Definition Catatonia is a syndrome characterized by psychomotor abnormalities, often presenting as a state of apparent unresponsiveness to external stimuli or inability to move normally in a person who is awake. Classically associated with schizophrenia, but may also present in bipolar, PTSD, autism, encephalitis, and other neurologic disorders. If left …
Read More »Cyanosis – Types, Pathophysiology, Symptoms and Causes
Definition Cyanosis is the medical term for a bluish color of the skin and the mucous membranes due to an insufficient level of oxygen in the blood. For example, the lips and fingernails may show cyanosis. Cyanosis can be evident at birth due to the presence of a heart malformation …
Read More »Heart Murmur – Prevalence, Complications, and Treatment
Definition Heart murmur is an extra or abnormal sound that is heard during cardiac auscultation (when your healthcare provider listens to your heart with a stethoscope). A murmur doesn’t cause noticeable effects on its own. Certain heart murmurs are completely harmless and are not associated with any health problems at …
Read More »Lymphangitis – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.
What is Lymphangitis? Lymphangitis is an infection or inflammation of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system. It is designed to collect fluids from cells and tissues in the body and help them re-enter the bloodstream. The organs within the lymphatic system, such …
Read More »Coma – Description, Types, Complications, and Prognosis
Description Coma, sometimes also called a persistent vegetative state, is a profound or deep state of unconsciousness. A persistent vegetative state is not brain death. An individual in a state of coma is alive but unable to move or respond to his or her environment. Coma may occur as a …
Read More »Leukonychia – Description, Complications, and Treatment.
What is leukonychia? Leukonychia also called white nail syndrome, can occur with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia. Leukonychia was first described by Mees in 1919, as an associated finding in arsenic intoxication. Leukonychia or white nail describes the appearance of one or more fingernails and/or toenails that …
Read More »Reactive Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention.
Overview Reactive arthritis is a condition that causes redness and swelling (inflammation) in various joints in the body, especially the knees, feet, toes, hips and ankles. It usually develops after you’ve had an infection, particularly a sexually transmitted infection or food poisoning. In most cases, it clears up within a …
Read More »Dactylitis – Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What Is Dactylitis Psoriatic Arthritis? Dactylitis is the clinical name for when your fingers and toes are swollen, tender, warm, and inflamed due to a psoriatic arthritis (PsA) flare-up or an associated condition. The name comes from the Greek word for finger (“dactylos”). With dactylitis, your fingers can become so …
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