Essay And Medical Diseases

Microcephaly (my-kroh-SEF-uh-lee) is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex. Sometimes detected at birth, microcephaly usually is the result of the brain developing abnormally in the womb or not growing as it should after birth. Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Children with microcephaly often have developmental issues. Generally there's no treatment for microcephaly, but early intervention with supportive therapies, such as speech and occupational therapies, may help enhance your child's development and improve quality of life. The primary sign of microcephaly is: A head size significantly smaller than that of other children of the same age and sex Head size is measured as the distance around the top of the child's head (circumference). Using standardized growth charts, the measurement is compared with other chil...

Morgellons is a controversial and poorly understood condition in which unusual thread-like fibers appear under the skin. The patient may feel like something is crawling, biting, or stinging all over. Some medical experts say Morgellons is a physical illness. Others suggest it is a type of psychosis called "delusional parasitosis," in which a person thinks parasites have infected their skin. Your doctor may call it an "unexplained dermopathy," which means a skin condition that occurs without a known reason. Other medical professionals have dubbed the condition "fiber disease." Symptoms of Morgellons Unpleasant skin sensations are the main complaint. People with Morgellons may also complain of: Feeling like bugs are crawling all over the skin. Burning or stinging sensations under the skin. Intense itching. Skin sores that appear suddenly and heal slowly. Sores that leave very red (hyperpigmented) scars. Some patients report thread-lik...

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a disorder characterized by the perception of loud noises (e.g. a bomb explosion, gunshot or cymbal crash) when going to sleep or awakening. Contrary to the name, ENS is not associated with pain. However the noise attacks can elicit a great deal of fear, confusion and distress in sufferers. Reports of tachycardia and palpitations are also common. Despite the distressing nature of EHS, relatively little is known about the prevalence and underlying cause of the condition. Some scientists have estimated that EHS may affect 10% of the population. Females tend to be more at risk than males and the average age of onset is 50 years old. There are various theories as to what might cause EHS. For instance, some scientists have speculated that EHS may be associated with minor temporal lobe seizures. Another theory is that EHS is caused by sudden shifts of middle ear components. Other possible causes include stress/anxiety, impairments in calcium si...

Walking Corpse Syndrome or Cotard's Syndrome  is an uncommon neuropsychiatric disorder in which patients experience delusions or false beliefs that they are dead, do not exist, are putrefying or have lost their vital organs. In some cases, they can even smell the rotting flesh. The condition can simply be described as " existence denial ". It is sometimes accompanied by symptoms of guilt, anxiety and negativity. Paradoxically, some patients may have delusions of immortality. Walking Corpse Syndrome / Cotard's Syndrome  was first described by Jules Cotard way back in 1880 as ‘ délire des negations’  or negative deliriums.  Studies indicate that the disease is more prevalent in older patients with depression. It is also more likely to occur in patients with disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, brain injury, brain atrophy, seizure disorders, depression, brain tumors, stroke, migraine and in patients with delirious states. Women may be more commonly aff...

Aboulomania is a mental disorder is which the patient suffers from mental derangement by weakened willpower or pathological indecisiveness. Aboulomania is typically associated with anxiety,  stress , depression and mental anguish. It can severely affect one's ability to function socially. In extreme cases, this can lead to suicide. Although the exact cause of aboulomania is not known, it most likely involves both biological and developmental factors. Some researchers believe an authoritarian or overprotective parenting style can lead to the development of aboulomania in people who are susceptible to the disorder.  It is commonly thought that aboulomania is a result of overinvolvement and intrusive behavior by their primary caretakers. Caretakers may foster dependence in the child to meet their own dependency needs, and may reward extreme loyalty but reject attempts the child makes towards independence. Families of those with aboulomania are often do not express their emotion...

Alien hand syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which one hand functions involuntarily, with the victim completely unaware of its action. While the example above may be extreme, people who suffer from AHS have exhibited similar symptoms in certain cases. Less horrifying symptoms include involuntary reaching and grasping, touching the face or tearing at clothing. More extreme cases have involved involuntarily stuffing food in the mouth, preventing the normal hand from completing simple tasks and self inflicted punching or choking. While it's viewed as more of a nuisance than a medical threat, its sufferers often experience psychological problems and embarrassment and are occasionally put in harm's way as result of the renegade limb's actions [source:  Turkington ]. AHS differs from other conditions of involuntary limb movement in that the actions of the affected limb have purpose and are goal-oriented. The affected hand will pick up an object and attempt t...