General

A tangle of blood vessels that leads to an irregular connection between the brain’s veins and arteries is called a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM). In normal circumstances, the arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain, and the veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the lungs and heart. When this condition occurs, the […]

A group of nerves that send signals between the spinal cord and the shoulder, arm, and hand is called the brachial plexus. Injury to these nerves usually occurs when the nerves are stretched, squeezed together, or ripped apart from the spinal cord (the most severe case). Mild brachial plexus injuries (also known as stingers or […]

This is a rare but very serious health condition that occurs due to a toxin that damages the body’s nerves. It is called botulism, and sometimes it may cause life-threatening symptoms. One of the bacteria that produces this toxin is called Clostridium botulinum. Some people may experience this condition due to a wound or food […]

A mental disorder that causes continuous thoughts about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance is called body dysmorphic disorder. A flaw is a body part that is usually a minor problem or cannot be seen by others. People with this condition typically feel ashamed, embarrassed, and anxious. Moreover, they try to […]

A type of anxiety disorders that cause fear and avoidance of places or situations that cause panic or feelings of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed is called agoraphobia. People with this anxiety disorder usually experience fear due to an actual or upcoming event or situation. For example, some people experience fear when using public transport, […]

Small and dark areas on the skin are called age spots (also known as liver spots). These spots usually vary in size and mostly appear in areas that are continuously exposed to the sun. For example, the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Sometimes, age spots are called sunspots or solar lentigines. These spots are very […]

A condition that causes excessive reactions to stress is called adjustment disorder. It involves strong emotions, negative thoughts, and behavioral changes. In other words, a stressful situation causes much more intense reactions than expected. Therefore, it causes multiple problems in getting along with others at work or school. In general, stress can be caused by […]

A mental health condition that includes multiple persistent problems (such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior) is called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When this mental disorder occurs in adults, it may cause relationship problems, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems. Commonly, ADHD begins during childhood and continues into adulthood. In […]

A lung swelling caused by a fluid buildup in the small air sacs (also known as alveoli) is called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Moreover, lung swelling damages the protective layer of the alveoli. Thereafter, fluid begins to leak into these tiny air sacs, which prevents the lungs from getting enough air. As a result, […]

A condition in which the kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste from the blood is called acute kidney injury. In people with this condition, harmful substances in the blood begin to build up, which makes the blood’s chemical makeup get out of balance. Sometimes, this condition is called acute kidney failure. It often happens […]