Hepatitis C infection is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Infection with hepatitis C may damage the liver leading to chronic infection. How is the infection contracted? Hepatitis C infection is acquired by blood borne methods. Persons with the infection carry the virus in their blood and body fluids. Exchange of these body fluids with a healthy […]
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Adenosine is a nucleoside that occurs naturally in all cells of the body. Chemically it is 6-amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9-H-purine. Structure and blood levels Adenosine is made up of adenine attached to a ribose sugar molecule (ribofuranose) moiety. The bond that attaches the adenine and the ribose sugar is called a β-N9-glycosidic bond. The usual plasma adenosine level is between 0.04 and 0.2 […]
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Those with a gallbladder disease usually manifest with abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. These symptoms may be features of other ailments as well and are common with liver disease. A detailed evaluation is needed to rule out liver disease and other gallbladder pathologies like gallstones and gall bladder inflammation or cholecystitis. In most cases gall bladder cancer […]
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There is currently no cure available for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Management of this condition is primarily focused on continued monitoring and assessment of the disease for further problems or complications that can be treated if they develop. Routine monitoring and assessment of the condition Most children with NF1 are given a detailed examination every year. This examination includes: A […]
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Facial palsy or paralysis arises as a result of injury to the seventh cranial nerve, which is called the facial nerve. This nerve has its origins in the pons and winds its way through the skull, before exiting through the stylomastoid foramen on the temporal bone. Cranial nerve VII 7, with facial canal Highlighting. Credits: Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; […]
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Ataxia has no cure. There are no medications that can specifically treat and cure the symptoms of ataxias. However, medications may ease the symptoms by treating the underlying condition that causes the ataxia. The aim of treatment of ataxia is to improve the quality of life though patient education and provision of aids and devices to maintain self sufficiency and […]
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Ancient references to Parkinson’s Parkinson's disease has been known to mankind since ancient times. It is referred to in the ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda under the name Kampavata (where “kampa” means tremor in Sanskrit). In Western medicine it was described by the physician Galen as "shaking palsy" in AD 175. Ancient Chinese sources also provide descriptions that suggest […]
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Initial diagnosis of onychomycosis is usually done by inspection of the affected area and questioning about the history of the symptoms. Discussing family history of the condition may be warranted, as there is a possible hereditary link. Laboratory tests are often needed to confirm diagnosis, as some differences cannot be confirmed upon visual inspection. When performing the diagnosis of a […]
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the commonest lung problems affecting middle aged smokers. The management aims include:- identification and staging of patients with COPD with the help of spirometry drawing up a care plan following up patients regularly after diagnosis – at least twice yearly treating co-existing diseases that commonly occur in patients with COPD slow and […]
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Barth syndrome is a rare, genetic disorder that affects males. The condition is caused by mutations in the tafazzin gene, which codes for an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cardiolipin, an important lipid component of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The condition affects energy production in the mitochondria and leads to complications such as cardiomyopathy, muscle weakness and neutropenia. Symptoms […]
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