Seasonal affective disorder facts Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a kind of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the hours of daylight grow shorter during the fall and winter months, but it may occur during the summer for some individuals. The incidence of seasonal affective disorder increases in people who are living farther …

Lactose intolerance definition and facts Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, the main sugar in milk, which gives rise to gastrointestinal symptoms. Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the intestinal enzyme lactase that splits lactose into two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose, and allows lactose to be absorbed from the intestine. Virtually all individuals are born …

Why should travelers see a physician before they leave on a trip? Share Your Story Travelers should see a physician before leaving for a trip if they are going to developing countries, they are visiting sites that are not on the usual tourist routes or traveling to high altitudes, they have chronic diseases that could be affected by travel, they …

Pycnodysostosis facts Pycnodysostosis is an inherited disorder of the bone. Pycnodysostosis causes short stature. Pycnodysostosis causes abnormally dense brittle bones. Pycnodysostosis causes the "soft spot" of a baby’s skull to stay widely open. Pycnodysostosis is due to a defect in an enzyme: cathepsin K. Growth hormone treatment may increase growth in pycnodysostosis. What is pycnodysostosis? Share Your Story Pycnodysostosis is …

Shigellosis facts* *Shigellosis facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. There are four species of Shigella: Shigella sonnei (the most common species in the U.S.) Shigella flexneri Shigella boydii Shigella dysenteriae The transmission of most Shigella infections is caused by the bacterium passing from stools or soiled …

What is sun protection? Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the …

Williams syndrome definition and facts* Share Your Story A Picture of Williams Syndrome *Williams syndrome definition and facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Williams syndrome is a disorder in development that usually results in learning problems, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and phobias but affected individuals have outgoing personalities. Sings and symptoms of Williams syndrome include distinct facial features …

What is a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV)? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) is an electrical test that is used to determine the adequacy of the conduction of the nerve impulse as it courses down a nerve. This test is used to detect signs of nerve injury. In this test, the nerve is …

Loeys-Dietz syndrome facts Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a recently-described connective tissue disorder that predisposes to the development of aortic aneurysms and other connective tissue defects. Loeys-Dietz syndrome is known to be a result of mutations in the TGF-beta-receptor I (TGFBR1) or II (TGFBR2) genes and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Genetic testing is performed to identify the mutation and …

What is Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome? Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by a triad of findings: Port-wine stain or "birthmark" (capillary malformations in the skin) Soft tissue and bony hypertrophy (excessive growth of the soft tissue and/or bones) most often involving a single limb. Vascular anomalies such as varicose veins. What is a …