Description Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by a loss of certain nerve cells in the spinal cord called motor neurons or anterior horn cells. Motor neurons receive the nerve impulses transmitted from the brain to the spinal cord (brainstem) and, in turn, transmit the …
Read More »Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) – Definition, Causes, and Treatment.
Definition Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a form of the genetically inherited disorder that is characterized by abnormalities in the person’s brain functioning. The disorder represents a varied group of related disorders and is commonly inherited as a dominant trait, meaning that people who carry one of the various different gene …
Read More »Splenomegaly – Definition, Causes, and Treatment.
Definition An enlarged spleen, known formally as splenomegaly, is a medical condition in which a person or animal’s spleen increases in size due to some sort of inflammation or other problem. The swelling doesn’t usually cause any immediate symptoms or pain, and as such people aren’t usually aware of what’s …
Read More »Seborrheic Keratosis – Definition, Causes, and Treatment.
Definition A seborrheic keratosis is a growth on the skin. The growth is not cancer (benign). It’s a brown or black raised area. Seborrheic keratoses often appear on a person’s chest, arms, back, or other areas. They’re very common in people older than age 50, but younger adults can get …
Read More »Septic Bursitis – Definition, Causes, and Manifestations.
Definition Septic bursitis (infectious bursitis) is an infection of the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate an area where tissues-including bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, or skin-rub against one another. Common sites of septic bursitis are the tips of the elbows and the kneecaps. People who repeat …
Read More »Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Definition, and Prevention.
Definition Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system attacks various organs or cells of the body, causing damage and dysfunction. Lupus is called a multisystem disease because it can affect many different tissues and organs in the body. Some patients with …
Read More »Skin Abscess : Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention.
Description A skin abscess is a pocket of pus. It is similar to a pimple, but larger and deeper under the skin. It forms when the body tries to protect itself from an infection by creating a wall around it. The pus contains bacteria, white blood cells, and dead skin. …
Read More »Schistosomiasis or Bilharzia – Definition, Causes, and Treatment.
Definition Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. It is a disease of poverty that leads to chronic ill-health. Infection is acquired when people come into contact with fresh water infested with the larval …
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