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What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It leads to rash and flu-like symptoms. Like the better known virus that causes smallpox, it is a member of the family called orthopoxvirus. It was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred …

Definition Munchausen syndrome (also known as factitious disorder imposed on self) is a mental health disorder where you falsify, exaggerate, or induce physical, emotional or cognitive disorders. People with factitious disorders act this way because of an inner need to be seen as ill or injured, not to achieve a …

Definition Mastitis is an infection and inflammation of the breast, usually the fatty tissue of the breast, that causes redness, pain and swelling. As this swelling pushes on the milk ducts, it causes pain. Mastitis is usually caused by an infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are normally …

Definition Moyamoya disease is a disorder of blood vessels in the brain, specifically the internal carotid arteries and the arteries that branch from them. These vessels, which provide oxygen-rich blood to the brain, narrow over time. The narrowing of these vessels reduces blood flow in the brain. In an attempt …

Definition Mirizzi syndrome is a rare condition caused by the compression of the common hepatic duct due to stones located in the cystic duct or the neck of the gallbladder, which causes obstruction of the extrahepatic biliary tract, what is most commonly presented as jaundice and upper abdominal pain. Mirizzi …

Definition Melasma is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. Doctors call this hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip. The dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly …

Definition Milk allergy is one of the more common food allergies and affects many people. It’s a result of an abnormal immune response to the constituent parts of the milk from any animal (the most common allergy response is due to alpha S1-casein, a protein in cow’s milk). Milk-induced allergic …

Definition Myopia, otherwise known as short-sightedness, is a common eye condition that causes objects in the distance to appear blurred while close objects are often seen clearly. It occurs when the eye has too much focusing power, either due to the eye being too long or the cornea being more …