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What is Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney? Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a condition in which one or both of a baby’s kidneys do not develop normally while the baby is growing in the womb. Fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, replace normal kidney tissue and prevent the affected kidney from working. When only …

What is Micrognathia? Micrognathia is a condition where the jaw is undersized. It is also sometimes called “mandibular hypoplasia”. This condition is common during infancy. It however is usually self-correcting during growth with a gradual increase in the size of the mandible to normal size. Since the jaw size discrepancy …

Definition Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Having just one of these conditions doesn’t …

What is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal disease is any type of infection that’s caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, which is also called meningococcus. The bacteria can infect the meninges and the blood. These infections can be serious, even fatal. They’re called meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The word “meninges” means the …

What is Meralgia Paresthetica? Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes numbness, pain, or a burning feeling in your outer thigh. You might also hear it called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome. It happens when there’s too much pressure on or damage to one of the nerves in your leg, specifically the lateral …

Definition Myalgia is the fancy term for the muscle pains we are so familiar with when overexerting ourselves.  Some myalgia can be severe, and this can lead to the need for more in-depth treatment than merely resting a muscle.  Some myalgia is chronic, doesn’t have a well-defined cause, and seems …

What is melioidosis? Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is an uncommon bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The disease affects humans and animals. Individuals acquire the bacteria through direct contact with contaminated soil and surface waters. Transmission The bacterium that causes melioidosis usually enters the body via cuts and sores …

What is muscular dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of more than 30 inherited (genetic) diseases that cause muscle weakness. These conditions are a type of myopathy, a disease of the skeletal muscles. Over time, muscles shrink and become weaker, affecting your ability to walk and perform daily activities …