Definition Syringomyelia is the disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord. The damage may result in pain, paralysis, weakness and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and extremities. Syringomyelia may also …
Read More »Septic Shock – Description, Risk Factors, and Treatment.
What is Septic Shock? Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection. Any type of bacteria can cause the infection. Fungi such as candida and viruses can also be a cause, although this is rare. At first …
Read More »Stretch Marks – Types, Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment
Definition Stretch marks (striae or striae distensae) is a form of scarring on the skin with a pinkish or whitish hue that appears when your skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Collagen is a protein underneath your skin that makes it more elastic and supports your skin. Your skin tries to …
Read More »Sunburn – Types, Risk Factors, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. You can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but you can’t see or feel UV radiation. It can damage your skin even on cool, cloudy days. Sunburn is a radiation burn to …
Read More »Somatic symptom disorder – Causes, Types and Prevention
Definition Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems functioning. The individual has excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors relating to the physical symptoms. The physical …
Read More »Sebaceous Hyperplasia – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
What is sebaceous hyperplasia? Sebaceous hyperplasia is the term used for enlarged sebaceous glands seen on the forehead or cheeks of the middle-aged and older people. Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small yellow bumps up to 3 mm in diameter. Close inspection reveals a central hair follicle surrounded by yellowish lobules. …
Read More »Substance Use Disorder or Drug Addiction – Symptoms, and Prevention.
Description Substance use disorder (SUD) is complex a condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequence. People with SUD have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where the person’s ability to function in …
Read More »Stomach Cancer – Stages, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Definition Stomach cancer develops when cells in the lining of the stomach grow and divide in an abnormal way. Tumours can begin anywhere in the stomach, although most start in the glandular tissue found on the stomach’s inner surface (mucosa). This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma of the stomach …
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