Delirium is an acute disturbance of mental status and cognition with an acute onset of hours or days. It is often related to dehydration, infection, medications, alcohol withdrawal, dementia, organ failure, severe pain, or the dying process. Overview Symptoms may include: There are three types of delirium: Older adults with a history of dementia who … Read more
Accidents and injuries are the leading causes of death among young men, while suffocation is the most common cause of death among infants. Drowning deaths are most common in toddlers. Additional causes of unintentional injuries include motor vehicle accidents, poisoning, drug overdoses, burns, and falls. Laboratory testing and imaging can evaluate the impact of injuries … Read more
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes mellitus (DM). Its development correlates with the duration of DM and the patient’s adherence to lifestyle modifications and therapeutic modalities to control their serum glucose levels. Chronically high blood glucose levels lead to cellular damage and inflammation. This damage attracts macrophages to the area, … Read more
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common cause of disability in children. It includes a group of brain disorders that affect movement and limit physical abilities. Types of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is divided into several major motor syndromes that are differentiated according to the neurologic structures, pathophysiology, and etiology. Spastic Hemiplegia: Spastic Diplegia: Spastic Quadriplegia: … Read more
Meningitis is a life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord within the skull and vertebral canal. It is most commonly caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria and viruses and less frequently caused by fungi and parasites. Overview Risk factors for meningitis include extremes in age, those who … Read more
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Several diseases cause the condition, but more than half of cases are attributed to liver cirrhosis. The worsening vasodilation brought on by an increase in portal pressure and nitric oxide levels leads to the elevation of vasoconstrictor hormones, renal function decline, and third space shifting … Read more
Colorectal or colon cancer occurs when polyps in the large intestine become malignant. The risk of this type of cancer increases with age, with most cases detected in people older than 50. There is an increasing trend of colorectal cancer in people between 20 to 49 years old due to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, … Read more
Premature or preterm labor is described as early labor occurring before 37 weeks gestation. While preterm labor does not necessarily result in a preterm birth, immediate medical attention is needed to prevent complications. If preterm labor results in preterm delivery, the baby will be born premature and may have serious health problems like underdeveloped lungs, … Read more
Osteoporosis (OP) is a loss of bone density, leading to increased bone brittleness and fragility. The main concern with osteoporosis is the increased risk of fractures since the bones are porous and weak. Osteoporosis may not cause symptoms and patients may be unaware until they experience a fracture, sometimes from a very minor injury. It … Read more
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with the gradual loss of cartilage between joints and the formation of osteophytes or outgrowths at the margins of the joints. This causes pain and can lead to joint damage. The hands, knees, hips, and spine are most … Read more