What is Tourette syndrome? Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. The disorder is named for Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the pioneering French neurologist who in 1885 first described the condition in an 86-year-old French noblewoman. The early symptoms of Tourette syndrome are …

Hydrocephalus facts *Hydrocephalus facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Hydrocephalus may be congenital or acquired. Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can still flow among the ventricles. Noncommunicating hydrocephalus, also called “obstructive” hydrocephalus, occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked. Hydrocephalus affects about 1 …

Penile Prosthesis Introduction A penile prosthesis is another treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). These devices are either malleable or inflatable. The simplest type of prosthesis consists of a pair of malleable (bendable) rods surgically implanted within the erection chambers of the penis. With this type of implant the penis is always semi-rigid and merely needs to be …

What Is an LVAD? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story The left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump that is implanted inside a person’s chest to help a weakened heart ventricle pump blood throughout the body. Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD doesn’t replace the heart. It just helps it do its job. This can mean …

Sporotrichosis facts* *Sporotrichosis facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Sporotrichosis (also termed rose gardener’s or rose handler’s disease) is an infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, found throughout the world; it is usually associated with minor skin cuts and scrapes that occur when handling vegetation (moss, hay, wood, sharp-stemmed plants like rosebushes). The first symptom of sporotrichosis …

What is the urinary tract? The urinary tract is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Blood flows through the kidneys, and the kidneys filter out wastes and extra water, making urine. The urine travels down two narrow tubes called the ureters. The urine …

Noonan syndrome facts* *Noonan syndrome facts medical author: Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder that may cause short stature, distinctive facial features and heart abnormalities. Aside from face and heart abnormalities, there may be associated bleeding abnormalities, scoliosis, infertility in males, lymphedema, and intellectual disability. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant disease, meaning that …

What is a hepatic hemangioma? Hepatic hemangiomas are thought to be present in as many as 7% of healthy people. Hemangiomas are four to six times more common in women than in men. Female hormones may promote the formation and growth of hemangiomas. Hemangiomas, although referred to as tumors, are not malignant and do not become cancerous. Hemangiomas are not …

Hodgkin’s lymphoma facts* Readers Comments 27 Share Your Story *Hodgkin's lymphoma facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). The most common symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. Some of those affected have other symptoms like fever, …

Newborn jaundice and kernicterus facts Jaundice in newborns is yellowing of the skin due to excessive bilirubin. Kernicterus is a type of brain damage due to excessive bilirubin in the blood. Signs and symptoms of jaundice include skin yellowing of the face, then chest, abdomen and extremities; the whites of the eyes may become yellowish. Contact your baby’s doctor if …