Overview Geographic tongue is a benign condition characterized by inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) that appears in a map-like (geographic) pattern. The normal tongue is covered by a layer of small bumps known as papillae. In affected individuals, certain areas of the tongue are missing these bumps. These affected areas …
Read More »Serotonin Syndrome – Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment
Definition Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening, medication-induced condition that occurs in individuals who are receiving serotonergic agents. These medications cause increased serotonergic activity in the peripheral and central nervous systems, which results in high levels of serotonin accumulating in the body. Serotonin is a chemical needed for your nerve …
Read More »Septic Arthritis – Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Septic arthritis is also commonly referred to as bacterial or infectious arthritis. It is an intensely painful infection in a joint. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi may invade the joint through various routes that cause inflammation of the synovial membrane. With the onset of inflammation, cytokines and proteases are released, …
Read More »Shin Splints – Causes, Complications and Prevention
Definition Shin splints is the common term for medial tibial stress syndrome. It refers to pain felt anywhere along the shinbone from knee to ankle. People who play sports that involve a lot of running are particularly prone to this injury. One of the most common reasons for this pain …
Read More »Kleptomania – Prevalence, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Kleptomania is a complex impulse control disorder. It is an inability to resist the urge of stealing. It is characterized by problems with emotional or behavioral self-control. People with impulse control disorder have difficulty in resisting the temptation to steal things which are generally not required or have a …
Read More »Hearing Loss – Degrees, Risk Factors and Prevention
Definition Hearing loss, or hearing impairment, is the partial or total inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can range from mild to profound and can be caused by factors such as age, exposure to loud noises, genetic conditions, illnesses and infections, ototoxic medications, or trauma. It …
Read More »Patellar Tendinitis – Types, Complications and Treatment
Definition Patellar tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon that attaches the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin bone). The most common tendinitis about the knee is irritation of the patellar tendon. Commonly called “jumper’s knee”. This condition is commonly seen in people who play basketball, volleyball, distance running, long-jumping, …
Read More »Levator Ani Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies
Definition Levator ani syndrome is a condition affecting the pelvic floor and causing pain in the rectal and perineal areas. If you think of the pelvis as a bowl, the pelvic floor is the “bottom of the bowl”, where a sling of muscles helps to elevate and provide a muscular …
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