Overview Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic condition that damages the membrane (myelin sheath) that covers nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin acts as insulation around the nerve fibers. When this insolating layer is damaged, nerve signals from the brain cannot communicate across the body properly, causing impaired …
Read More »Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) – Types, Causes and Diagnosis
Overview Cold agglutinin disease is a form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by cold-reacting autoantibodies (a type of protein produced by the immune system). Primary cold agglutinin disease is usually associated with monoclonal (produced from a single ancestral cell by repeated cellular replication) cold-reacting autoantibodies. Primary cold agglutinin disease is chronic …
Read More »Neurocutaneous Syndromes – Symptoms and Causes
What are Neurocutaneous Syndromes? Neurocutaneous syndromes is the term used for a group of rare neurological disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, bones and peripheral nerve. Present at birth (congenital), these disorders are chronic, lifelong conditions. Each disorder has different symptoms, and can include tumors, hearing loss, …
Read More »Tendinopathy – Stages, Pathophysiology, and Treatment
Overview Tendinopathy is the broad term for any tendon condition that causes pain and swelling. Your tendons are rope-like tissues in your body that attach muscle to bone. When your muscles tighten and relax, your tendons and bones move. One example of a tendon is your Achilles tendon, which attaches your calf muscle to …
Read More »Vocal Cord Nodules – Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
What are Vocal Cord Nodules? Vocal cord nodules (referred to as “vocal fold” nodules by physicians) are growths that form on the vocal cords. These bumps are benign (non-cancerous) and are similar to calluses that can form on the hands. Nodules affect girls and boys of any age, and are …
Read More »Wells Syndrome or Eosinophilic Cellulitis – Overview and Causes
Definition Wells syndrome or Eosinophilic cellulitis is an acute, rare dermatosis of unknown etiology. Eosinophilic cellulitis is reported infrequently in children and is manifested by eosinophil infiltration in the dermis. Eosinophilic cellulitis presents with sudden onset of single or multiple mildly painful or pruritic, erythematous plaques. The lesions are usually …
Read More »Childhood Obesity – Risk Factors, Complications, and Prevention
Overview Childhood obesity is a complex disease that can occur when your child is above a healthy weight for their age and height. The medical definition of childhood obesity is having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s …
Read More »Livedo Reticularis – Types, Symptoms, and Complications
Definition Livedo reticularis (LR) is a common vascular reaction pattern characterized by a reticular (net-like) discoloration on the extremities and trunk. It is caused by decreased blood flow to the skin or impaired outflow in the dermal venous plexus and stagnation of the blood within these vessels. The darker, discolored …
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