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 …
Read More »Sacroiliitis – Epidemiology, Types, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Sacroiliitis is a condition in which the sacroiliac (SI) joint – the large joint located between the sacrum (the tailbone) and the ilium (the pelvis) becomes inflamed or disrupted, and causes pain. There are two sacroiliac joints, one on the right side and one on the left, and they …
Read More »Hantavirus Infection – Transmission, Risk factors, and Prevention
What is Hantavirus Infection? Hantavirus infection is a viral disease that is spread from rodents to people. The virus can cause severe infections of the lungs (with cough and shortness of breath) or kidneys (with abdominal pain, and sometimes kidney failure). Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by …
Read More »Aphakia – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
What is called Aphakia? Aphakia is a condition in which you’re missing the lens of one or both of your eyes. You can be born that way or lose the lens due to an injury. Or your doctor might remove it during an operation for cataracts. When you have aphakia, …
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