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Introduction Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. The start of delirium is usually rapid — within hours or a few days. Delirium can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or …

Definition Dermoid cyst is a sac-like growth located on or in the skin. It contains fluid or semisolid material. Dermoid cysts occur during fetal development and are typically present at, or shortly after, birth. A dermoid cyst is benign, meaning it is not cancerous. The cyst occurs when layers of …

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. Dyslexia is not a result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may be made worse by these conditions. It is also …

Definition Diverticulitis is small outpouchings in your large bowel are very common in patients over age 50, a condition known as diverticulosis. This usually causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis occurs when one of those pouches becomes inflamed and/or infected. This most commonly involves a lower part of your bowel called the …

Definition Dermatomyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness.  Dermatomyositis’ cardinal symptom is a skin rash that precedes, accompanies, or follows progressive muscle weakness.  The rash looks patchy, with purple or red discolorations, …

Definition Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe and life-threatening complication of diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the cells in our body do not receive the sugar (glucose) they need for energy. This happens while there is plenty of glucose in the bloodstream, but not enough insulin to help convert glucose …

What is dissociative amnesia? Dissociative amnesia is one of several dissociative disorders that mentally separate a person from some aspect of their self, often following trauma or severe stress. In the case of dissociative amnesia, individuals are separated from their memories, suffering abnormal memory loss in ways that significantly disrupt …

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 – Description Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. It is a chronic problem in which blood glucose (sugar) can no longer be regulated. There are two reasons for this. First, the cells of the body become resistant to insulin (insulin resistant). …