Overview Aseptic meningitis is an illness characterized by serous inflammation of the linings of the brain (i.e., meninges), usually with an accompanying mononuclear pleocytosis. Clinical manifestations vary, with headache and fever predominating. The illness is usually mild and runs its course without treatment; however, some cases can be severe and …
Read More »Claudication – Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Definition Claudication is the crampy pain in patient’s legs with peripheral arterial disease. It often develops after walking a certain distance. The pain usually resolves with rest and is predictable. Patients tend to have this pain after walking a certain distance and they adjust their lives accordingly. The pain can …
Read More »Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) – Complications, Risk factors, and Treatment
Definition Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t work well. The flaps of the valve are “floppy” and may not close tightly. These flaps normally help seal or open the valve. Much of the time, MVP doesn’t cause any problems. Rarely, blood can …
Read More »Flat Feet- Overview, Types, Causes and Treatment
Definition Flat Feet (also known as pes planus) describes a condition in which the longitudinal (lengthwise) and/or medial (crosswise) arches of the foot are dropped down or flat. The entire bottom of the barefoot is in contact with the floor or ground surface during standing, walking, and other weight-bearing activities. …
Read More »Precocious Puberty – Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Definition Precocious puberty is the term for puberty that begins much earlier than usual. Puberty is the process in which a child has a growth spurt and develops the sexual physical features of an adult. In the brain, the hypothalamus releases chemicals (hormones) that cause the pituitary gland to release …
Read More »Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome or Gastrinoma- Causes, and Treatment
Definition Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a rare digestive disorder. If you have ZES, you likely have one or more tumors in the first part of the small intestine, the pancreas, or both. These tumors, called gastrinomas, release the hormone gastrin. This causes the stomach to release too much acid. Stomach …
Read More »Vaginal dryness- Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Vaginal dryness is a common problem experienced by up to one in three women, particularly those who are going through menopause or those who experience early menopause symptoms. The female sex hormone estrogen is responsible for maintaining your natural lubricant. When your estrogen levels decrease you are more likely …
Read More »Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)- Overview, Types, and Treatment
Definition Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disorder of the adrenal glands. If your child has this condition, it means that her adrenal glands don’t produce enough of the vital hormones cortisol and aldosterone. As a result, her body produces too much androgen. When there is not enough cortisol and …
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