General

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that includes all the nervous system except the brain and spinal cord is called the somatic nervous system. These nerves help move and control muscles. Moreover, it is also responsible for sending signals from the four senses to the brain. These include smell, sound, taste, and touch. Function […]

A mental health problem in which individuals experience fear and anxiety when they are around people in social situations is called social anxiety disorder or social phobia. Commonly, those who develop this condition fear being watched or judged by other people. In most cases, this disorder is treated with talk therapy (also called psychotherapy) and […]

A health condition in which a blood clot is formed in the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is called SMV thrombosis. This vein is located in the abdominal (belly) area and it supplies the intestines with blood. This blood clot may reduce the flow of oxygen-poor blood away from the bowels and cause damage, as well […]

A condition in which a person does not get enough sleep or does not receive quality sleep is called sleep deprivation. While this condition causes mild symptoms in short periods, long-term (chronic) sleep deprivation may lead to severe symptoms that interfere with daily routine. Moreover, individuals who experience this condition for an extended period may […]

A health condition in which the arteries that supply the kidneys with oxygen-rich blood are narrowed is called renal artery stenosis (RAS). Commonly, people develop it due to atherosclerosis. If you suspect you have RAS, immediately contact your doctor. Without treatment, this condition can cause chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure. To treat this […]

A condition in which you physically act out of the dreams unknowingly while you are sleeping is called REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Movements that occur during sleep may cause injuries to the bed partner, especially if you are acting out a violent nightmare. If your partner suspects RBD, you should contact your healthcare professional […]

A condition that causes severe emotional pain due to a failure or feeling rejected is called rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD). Usually, this disorder is linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and healthcare providers suspect it occurs due to some differences in brain structures. It means the brain cannot regulate rejection-related emotions and behaviors, which makes them become […]

A benign (noncancerous) vocal cord disorder that occurs commonly in people with a long-term history of smoking is called Reinke’s edema. The most common symptoms include a deeper voice and hoarseness. While smoking cessation may help mild forms of the condition, most people require surgery to treat it. In other words, this condition causes swelling […]

A genetic disorder that occurs quite rarely and causes problems with breaking down fat is called Refsum disease. When this condition occurs in children, it is more severe and often affects their life expectancy. In most cases, the symptoms of people with Refsum disease are managed with some dietary changes. Generally, this condition is divided […]

Common eye disorders that make your vision blurry are called refractive errors. In most cases, people improve their vision with a pair of glasses or contact lenses only. Normally, the parts of the eyes work together, similar to a relay team, to pass light that enters the eye along a pathway to the brain. First, […]