What is taeniasis? Taeniasis in humans refers to parasitic tapeworm infection caused by the Taenia species of worms. There are more than 30 species of Taenia tapeworms, but the two most important species causing tapeworm infections in humans are the beef tapeworm (T. saginata) and pork tapeworm (T. solium). Fish tapeworm >> Read More ...
What is wrist arthritis? Wrist arthritis is a condition where multiple joints that are collectively known as the wrist becomes inflamed. This leads to pain, stiffness and swelling of the wrist. It is one of the most commonly affected sites with regards to arthritis. The term arthritis literally means joint inflammation >> Read More ...
What is an insulinoma? An insulinoma is a rare tumor of the pancreas leading to an excess of insulin. The pancreas makes several enzymes and hormones, including the hormone insulin. In case of an insulinoma, the pancreas makes too much of insulin which can upset the normal metabolism. Insulin controls blood sugar (glucose) >> Read More ...
What is achondroplasia? Achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder, is the most common cause of dwarfism. Achondroplasia means ‘absence of cartilage formation’. However, the defect in achondroplasia is not in the formation of the cartilage but is in the conversion of cartilage to bone (particularly the long bones). >> Read More ...
What is Pick disease? Pick disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia or memory loss in patients. In a neurodegenerative disease, nerve cells (neurons) in the brain die and this results in irreversible damage. Pick disease results in aphasia (impaired ability to speak) and behavioral changes. This >> Read More ...
What is foreign body aspiration? Foreign body aspiration is a medical emergency that arises when an object enters the airways. Depending on the size of the object, either a solid or semi-solid, it may obstruct the airways. A significant or complete obstruction can be life-threatening within minutes. Smaller objects may >> Read More ...
What is calciphylaxis? Calciphylaxis is a condition where there is abnormal deposition of calcium in the body primarily affecting certain small blood vessels and leading to skin damage. It is also referred to as vascular calcification as the blood vessel becomes hardened due to the calcium deposition. The main blood >> Read More ...
What is shoulder arthritis? Shoulder arthritis is a condition where the joints of the shoulder are inflamed and/or eroded. The term ‘shoulder arthritis’ is broad since it does not clearly indicate which of the two shoulder joints are affected or what type of arthritis afflicts the joint. It is often incorrectly >> Read More ...
What are blood vessels? Blood vessels are the specially designed tubes that carry blood throughout the body. The vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the different areas of the body are known as arteries (singular ~ artery) while those vessels that carry oxygen-deficient blood back to the heart are known >> Read More ...
What is pelvic organ prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the condition characterized by an abnormal descent of female pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, the small bowel and large bowel), due to which vagina and/or uterus protrude. A prolapse or slipping out of these organs from their normal anatomical position >> Read More ...