What is nature vs. nurture (definitions)? Nature vs. nurture affects our mental and physical health. In the context of the nature vs. nurture debate, “nature” refers to biological/genetic predispositions’ impact on human traits, and nurture describes the influence of learning and other influences from one’s environment. The debate over whether the strengths and weaknesses of …

Orthostatic hypotension definition and facts What Is Low Blood Pressure? The autonomic nervous system makes changes in blood pressure and heart rate to allow the body to provide adequate blood supply to the brain when the body changes position. Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and syncope or passing out. Dehydration, blood loss, and anemia are the …

Uterine cancer facts* Uterine cancer is the abnormal growth of any cells that make up tissue of the uterus. *Uterine cancer facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD The uterus is a hollow organ in females located in the pelvis, commonly called the womb. The uterus functions to support fetal development until birth. The uterus is shaped like an …

What is a cold? What is a sinus infection (sinusitis)? Share Your Story Signs and symptoms of a sinus infection often mimic those of a cold. A cold is a common viral infection of the nose and throat that causes inflammation, runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. Some people also develop a fever. Cold symptoms typically last about 7-11 …

Rheumatic fever (acute rheumatic fever or ARF) facts Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that sometimes occurs after strep throat. Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that may develop after a strep throat infection, especially in children ages 5-15, although older teens and adults may develop the disease. The revised Jones criteria help physicians make the clinical diagnosis of rheumatic …

What is Moyamoya disease? What does it mean? Share Your Story Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disease that causes stenosis or a blockage to one or both of the primary blood vessels (internal carotid arteries) that supply the brain as they enter the skull. Moyamoya disease was first noted in Japan in 1957 and it is seen mainly …

What is a lumbar puncture (LP)? A lumbar puncture or spinal tap procedure provides lifesaving information in disease diagnosis. A lumbar puncture (LP) is the insertion of a needle into the spinal canal to collect and examine the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebral spinal fluid). It is termed a "lumbar puncture" because the needle is placed …

What are anticholinergic and antispasmodic drugs? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Anticholinergic and antispasmodic drugs include a broad class of medications that are used to treat various medical conditions that involve contraction and relaxation of muscles. Examples of these conditions include overactive bladder, muscle spasms, breathing problems, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps, movement disorders, and others. Anticholinergics work by blocking …

Trichinosis worm infection definition and facts Trichnosis worm parasite. Trichinosis is caused by eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game infected with the larvae of a parasitic worm. The contaminated meat is infected with the larvae of a worm called Trichinella spiralis. The initial symptoms of trichinosis are: Abdominal discomfort Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Fatigue Fever The severity of symptoms …

Torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) definition and facts Symptoms of an ACL tear include hearing a loud pop followed by intense pain. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four ligaments in the knee that provides stabilization for the knee joint. Torn ACLs are a common knee injury. An ACL tear or sprain occurs with a sudden change in …