pap” is short for Papanicolaou, which is the last name of the doctor who studied changes in cervical cells. A Pap test is usually done at age 21 unless you have special risks […]
What Is Placental abruption? Risks, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Overview The placenta is your baby’s support system in the womb. If your placenta doesn’t work properly, your baby is at risk of health problems. Placental abruption is when your placenta comes away from the wall of your womb. The placenta processes your baby’s nutrients, waste and oxygen by bridging your baby’s blood circulation with […]
What Is Ablepharon-Macrostomia Syndrome?
Ablepharon-Macrostomia Syndrome (AMS) – What is it? An Uncommon Hereditary Disorder Involving the Formation of the Skull Face and Limbs Ablepharon-Macrostomia Syndrome (AMS) is an uncommon developmental disorder that primarily involves the craniofacial (head and face) region, skin, fingers, and genitals. It is a birth disorder as well, but is also accompanied by limited language development and, in […]
What is child abuse?
What is child abuse? Child abuse is any action by another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to a child. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care and attention. We know that neglect, whatever form it takes, can be […]
What Is Amniotic Band Syndrome?
Overview Amniotic Band Syndrome occurs when the unborn baby (fetus) becomes entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb, restricting blood flow and affecting the baby’s development. Amniotic Band Syndrome can cause a number of different birth defects depending on which body part(s) is affected. If a band wraps tightly around a limb, the limb […]
What Is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome?
What Is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome? Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a disease in which tumors cause the stomach to produce too much acid, resulting in peptic ulcers. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea. The syndrome is caused by a gastrinoma, a neuroendocrine tumor that secretes a hormone called gastrin. The tumor causes excessive production of gastric acid, which leads to the growth of gastric mucosa and proliferation of parietal and ECL cells. […]
What Is Agnosia?
Overview Agnosia is characterized by an inability to recognize and identify objects and/or persons. Symptoms may vary, according to the area of the brain that is affected. It can be limited to one sensory modality such as vision or hearing; for example, a person may have difficulty in recognizing an object as a cup or […]
What Are Aging, Sexuality And Physical Changes?
Aging, Sexuality and Physical Changes Many people want and need to be close to others as they grow older. For some, this includes the desire to continue an active, satisfying sex life. With aging, that may mean adapting sexual activity to accommodate physical, health, and other changes. There are many different ways to have sex […]
What Is Aggressive Mastocytosis?
Aggressive Mastocytosis Mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal accumulations of mast cells in the skin, bone marrow, and internal organs (liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and lymph nodes). Cases beginning during adulthood tend to be chronic and involve the bone marrow in addition to the skin, whereas, during childhood, the condition is often marked […]
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that causes the gradual loss of sight due to blurring or loss of central vision. This is often as a result of a deterioration of the macula, a yellow pigmented structure at the back of the eye that is responsible for our detailed colour vision. […]