What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis? De Quervain’s tendinosis is a painful swelling (inflammation) of specific tendons of the thumb. The condition is also known as de Quervain tendinitis or de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. DeQuervain’s was named after the Swiss surgeon who first described the condition in 1895. Tendons are bands of …
Read More »Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) – Types, Causes and Treatment
Definition Necrotising fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that consists of rapidly progressing necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous fat that eventually results in necrosis of the overlying skin and muscle. The most rapidly progressing type of necrotising fasciitis is Group A streptococcal infection, also known as flesh-eating bacteria. Necrotising …
Read More »Trichotillomania – Causes, Classification, and Prevention
Definition Trichotillomania (TTM), or hair pulling disorder, is a repetitive behaviour that involves an irresistible urge to repeatedly pull out one’s own hair. Trichotillomania belongs to a group of disorders known as body-focused repetitive disorders, in which individuals compulsively damage their physical appearance. Individuals with trichotillomania may pull out hair …
Read More »Piriformis Syndrome – Types, Complications and Treatment
Definition Piriformis Syndrome is a disorder caused when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. The resulting pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttocks may be mistaken for sciatica, because the pain is along the path of the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle flexes with almost every motion of our …
Read More »Cysticercosis – Transmission, Diagnosis, and Prevention
What is Cysticercosis? Cysticercosis is a parasitic tissue infection caused by larval cysts of the tapeworm Taenia solium. These larval cysts infect brain, muscle, or other tissue, and are a major cause of adult-onset seizures in most low-income countries. A person gets cysticercosis by swallowing eggs found in the feces of …
Read More »Colorado Tick Fever – Causes, Risk, and Treatment
What is Colorado Tick Fever? Colorado tick fever (CTF), also known as Mountain tick fever or American mountain fever, is a viral disease caused by infection with the Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV), a member of the Coltivirus genera. CTF is transmitted to humans most commonly by the bite of …
Read More »Aplastic Anemia – Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Definition Aplastic anemia (AA) can be inherited or acquired. Inherited forms usually present during the first decade of life, but in rare cases may manifest in adulthood. It is a rare blood disorder in which it occurs when a child’s bone marrow produces too few of the three types of …
Read More »NTM Lung Disease or Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease
What is NTM Lung Disease? Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease or NTM Lung Disease is a serious infection caused by bacteria that are common in the environment and can cause lung damage. Nontuberculous mycobacteria, shortened to NTM, are a type of bacteria found in water and soil. They are aerosolized, which means that the bacteria …
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