http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ Virtual Medical Centre - Medical Full Disease List en-us Copyright 2013 Virtual Medical Centre. All Rights Reserved. 6/19/2013 720 http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/achalasia/181 Achalasia is a disorder of the oesophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). The oesophagus is less able to move food toward the stomach and the valve from the oesophagus to the stomach does not relax as much as it needs to during swallowing. This relaxation is needed to allow food to enter the stomach. To the right is a picture of the gastroesophageal junction valve between the stomach and the oesophagus that usually relaxes to allow the passage of food, and then closes so that food cannot reflux back out. As seen in this image (taken with an endoscope - a camera t http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/achondroplasia/343 Achondroplasia is a disorder of bone growth that causes the most common form of dwarfism. It is characterised by a trunk of normal length, short broad limbs, an enlarged skull, small face and flattened nose bridge. Intelligence and reprductive function are unaffected. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acid-reflux-gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gord/174 Acid reflux, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD), is a disease of the lower oesophagus and stomach. Acid reflux involves inflammation and irritation of the lower oesophagus due to the reflux of food and gastric acid. This reflux of gastric contents is spontaneous and involuntary. Below is an endoscopic image showing ulceration of the lower end of the oesophagus caused by the refluxed gastric acid.nbsp; Figure 1: Inflamed oesophagus due to GORD.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acne/860 Acne (also known as pimples) is a common condition of the skin in which pores on the face, neck, chest or back become plugged and the surrounding skin becomes red and inflamed. There are different types of acne, including blackheads and whiteheads (also called comedones). In severe cases, red bumps called pustules or cysts can also develop. Adolescents Many people experience acne during their teenage years due to the changes that occur during puberty. Hormone changes lead to an increase in the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Children Although acne is rare in children, acne an http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acoustic-neuroma/574 Acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma, neurinoma, neuromas) is a benign tumour (non malignant) of the Schwann cells (insulating cells) that surround the vestibulocochlear (XIIth) cranial nerve. The XII nerve sits within the temporal bone in the skull. Acoustic neuroma is responsible for balance and hearing as it relays nerve impulses from the cochlea (the organ of hearing). Below is an MRI scan image of a person who has developed an acoustic neuroma: http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acromegaly/154 Acromegaly is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by the presence of too much growth hormone - GH and IGF-I hypersecretion. Growth hormone is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in response to GHRH secretion from the hypothalamus, and in excess it results in gradual enlargement of body tissues including the bones of the face, jaw, hands, feet, and skull. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acute-interstitial-nephritis/774 Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a disease of the kidney and is an important cause of acute renal failure. The kidneys act as a waste filter of the body, eliminating toxic substances while maintaining the bodys electrolyte balance. Grossly, the kidney consists of several major parts: Glomeruli: this is the microscopic filtering system. Tubules: long tubes that connect each glomerulus and urine channel, much like a drainage system. Interstitium: tissue that surrounds and imbeds the glomeruli so to support whole structure, like the bricks and woods of the kidney. In this d http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia-all/616 Leukaemia is the name for a cancer where there is a malignant proliferation of stem cells within the bone marrow. Leukaemic blast cells suppress the normal formation of blood cells (haematopoiesis) within the bone marrow. This means that there are not enough of the normal red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood (pancytopaenia) of leukaemia patients. It is not known how the leukaemic cells prevent normal haematopoiesis, but the resultant pancytopaenia is responsible for the clinical manifestations of leukaemia. Bone marrow is found inside most of the bones in the body. By adulthood, http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acute-myeloid-leukaemia-aml/439 Acute myeloid leukaemia is a type of leukaemia which arises from the precursors of the myeloid cells which would subsequently, in normal circumstances, evolve into normal white cells. Bone marrow is found inside most of the bones in the body. By adulthood, a large proportion of bone marrow has become relatively inactive. Generally speaking, it is the marrow inside the vertebra, ribs and pelvis, which is responsible for producing the blood cells in adults. In times of crisis or when these areas of bone marrow are damaged, marrow activity may switch on in the other bones. The bone marrow is a http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acute-nephritic-syndrome-acute-glomerulonephritis-acute-nephritis-syndrome/202 Acute nephritic syndrome is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the internal kidney structures (specifically, the glomeruli). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards-acute-alveolar-injury-traumatic-wet-lungs/26 Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a disease of the lungs. The lungs essentially provide the interface between air and blood. The lungs consist of a series of folded membranes (the alveoli), which are located at the ends of very fine branching air passages (bronchioles). Blood which arrives into the lungs from the pulmonary artery gets into smaller and smaller blood vessels until it ends up in the capillaries located within the walls of the alveoli. In this moist environment, oxygen diffuses from within the alveoli into the blood stream, while carbon dioxide moves out of the blood s http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/addison's-disease/283 Addisons disease is a disease of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two small glands located atop each respective kidney, weighing only 8-10 grams together. The adrenal glands are divided into an outer cortex, and an inner medulla. The cortex is divided into three zones (reticulata, fasciculata, glomerulosa) and each produces different types of hormones - glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids. Addisons disease occurs when the adrenal cortex does not produce enough of the three types of hormones - glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/adrenal-gland-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-adrenal-gland-adrenocorticol-carcinoma/587 Adenocarcinoma is a malignant (one that can spread throughout the body) cancer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are paired organs that sit on top of the kidneys in the back of the upper abdomen. The adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenals) is part of the endorcrine system. It secretes hormones to deal with stress (glucocorticoids), hormones to deal with water, salt and blood pressure control (aldosterone) and also some sex hormones. Some cancers of the adrenal gland also produce these hormones, which in excessive amounts cause a distinctive set of symptoms. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/aicardi-syndrome/461 Aicardi syndrome is a rare genetic disordernbsp;that occursnbsp;almost exclusively in girls. It isnbsp;characterised by infantile spasms (jerking in babies less than 1 year of age), absence of the corpus callosum (the part of the brain which sits between the right and left sides of the brain and allows the right side to communicate with the left), mental retardation, and lesions of the retina (light sensitive nerve tissue in the eye that receives images and converts them into signals that go to the brain) or optic nerve (nerve that connects the retina with the brain). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/alcoholism-alcohol-dependence/89 Alcohol dependence is also known as alcoholism; however, health professionals tend not to use this term because of its potential to increase stigma and discrimination of the condition. Alcohol dependency is the most common substance use disorder in Australia. Individuals who are alcohol dependent tend to prioritise drinking alcohol over other activities (including seeing friends and going to work). However, alcohol dependency is not an all or nothing condition. It occurs on a continuum ranging from mild to severe. Individuals with a mild dependence on alcohol may crave an alcoholic drinknbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/allergic-bronchopulmonary-aspergillosis-abpa/771 Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity disease, hence called allergic. This happens in patients with asthma when the bronchi (large windpipe leading to the lungs) is infected with a fungus called Aspergillus. Depending of individuals, there is mounting of an immune response towards these fungi, leading to recurrent symptoms like a typical asthma attack. This is a disease of the airways, ie. the windpipe leading to the lungs. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/allergic-conjunctivitis-red-eye-pink-eye/766 Conjunctivitis is a very common reason for an individual to experience an uncomfortable, red eye. There arenbsp;several causesnbsp;of conjunctivitis, including bacteria, viruses and, importantly, allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva refers to the thin, translucent lining of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelids. There are several different types of allergic conjunctivitis, including: Simple allergic conjunctivitis (SAC); Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC);Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC); andGiant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC).In a http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/allergic-disease-an-introduction/802 Allergies occur when the immune system reacts against harmless substances in the environment. The immune system is extremely complex and so there are many opportunities for things to go wrong. When the immune system begins to react against harmless substances in the environment, this can lead to allergic reactions, which are exaggerated, damaging immune responses to substances that are normally harmless. When people with allergy diseases are exposed to common environmental substances such as house dust mite or grass pollens, a type of white blood cell (B lymphocytes) produce specifi http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-a1ad-alpha-1/170 Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disease which affects the liver and lungs. Alpha 1-antitrypsin is an enzyme which is synthesised in the liver. It is one of a family of enzymes known as protease inhibitors (Pi). The action of protease inhibitors is to stop (inhibit) another group of enzymes called proteases. Proteases break down proteins in the cells of the body. Protease inhibitors slow this process down. When there is a normal amount of the alpha 1-antitrypsin enzyme in the body, the actions of the protease enzyme and alpha 1-antitrypsin balance each other out. If the level of http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/alzheimer's-disease/71 Alzheimers disease (AD) is a progressive disease of the brain characterised by failure of memory and disturbances in other cognitive (mental) functions, such as language or perception of reality. It is currently thought that AD results from an increase in the production or accumulation of a specific protein (beta-amyloid protein) that leads to nerve cell damage.nbsp; nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/amoebiasis-amoebic-dysentery/657 Amoebiasis is an infectious disease caused by a one-celled parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which causes both intestinal and extraintestinal infections. Two species of Entamoeba are morphologically indistinguishable: Entamoeba histolytica is pathogenic and Entamoeba dispar harmlessly colonizes the colon. Amoebas adhere to and kill the cells of the colon and cause dysentery with blood and mucus in the stool. Amoebas also secrete substances called proteases that degrade lining of the colon and permit invasion into the bowel wall and beyond. Amoebas can spread via the circulation to the li http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/amyloid-nephropathy-amyloidosis/355 Amyloidosis is a systemic disease that may affect the glomeruli of the kidneys. Amyloidosis itself is a disorder of protein metabolism characterised by the widespread deposition of abnormal protein strands throughout multiple organ systems of the body. The kidneys are commonly affected by this disorder. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/amyloidosis/639 Amyloidosis refers to a group of disease where there is abnormal deposition of an insoluble protein in various body tissues and organs. Excessive deposition of amyloid may lead to serious changes in organ structure and function. There are over 20 types of different proteins involved, each causing a type of amyloid disease. The type of amyloid disease is defined by the major fibrillar protein contained. Amyloidosis can be systemic (where there is protein deposition in various parts of the body) or organ-specific (limited to one organ). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als-lou-gehrig's-disease-charcot's-disease/458 Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a type of motor neuron disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Movement occurs when neurons in the brain (upper motor neurons) send messages to neurons in the spinal cord (lower motor neurons). The lower motor neurons relay these messages to the specific muscles that carry out the movement. ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons. When these neurons degenerate or die, they cease to send messages to muscles. The muscles that lose functioning ability gradually weaken, waste away (atrophy), and http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/anaemia-of-chronic-disease/66 Anaemia is a condition where there is a low level of a substance called haemoglobin in the blood. This haemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen around the blood within red blood cells. The most common cause is a low level of iron (iron deficiency anaemia), which is required to create the haemoglobin. The second most common cause is anaemia of chronic disease. nbsp;Anaemia of chronic disease is a condition where the anaemia is actually caused by a long-term inflammation that is present is many different types of diseases. When you get inflammation, the body releases lots of diff http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/anal-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-anus/557 The main type of anal cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus. The anus is a canal that connects the lower part of the large intestine (rectum) to the outside of the body. It allows the faeces to pass from the large intestine during a bowel movement. Faeces are formed in the longest part of the large intestine (colon), stored in the rectum, and pass through the anus. Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus forms from the lining of the anal canal. They are the most common type of anal cancer. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/analgesic-nephropathy-phenacetin-nephritis/282 Analgesic Nephropathy is a condition resulting from damage to the kidney caused by overexposure to mixtures of medications, especially over-the-counter pain medication. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/anaphylaxis/719 Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction to a substance (called an allergen) that can be life-threatening. Common substances which can cause as severe allergic reaction include bee stings, insect bites, peanuts, eggs, drugs given to the body, etc. Anaphylaxis suddenly affects the whole body, with severe allergic symptoms including: difficulty breathing, rash, swelling, tummy pain, and reduced blood pressure leading to shock. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency where immediate treatment is needed to prevent potential death. When exposed to a foreign substance, some people suffer react http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma-alcl/723 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which is cancer that starts in the lymphatic tissue. The main types of cells involved in anaplastic large cell lymphoma are white blood cells called T cells and null cells. There are lymph nodes in various parts of the body. Lymph nodes produce and store lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. The 2 main types of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells. Lymphocyte that does not contain the receptors of either mature B cells or T cells is called null cell. When these cells undergo changes and do not behave i http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/angina-pectoris-and-unstable-angina/45 Angina pectoris and unstable angina is a condition of the coronary arteries - the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. When the heart is not receiving sufficient blood supply because of the narrowing of the coronary arteries - this causes pain referred to as angina. The narrowing of the arteries is usually due to a process called atherosclerosis or atheroma, where the walls of the arteries become coated with a fatty plaque over time. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/angioedema/760 nbsp;Angioedema is a reaction characterised by fluid accumulation leading to swelling (oedema) of the skin, mucosa and submucosal tissues. Sometimes this can extend to deeper tissues. Because of the rapid progression of the condition, it can lead to potential airway obstruction and suffocation. Hence, angioedema is treated as a medical emergency. Angioedema is also known as angioneurotic oedema (older term). It can happen in different parts of the body, but the commonly affected part would be the face and the airways. Because of the swelling of the face, it can be extremely disfiguring and f http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ankylosing-spondylitis/492 Ankylosing spondylitis is a generalised chronic inflammatory disease, mainly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is characterised by pain or stiffness of the back, often with involvement of the hips and shoulders. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/anorectal-abscess-and-fistula-in-ano/221 Anorectal abscess and fistula-in-ano occur in the rectum and anus. An abscess is a localised collection of pus. In this case, it can either occur near the anus close under the skin, or deeper, adjacent to the rectum. A fistula is an abnormal communication/track between two epithelial surfaces - in the case of fistula-in-ano, between the ano-rectal passage and the surface skin near the anus. It occurs as a complication of an ano-rectal abscess which has discharged to the skin, with the track from anorectal passage to the skin remaining patent. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/anorexia-nervosa-self-starvation-malnutrition-severe-weight-loss-extreme-weight-loss/75 Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disease. This condition is hallmarked by an extreme reluctance to consume food as a result of a psychological disturbed body image. This may lead to extreme malnutrition and weight loss. Anorexia nervosa is potentially life-threatening. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/anthrax-woolsorters'-disease-ragpickers'-disease/362 Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacteria found in the environment in soil. The spores of these Gram-positive bacilli are extremely hardy and withstand extremes of temperature and humidity. This disease primarily affects herbivores, although infection in humans can occur. Human infection with B. anthracisnbsp;most often involves the skin (cutaneous anthrax), or the lungs (inhalation anthrax) or, rarely, the gut (gastrointestinal anthrax). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/antiphospholipid-antibody-syndrome-apas/165 Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS) is a group of clinical manifestations associated with the presence of high levels of antiphospholipid antibodiesnbsp;(APA) in the blood of the affected individual. It is associated with recurrent thromboses (formation of blood clots) in the venous or arterial circulation. There are a number of classifcations of APAS: Primary: No associated disorder; Secondary: Those clearly exhibiting features of an autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); Catastrophic: Formation of many thrombi in multiple locations in a short space of ti http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/antiphospholipid-syndrome-aps/468 Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)nbsp;is a condition characterised by: Antiphospholipid antibodies and blood clots forming in blood vessels; Recurrent pregnancy loss; or A decrease in the number of blood platelets. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/aortic-regurgitation-ar/7 Aortic regurgitation is reflux of blood from the aorta (the big vessel carrying blood out of the heart). The problem occurs when some of the blood pumped out falls back into the heart, because of an incompetent aortic valve which would normally stop this from happening. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/aortic-stenosis-as/6 Aortic stenosis (AS) is the constriction of the aortic valve of the heart - the valve that regulates the blood being pumped out by the heart and stops it from flowing back into the left ventricle of heart. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/appendicitis/621 Appendicitis is sudden onset of inflammation of the appendix, which is a small, finger-shaped blind-ending sac that branches off the first part of the large intestine (caecum). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/arachnoiditis/462 Arachnoiditis is the inflammation of the meninges and subarachnoid space, two structures that surround the brain and spinal cord. Causes of arachnoiditis include infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents), irritation from chemicals, direct injury to the spine, chronic compression of spinal nerves, or complications of spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures. Arachnoiditis as a result of neoplasia can be due to spread from cancers outside of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or by direct spread from a cancer of the central nervous system. The i http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/arrhythmia/491 Arrhythmia is a condition characterised by the hearts failure to contract or beat at the correct time. Some people are able to feel an arrhythmia when it happens, while others cannot. Arrhythmias can be divided into two main groups: tachyarrhythmias, where the heart beats faster than normal; and bradyarrhythmias, where the heart beats slower than normal. Tachyarrhythmias include: Sinus tachycardia; Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia; Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; Atrial fibrillation; Atrial flutter; Ventricular ectopics; Ventricular tachycardia; Ventricular fibrillation. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/asbestosis/27 Asbestosis is a fibrotic disease of the lungs caused by chronic exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibres. Asbestos is mixture of chemicals that occurs naturally as a fibre substance and is widely used in the building industry for insulation, roofing and fireproofing. Asbestosis diffusely affects the lungs, predominantly damaging the interstitium (the connective tissue between airspaces). The lungs become fibrotic and stiff. Asbestos exposure can also damage the pleura of the lungs and lead to other diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/aseptic-meningitis-sterile-meningitis/457 Aseptic meningitis is an illness characterised by headache, fever, and inflammation of the lining of the brain (meninges). The most common cause is enterovirus. It can also be caused by nonbacterial organisms (e.g. viruses, fungi, spirochetes, parasites), nonpyogenic bacteria, specific agents, or other disease processes.nbsp;The illness is usually mild and runs its course without treatment; however, some cases can be severe and life threatening. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/aspergillosis/756 Aspergillosis is an infection, a growth, or an allergic response caused by the Aspergillus fungus. Aspergillus are common in the soil and decaying vegetation. Colonisation of parts of the body by Aspergillus fungus is common.nbsp;Certain sites are involved more commonly than others, including the: Lungs; Sinuses; Central nervous system; Bones; Eyes; Heart; Kidney; Skin; Ears; and Urinary tract, including bladder and urethra. Although the above listed may be involved, Aspergillus primarily affects the lungs. It causesnbsp;four main syndromes, including allergic bronchopulmo http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/aspirin-induced-asthma/775 Aspirin-induced asthma is characterised by aggressive and continuous inflammation of the airways, leading to worsening of asthma, after ingestion of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are many other terms for this condition, including: ASA-induced asthma; Aspirin triad; ASA sensitivity; ASA-intolerant asthma; ASA-exacerbated respiratory disease. Aspirin-induced asthma has the most widespread use and acceptance in clinical medicine. As in asthma, this is a disease that occurs in the lungs. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/asthma/12 Asthma is a disease of the lungs. People with asthma experience episodes of asthma, or asthma attacks. This occurs when there is a narrowing and inflammation of the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. The lungs provide an interface between the air that we breathe in and the bloodstream. When a person breathes, air is drawn in through the nose and mouth and down through the trachea. The trachea divides into two bronchi, a right main bronchus and left main bronchus, to supply each lung. The bronchi divide into smaller bronchi, and then into bronchioles which ultimately terminate in http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/720 Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skinnbsp;disease in which the skin becomes red, dry, itchy or scaly and may weep, bleed and crust over. Atopic is a term used to describe allergic conditions for which there is a family history , dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Eczemanbsp;is partnbsp;of the atopic triad of allergic conditions (also including asthma and hay fever) in which many sufferers experience all three conditions. It is the incessant itch of eczema that separates it from other skin diseases such as psoriasis. The site of the disease depen http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/atopic-keratoconjunctivitis-akc/936 Conjunctivitis is a very common reason for experiencing an uncomfortable, red eye. There are a number of causes for conjunctivitis, including bacteria, viruses and, importantly, allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva refers to the thin, translucent lining of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelids. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) refers to a particular type of allergic conjunctivitis. Commonly, both eyes are affected in AKC. It is strongly linked to atopic dermatitis (eczema). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/atrial-fibrillation-af/3 Atrial fibrillationnbsp;(AF)nbsp;is a disorder of the rhythm of the heart. It results from disorganised electrical activity in the atria of the heart, whichnbsp;causes rapid stimulation of the ventricles,nbsp;leading to an irregular pulse rate. nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/atrial-myxoma/43 Atrial myxomas are heart tumours that are usually found in the left atrium. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/atrial-septal-defect-asd-ostium-secundum-defect/47 Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect. In foetal circulation there is normally an opening between the two atria (the upper chambers of the heart) to allow blood to bypass the lungs. This opening usually closes about the time the baby is born. If the opening is persistent it is called an ASD, and thus blood continues to bypass the lungs. This is called a shunt. nbsp; There are generally three types of ASD: Ostium primum atrial septal defect: Occurs when there is interference with the development of the septum primum at its lower margin, associated with abnormal devel http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-adults-adult-adhd/918 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural syndrome underpinned by differences in an individuals brain shape and function, and characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and/or inattention. While these symptoms are experienced by all people from time to time, they are severe and persistent in those with ADHD, and therefore interfere with these individuals normal functioning. Individuals who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty functioning in social, academic and occupational environments. They may struggle to follow directions, remember information, concentrate, org http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-children-child-adhd/477 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural syndrome related to abnormal brain functioning. ADHD is characterised by symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity and/or inattention. While these symptoms are experienced by all people from time to time, they are severe and persistent in those with ADHD, and interfere with an individuals normal functioning. Children who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty functioning at school and in othernbsp;social environments. Caring for children with the condition can be disruptive to family life and often causes considerable stress http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/autism/480 Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain. It is a complex condition that mostly impairs communication, social interaction and creative play. People with autism often have problems forming relationships, and interacting with and responding to the world. Signs of autism usually appear in the first three years of life and continue through adulthood. Autism belongs to a wide range of pervasive developmental disorders that include autism, autism spectrum disorders, Aspergers syndrome,nbsp;and other conditions with similar features. The effect of autism ranges from mild social http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/avascular-necrosis-avn-osteonecrosis-aseptic-necrosis-ischaemic-necrosis-femoral-head-necrosis/342 Avascular necrosis (AVN) is cellular death of the components of bone, including the bone marrow, due to the impairment of the bones own blood supply. AVN is a component of a number of conditions and usually the epiphysis of long bones, such as the femoral and humeral heads and the femoral condyles, but small bones have also been known to be afffected. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/back-pain/807 Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is a very common reason for patients visiting their local doctor. Although the underlying pathology is usually not serious, it is an important cause of pain in the community and has considerable impact on the economy due to time taken off work. Back pain is often secondary to back trauma and usually resolves after a short period of time. Occasionally it may indicate a more serious underlying condition. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bacterial-meningitis/162 Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes) covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may be caused by infection, such as by bacteria or viruses. Non-infectious meningitis is often referred to as aseptic meningitis. This article will focus on bacterial meningitis. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/balkan-endemic-nephropathy-ben/308 Balkan nephropathy is a disease of the kidneys. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/barrett's-oesophagus/862 Barretts oesophagus is a complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Barretts oesophagus develops when the cells of the lower oesophagus are damaged through continuous exposure to stomach acid and undergo a change (metaplasia) to a different cell type. This places the individual at increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer. The image below shows an endoscopic view of an ulcerated oesophagus. This is part of the disease process leading to Barretts oesophagus. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bed-wetting/947 Bed wetting or nocturnal enuresis is defined as intermittent episodes of wetting the bed while asleep in children who are over 5 years of age. Two types of bed wetting are described, although there is often overlap between the two types. Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) refers to bed wetting the bednbsp;that occurs in children who have no other bladder problems and who do not wet themselves during the day. Non-monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (NMNE) refers to children who wet the bed at night and have additional daytime symptoms. These symptoms may include needing to pass urine freq http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/behcet's-disease-adamantiades-behcet's-disease-silk-road-disease/245 Behccedil;ets disease, also known as Adamantiadesndash;Behccedil;ets disease or silk road disease, isnbsp;a type of vasculitis. Itnbsp;is a rare, chronic, lifelong disorder that involves inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Behccedil;ets disease is a multi-system disease; it may involve any organ in the body including the central nervous system, resulting in memory loss and impaired speech, balance, and movement. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bell's-palsy-idiopathic-facial-paralysis/235 Bells palsy is paralysis of the facial nerve of unknown cause. The diagnosis is made when in the typical clinical presentation no other cause can be identified. Sir Charles Bell described the anatomy and physiology of the facial nerve in the 1800s. The facial nerve is a mixed nerve, containing: Motor output fibres to the facial muscles (which control movement of muscles of the face); Parasympathetic fibres to the lacrimal, submandibular, and sublingual salivary glands (which control tearing and salivation); Afferent fibres for taste from the anterior two thirds of the tongue (which co http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/benign-intracranial-hypertension-bih-pseudotumour-cerebri-ptc-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension-iih/783 Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a disease of the brain. Benign intracranial hypertension is characterised by increased pressure in the brain without any evidence of any brain pathology by imaging studies. Benign intracranial hypertension is also characterised by normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF - the fluid that surrounds the entire central nervous system, including brain and spinal cord) content. It is knownnbsp;by different names, including: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH); and Pseudotumour cerebri (PTC). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bipolar-affective-disorder-manic-depression/92 Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is a psychological illness that involves severe mood swings. These mood swings take the form of depression or mania and may last for several months at a time. During the time of depression patients often have great sadness, guilt, no appetite, poor sleep and can not enjoy themselves. Mania is the opposite of this with patients experiencing erratic and excited behaviour. During mania patients often have increased libido, need less sleep, have excessive energy and can sometimes engage in risky behaviour (such as gambling excessively) or can even become viole http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bird-flu-avian-influenza/452 Bird flu or avian flu is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. Bird flu, which was first identified in Italy more than 100 years ago, occurs worldwide. Fifteen subtypes of influenza virus are known to infect birds, thus providing an extensive reservoir of influenza viruses potentially circulating in bird populations. To date, all outbreaks of the highly pathogenic form have been caused by influenza A viruses of subtypes H5 and H7. Within a country, bird flu can spread easily from farm to farm. Large amounts of avian flu is secreted in bird droppin http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bladder-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-bladder/443 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder is a rarer type of bladder cancer. The majority of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas that arise in the urinary tract epithelium and can also occur in parts of the kidney, ureter and urethra (tubes carrying urine from the kidney and urinary bladder respectively). The bladder functions as a waste storage system for urine. Urine is produced by the kidneys as they filter the blood. The urine then travels down the ureters into the bladder. The bladder expands and once it reaches a certain maximum volume, the urge to pass urine increases un http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bladder-cancer-transitional-cell-carcinoma-of-the-bladder/363 A type of bladder cancer is Transitional cell carcinoma of the Bladder. The bladder functions as a waste storage system for urine. Urine is produced by the kidneys as they filter the blood, and then travels down the ureters into the bladder. The bladder expands and once it reaches a certain maximum volume, the urge to pass urine increases until urine is passed. The bladder is made up of an elastic type tissue which contains a layer of muscle. The bladder is lined with epithelium called transitional cells which are tall, thin cells that protect the underlying bladder from the urine contai http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bone-cancer-chondrosarcoma-of-cartilage/605 Chondosarcoma of Cartilage is characterised by one or more tumours of the cartilage. Cartilage is a highly specialised avascular form of connective tissue. It consists of chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix that they produce. It is solid and firm but also pliable - rendering cartilage a highly resilient tissue. Cartilage is a key tissue in the development and maintenance of most bones in the body. During foetal development, the long bones of the body develop from cartilage models. In adults, cartilage forms the articular surface of many joints and the rings of the trachea. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/botulism/376 Botulism disease is the condition which refers to the syndrome produced by infection with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is a common environmental micro-organism, and produces bacterial spores which can survive heating to 100 C. The clostridium botulinum anaerobic pathogenic micro-organism can multiply and produce a neurotoxin which inhibits nerve transmission by decreasing release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at nerve synapses. Three forms of Botulism occur: 1) Wound botulism: C. botulinum bacteria may enter the body through wounds. 2) Foodborne http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bowel-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-caecum/553 Bowel cancer may be of the adenocarcinoma type and usually arise from the epithelium lining the inside of the large bowel which lines the large intestine. The colon is part of the large bowel. The large bowel (at the caecum) starts at the end of the small bowel (the ileum). The caecum has the appendix running off of it. The start of the colon is the ascending colon. Where this rises to meet the liver (the hepatic flexure) this becomes the transverse colon. The transverse colon goes across the upper abdomen until it becomes adjacent to the spleen (the splenic flexure) and at this point it becom http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/brain-cancer-glioblastoma-multiforme-of-the-brain/531 Glioblastoma multiforme is a cancer of astrocytes. Astrocytes support the nerve cells of the brain. The brain is the control centre for the body. It is comprised of millions of individual nerve cells which are all interconnected. It is located at the top of the spinal cord and is encased in hard bone. The brain tissue is composed of white matter (nerve tracts) as well as grey matter (neurones and glial cells). The neurones are surrounded by glial cells - cells which are important for support of the neurones, synthesis of myelin, and forming the blood-brain barrier. One type of glial cell http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/brain-metastasis/694 Brain metastases are the most feared and common complication of widespread cancer in the body, and as such are a significant cause of death and ill health amongst people with cancer. Metastasis is the mechanism by which cancer spreads from the place from which it initially began (the primary) to distant locations in the body. For instance a cancer beginning in the lung and spreading (metastasising) to the brain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/brain-tumour-astrocytoma-of-the-brain/689 Brain tumours are responsible for as much as 20% of childhood cancers. Most tumours arising within the brain start in brain cells called astrocytes, resulting in astrocytomas. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/brain-tumour-glioma-of-the-brain/532 Brain tumour may be of theGlioma type and usually arise from the glial cells which support the nerve cells. The brain is the control centre for the body. It is comprised of millions of individual nerve cells which are all interconnected. It is located at the top of the spinal cord and is encased in hard bone. Individual nerves emerge from the brain to work the muscles and organs contained within the head. These are called cranial nerves. The brain itself is divided into 2 sides and each side contains a number of lobes. The frontal lobes control some functions such as memory and learned http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/breast-and-nipple-thrush-bnt-breast-and-nipple-candidiasis-mammary-candidiasis/939 Breast and nipple thrush (BNT) is a yeast infection of the nipple and breast caused by a fungal organism known as Candida albicans, a common cause of all thrush infections. It occurs most commonly in breastfeeding mothers.nbsp;The infection may lead to severe nipple and breast pain, especially during breastfeeding. This can result in the mother weaning her baby and stopping breastfeeding before she had planned to. Seeking medical care early is important so the mother can continue breastfeeding for as long as she pleases. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/breast-cancer-carcinoma-of-the-breast/696 Adenocarcinoma of the breast is a form of breast cancer originating in the milk ducts and/or lobules (glandular tissue) of the breast. The breast is an organ composed mainly of fatty tissue which also has milk glands contained within it. A series of ducts connect the milk glands to the nipple. The breast is rich in blood vessels and lymphatic channels.nbsp;Breast diseases such as breast cancer predominantly affect women. This is because male breasts are more rudimentary than female breasts, making them more resistant to cancer. Breast cancer is sometimes classified into several types. The m http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/breast-cancer-inflammatory-carcinoma-of-the-breast/697 Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of invasive breast cancer, where the skin of the breast becomes red, inflamed and pitted in appearance. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bronchiectasis/28 Bronchiectasis is a disease of the lung. The lung is composed of large airways (bronchi), which progressively divide and become smaller airways (bronchioles), which eventually terminate as alveoli - the small folded membranes, shaped like a bunch of grapes where gas exchange takes place. (Learn more about the The Respiratory System.) The small and medium airways are normally free of mucus. Any mucus present is sweeped up by the cilia to the upper airways, and the person then coughs it up. Bronchiectasis is a chronic infection of the lung airways leading to abnormal and permanent d http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/brucellosis/377 Brucellosis is a zoonotic (animal linked) infection transmitted from animals to humans by ingestion of infected food products (such as unpasteurised milk and cheese), direct contact with an infected animal, or inhalation of aerosols. This last method of transmission is remarkably efficient given the relatively low concentration of organisms (as few as 10-100 bacteria) needed to establish infection in humans and has brought renewed attention to this old disease as a potential biological warfare agent. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bulimia-nervosa/76 Bulimia nervosa is a psychological disease. Bulimia nervosa is characterised by the episodic, uncontrolled and impulsive binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or consumption of laxatives or purgatives to avoid the weight gain associated with such behaviour. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/burkitt's-lymphoma/746 Burkitts lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which can be further divided into Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL)). Burkitts lymphoma is classified under non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Lymphatic system is an important part of our body that helps fight infection. It is composed of the lymph nodes, the thymus (a gland behind the breastbone), bone marrow and spleen, which are connected by tiny lymph vessels. Lymph is a colourless fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system. It contains lymphocytes which are white blood cells that fight infection. There are 2 types of l http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/burns/864 Burns are injuries to body tissues that can result from heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. Burns are most commonly caused by heat (thermal burns), including fire, steam, tar, or hot liquids. Burns can also be caused by chemicals, which are similar to thermal burns, whereas burns caused by radiation and electricity can cause different injuries and outcomes. Thermal and chemical burns often occur when heat or chemicals come in direct contact with part of the body, most commonly affecting the skin. In most situations, the skin sustains most of the damage. However in deeper burns, the un http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/bursitis/514 Bursitis refers to the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that prevents friction between bony surfaces and soft tissues in the body, especially in or around joints. When one of these bursae is inflamed, it becomes swollen and painful. The inflammation of a bursa may come about as a result of excessive movement or pressure on the bursa, infection or other diseases that may affect the joint and its environs (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or gout).The most common cases involve the knee, a condition colloquially referred to as quot;house-maids kneequot;. However, it can affect a http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/calcium-pyrophosphate-deposition-disease-chondrocalcinosis-pseudogout/142 Pseudogout is a type of crystal arthropathy, like gout. The term crystal arthropathy means that crystals of a chemical (like urate in gout, and calcium pyrophosphate in pseudogout) are precipitating and depositing in the joint, leading to inflammation. In pseudogout there is deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in the joint cartilage and the tissue around the joint. Shedding of the crystals into the joint produces an acute inflamed joint (like in gout) though pseudogout commonly involves the knee and wrist as opposed to gout which affects the big toe commonly. In ps http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cancer-of-the-bile-duct-cholangiocarcinoma-biliary-cancer/692 Cancer of the bile duct or cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer that arises from the bile ducts. There are the tubes that connect the liver and the gallbladder. The tubes transport bile to the small intestine. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cancer-of-the-larynx-laryngeal-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-larynx/610 Larynx cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx). In oncology squamous cell cancers of the head and neck are often considered together because they share many similarities - in incidence, cancer type, predisposing factors, pathological features, treatment and prognosis. Up to 30% of patients with one primary head and neck tumour will have a second primary malignancy. The larynx or voice box is the organ containing the vocal cords. It is made up of a complex arrangement of muscles, cartilages and ligaments, all lined by epithelium: stratified squamous epithelium on the vocal cords; a http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cancer-of-the-penis-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-penis/564 Penile cancer arises on the penis. The usual location for the malignancy is in the glans, corona and/or frenulum. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cancer-pain/381 Cancer Pain is one of the complications of cancer diseases. Because of the chronic and progressive nature of the disease, cancer pain is a common cause of chronic pain. Cancer pain results from tissue damage - either due to the disease itself, or due to treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy). Before considering treatment of cancer pain, it should be noted that separate types of pain are described - the distinction is important as far as treatment is concerned. 1. Visceral pain Visceral pain is pain which originates from the contents of the thorax (chest) or the abdomen (tummy). Visceral pain http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/carcinoid-tumour-and-carcinoid-syndrome/798 Carcinoid tumour is a type of neuroendocrine tumour. Neuroendocrine tumours are tumours of the neuroendocrine cells that secrete regulatory hormones and are present in the nervous and endocrine/hormonal system. Most primary carcinoid tumours arise from enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal/digestive tract, with the most common sites being the appendix, small bowel and rectum. They can also be seen in the liver, pancreas, bronchus (branch of the windpipe into the lung), and ovaries. Carcinoid tumours can be classified based on the primitive gut that gives rise to the tumour (i.e. f http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cardiac-tamponade/731 Cardiac tamponade is the compression of the heart caused by blood or fluid accumulating in the space between the myocardium (heart muscle) and the pericardium (the outer covering sac of the heart). This is a medical emergency, with increasing fluid producing elevated pressures on the heart and preventing proper filling. If left untreated, the hearts pumping chambers (ventricles) are compromised, resulting in shock and death. How does cardiac tamponade result? The pericardium is a thin double layered sac which encloses the heart. The inner layer is called the visceral pericardium. This is thin http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cardiomyopathy/13 Cardiomyopathy is disease affecting the heart muscle. Most cardiomyopathies affect the left ventricle of the heart, which is the largest chamber responsible for pumping blood throughout the entire body. Although many conditions can affect the heart muscle, by definition, cardiomyopathy only includes primary abnormalities of the myocardium. Thus, the term does not include acute myocardial ischaemia (lack of oxygen), ornbsp;hypertensive or valvular disorders of the heart. There are four main types of cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): Ventricular dilation; Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/496 nbsp; Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common painful disorder caused by compression of the median nerve within the wrist. CTS is characterised by pain, numbness and weakness in the parts of the hand supplied by the median nerve. People with CTSnbsp;may complain of pins and needles in the thumb, index andnbsp;middle fingers, and half of the ring finger, as well as pain in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones below the wrist at the heel of the hand which houses the median nerve and tendons. The carpal tunnel is normally quite snug, and th http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cataracts/923 Cataracts are the process by which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. They are the leading cause of blindness and visual loss globally. Cataracts can be classified according to the: appearance and location of the opacity within the lens;level of maturity or progression of the clouding; or cause of the cataract. Appearance and location of the opacityImage courtesy of Blausen Medical Communications. Contact Andrew Walbank.The appearance and location of the opacity within the lens is one method used to categorise cataracts. There are several different types of cataracts withi http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/causalgia-complex-regional-pain-syndrome-type-2/242 Causalgia is a chronic pain condition seen after the section (damage, cutting) of a nerve. It is characterised by a chronic burning pain and hypersensitivity in the area supplied by that nerve. The sympathetic nerve supply of the involved area is believed to be important in the cause of Causalgia. The sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves (separate from the set of nerves controllinng voluntary activities) which controls a lot of bodily functions (like our heart rate, intestinal activity) as well as being important in pain perception and skin blood supply. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cerebral-lymphoma/693 Cerebral lymphomas involve the central nervous system (CNS). They may be primary (found only within the CNS) or secondary (spread from other sources in the body). The lymphatic system is part of the bodys immune system, which help fight infection. Lymphoma is the name given to a group of cancers that involve the lymphatic system, and results from the abnormal growth of cells that are normally involved in immune processes. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cerebral-palsy/237 Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of chronic disorders impairing control of movement that appear in the first few years of life and generally do not worsen over time. CP is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage resulting from an insult (adverse effect) in the time before birth (prenatal), during birth (perinatal) or shortly after birth (postnatal). The disorder affects a persons motor skills (ability to coordinate body movements) and muscle tone. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cervical-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-cervix/565 Cervix cancers may be of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma type and usually arise from the epithelium lining the cervix. 90% of all carcinomas of the cervix are of the squamous cell type. The cervix is the extension of the uterus into the top part of the vagina. A small passage through the middle of the cervix leads into the cavity of the uterus. In a normal situation, squamous epithelium lines the cervix from this opening outwards. The inside of the cervix normally has a more fragile epithelium lining, which under normal circumstances is not exposed to the environment. Certain hormonal changes such http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cervical-dysfunction/370 Cervical spine dysfunction is a cause of neck pain. The cause for it is believed to be a disorder (most likely malalignment) of the pain-sensitive facet joints (which may also be due to disc disruption). Dysfunction can also cause secondary muscle spasm, which can may lead to more pain and stiffness. The cervical spine consists of 7 cervical vertebrae (back bones) which connect the base of the skull to the thoracic (rib) cage. These vertebrae articulate with one another via intervertebral joints - these include the discs and the facet joints. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cervical-dystonia-spasmodic-torticollis/927 Dystonianbsp;is a movement disorder characterised by involuntary, repetitive and sustainednbsp;movements and postures. Dystonia encompasses a broad and complex spectrum of symptoms caused bynbsp;opposite muscles contracting (muscle co-contraction). Cervical dystonia (CD) is the most common dystonia limited to one part of the body (focal or localised dystonia). CD describes dystonia that specifically occurs in the neck muscles. The condition is characterised by abnormal head posture, involuntary muscle contractions of the cervical spine, head tremor, sustained neck spasms and craniocervical http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cervical-spondylosis/505 Cervical Spondylosis is the most common disorder of the cervical spine. It is caused by degenerative changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs that occur as a result of ageing or due to injury or rheumatoid disease. In advanced disease this may lead to cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) which results from compression of the spinal cord. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/charcot-marie-tooth-disease-hereditary-motor-sensory-neuropathy/777 Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a disease affecting the peripheral nerves. The nervous system in the body can be divided into 2 categories: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nerves make up a vast network that transmits impulses from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to every other part of the body. Peripheral nerves also send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathies refer to a diverse group of diseases affecting the motor, sensory and autonomic nerves lying outside the central n http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chicken-pox-varicella-zoster-virus/96 Chicken pox or varicella is an itchy, red, lumpy rash that is caused by the varicella virus. The Chicken pox virus is highly contagious for those who are not immune to it. You can only become immune to Chicken pox through already having the disease and developing antibodies to it or through vaccination, which has only been introduced in the last decade. Chicken pox is thought of as a common and fairly harmless childhood illness. The direct symptoms of chicken pox cause some discomfort without any complications. However, rarely the disease will predispose people to quite serious c http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/childhood-leukaemia/698 Childhood leukaemias arise from cells located in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue located in the centre of most long bones and is responsible for the production of the cellular components of blood; namely white cells, red cells and platelets. Lymphoblasts and myeloblasts are found in the bone marrow and are normal precursor cells of white and red blood cells. These lymphoblasts are influenced by many endogenous factors such as proteins and cytokines to differentiate into mature white and red blood cells. Leukaemia occurs when there is abnormal proliferation o http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chlamydia-c.-trachomatis-c.-pneumoniae-c.-psittacci-c.-pecorum/832 There are three main species of Chlamydia causing human infection: Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia pneumoniae (also known as Chlamydophila pneumoniae), and Chlamydia psittacci. C. pneumoniae and C. psittacci cause respiratory infections. C. trachomatis causes infections that can affect the eyes, urogenital area, or cause pneumonia in infants born to infected mothers, depending on how the infection is transmitted. Trachoma is a nasty infection of the eyes that forms small granules along the conjunctiva (thin membrane covering the surface of the eye and inner surface of the eyelid). This can http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cholecystitis/196 Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the Gallbladder. It occurs mostly as a complication of gallstones. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cholera/114 Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, resulting in profuse watery diarrhoea. Cholera is an acute illness characterized by watery diarrhoea. The toxin released by the bacteria causes increased secretion of water and chloride ions in the intestine, which can produce massive diarrhoea. Death can result from the severe dehydration brought on by the diarrhoea. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chromaffin-tumours-phaeochromocytoma/361 A chromaffin tumour or phaeochromocytoma is a tumour of the adrenal gland. It usually develops in the medulla (center or core) of one or both adrenal glands. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-bronchitis/16 Chronic bronchitis is a disease of the lung. The lungs consist of a series of folded membranes (the alveoli) which are located at the ends of very fine branching air passages (bronchioles). Chronic bronchitis is a persisting infection and inflammation of the larger airways of the lungs - the bronchi. There are two main bronchi in the lungs (the right and left) which divide from the trachea, as seen innbsp;the figure to the right. Chronic bronchitis occurs as part of the disease complex known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which also includes emphysema and small airways disea http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-daily-headache-incorporating-chronic-migraine-and-medication-overuse-headache/948 Chronic daily headache is a type of frequently occurring headache which may be further classified aseither: Chronic migraine, previously known as transformed migraine, is a condition where episodic migraine-type headaches occur more frequently until the individual experiences a migraine on ge;15 days per month; or Medication overuse headache, which refers to a headache syndrome in which an individual who previously experienced episodic primary headaches does so with increasing frequency, and is unable to achieve appropriate pain relief with normal medication doses. Medication use thus inc http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/79 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) consists of a disabling fatiguenbsp;that lasts for longer than six months. In addition, therenbsp;are cognitive (e.g. impairment of long term memory or concentration), musculoskeletal (e.g. muscle and/or joint pain and tenderness) and sleep (e.g. disturbed sleep patterns, unrefreshing sleep) symptoms. Altogether, this results in a substantialnbsp;decline in social, occupational, educational and personal activity. There are no specific biological markers or diagnostic tests for CFS. Diagnosis is made by excluding all other possible causes of the fatigue. The m http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-heart-failure/742 nbsp; Heart failure is a term used to describe the state when the heart is no longer able to maintain its function - that is, to maintain an adequate cardiac output (to pump blood adequately) or to be able to do so only because it is under so much strain that it is causing itself damage. In other words, the heart is weakened and the pumping action is impaired casusing heart failure. The heart does not completely fail or stop functioning (as in a cardiac arrest, a situation in which the heart actually stops beating), but instead functions less effectively. Heart failure can come on quickly b http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-lymphocytic-leukaemia/617 Leukaemia is the name for a cancer where there is a malignant proliferation of stem cells within the bone marrow. Leukaemic blast cells suppress the normal formation of blood cells (haematopoiesis) within the bone marrow and this means that there are not enough of the normal red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood (pancytopaenia) of patients with the disease. It is not known how the leukaemic cells prevent normal haematopoiesis, but the resultant pancytopaenia is responsible for the clinical manifestations of the disease. Bone marrow is found inside most of the bones in the body. By http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-myeloid-leukaemia/599 Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia usually arises from the precursors of myeloid cells which would subsequently, in normal circumstances, evolve into normal white cells. Bone marrow is found inside most of the bones in the body. By adulthood, a large proportion of bone marrow has become relatively inactive. Generally speaking, it is the marrow inside the vertebra, ribs and pelvis, which is responsible for producing the blood cells in adults. In times of crisis or when these areas of bone marrow are damaged, marrow activity may switch on in the other bones. The bone marrow is a collection of cell http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-neutrophilic-leukaemia-cnl/702 Leukaemianbsp;in general, arises from cells located in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue located in the centre of most long bones and is responsible for the production of the cellular components of blood; namely white cells, red cells and platelets.nbsp;Lymphoblastsnbsp;and myeloblasts are found in the bone marrow and are normal precursor cells of white and red blood cells. These lymphoblasts are influenced by many endogenous factors such as proteins and cytokines to differentiate into mature white and red blood cells. Normally, leukaemia occurs when there is abnor http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/17 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of the lung. The lungs are the organs found in the chest which are invloved in breathing. Air enters the nose and mouth, then travels to the lungs via the trachea, which divides into smaller airways called bronchi and, subsequently, bronchioles. (See diagram below). The lung tissue itself is a spongy material, consisting of a series of folded membranes (the alveoli) which are located at the ends of very fine branching air passages (bronchioles). COPD is a disease of the smaller airways in the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary di http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/chronic-pain-syndrome/850 Chronic pain syndrome encompasses any pain that persists longer than the reasonable expected healing time for the involved tissues. The duration of pain is often arbitrarily set at 3 months duration. In contrast to acute pain, which is a vital protective mechanism, chronic pain serves no physiological role. It is not a symptom, but rather a disease state. Some conditions that lead to chronic pain syndrome include: Low back pain (e.g. lumbar radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, myofascial pain); Neck/shoulder pain (e.g. whiplash, cervical radiculopathy, fibromyalgia); Headach http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/churg-strauss-syndrome-css/243 Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS), or allergic granulomatous angiitis, is a rare disease that affects small to medium-sized arteries and veins. It is a disease affecting multiple body sites and characterised by the following: Presence of Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) Asthma Increased eosinophils in the blood (eosinophil is one of the white blood cells in the body) As it is a multiorgan disease, it can affect any part of the body. However, the commonest site involved is the lung. Other organs involved include the gut, heart, skin, nerve and joints. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/clinical-depression/809 nbsp;Feelings of depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel depressed at some stage, but this is not clinical depression. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere and impede upon ones everyday life for an extended period of time.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cluster-headache/786 Cluster headache is a recurring type of headache characterised by periods in which headaches are experienced frequently and regularly (e.g. at the same time each day), separated by periods of remission when no headaches occur. The pain of a cluster headache is typically severe and strictly unilateral, meaning that it only affects one side of the head. Cluster headache is related to other headache syndromes, including: Paroxysmal hemicranias: Headaches that occur daily, on multiple occasions throughout the day, and typically produce throbbing pain on one side, often behind the eye; Hemicra http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/coal-worker's-pneumoconiosis-cwp/33 Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a disease of the lung resulting from the long-term inhalation of microscopic dust particles which was most commonly seen in coal workers, hence the name. CWP affects the small airways and alveoli of the lung, particularly in the upper zones. Simple CWP (without the presence of Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF), Caplans syndrome, bronchitis or emphysema) is an asymptomatic (symptomless) disease with no effect on life expectancy. Severe disease with the onset of significant lung fibrosis or emphysema is much more severe and can progress to cause pulmonar http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/coarctation-of-the-aorta/49 Coarctation of the Aorta is mainly found in the aorta, which is the main artery from the heart. The most common site is the arch of the aorta (just after it leaves the heart). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/coeliac-disease-gluten-sensitive-enteropathy-coeliac-sprue/176 Coeliac disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small bowel. In genetically susceptible individuals, ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) causes injury to the lining of the small bowel, resulting in diarrhoea and malabsorption of nutrients and minerals. It usually affects the first part of the small bowel (duodenum and jejunum), but can affect the entire small bowel in some people. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/colon-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-colon/554 Colon cancer may be of the adenocarcinoma type and usually arises from the epithelium (layer of cells) lining the inside of the large intestine. The colon is part of the large bowel. The large bowel starts at the lower end of the small bowel (the ileum), at the caecum. The appendix runs off the caecum. The start of the colon is the ascending colon, which becomes the transverse colon where it meets the liver (the hepatic flexure). The transverse colon goes across the upper abdomen until it is adjacent to the spleen (the splenic flexure), where it becomes the descending colon. At this po http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/colonic-polyps-and-hereditary-polyposis-syndromes/222 Image courtesy ofnbsp;Blausen Medical Communications.nbsp;Contactnbsp;Andrew Walbank. Colonic polyps is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.A polyp is any elevation above the surface of the lining of the gut (the mucosa). Polyps can range in size from several millimetres to up to 10 cm in size. Polyps can be found on their own, or in multiples (in particular in the hereditary syndromes). The importance of polyps, is that some of them (in particular adenomas) have malignant potentialnbsp;ndash; the potential to lead to colorectal cancer. Polyps can thus be se http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/common-bile-duct-stone-choledocholithiasis-cholangitis-obstructive-jaundice/191 Choledocholithiasis is a disease of the common bile duct. The common bile duct forms at the junction of the cystic duct (from the gallbladder) and the common hepatic duct (from the liver). It drains bile into the duedenum (the first part of the small intestine). Gallstones (cholesterol stones or pigment stones) form in the gallbladder over many years. They can sometimes travel into the common bile duct, causing a blockage. If the common bile duct is blocked, this then obstructs the whole of the biliary drainage system as opposed to a blockage further up. Hence there is nowhere for the bile to http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/common-cold/10 nbsp;The common cold is an acute infection of the throat and nasal passages. It may be caused by several different viruses, the most common of which arenbsp;rhinoviruses. The termnbsp;common cold refers to a set of symptoms, rather than a specific disease. Mild influenza may have similar symptomsnbsp;to the common cold. Mild strep throat, which is caused by bacteria, may be incorrectly classified as a common cold, though usually it is easy for a doctor to distinguish between the two.nbsp; Common cold viruses may be spread by: Contact transmission:nbsp;People infe http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia-adrenogenital-syndromes/190 Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and adrenogenital syndromes are diseases of the Adrenal glands. The adrenal cortex is divided into three zones which synthesise three different types of hormones: Glucocorticoids (cortisol): glucose metabolism and immune functions Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone): blood pressure and salt regulation Sex steroids: effects on sex organ differentiation, bone and soft tissues. The adrenogenital syndromes and CAH result from a defect in the synthesis of the above hormones, with a block in the cortisol synthesis pathway causing increased sex steroid synthesis http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/congenital-hypothyroidism-cretinism/328 Congenital hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland; this is an endocrine gland located in the anterior neck. The main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are mostly thyroxine (T4), and a small amount of triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones have wide-ranging effects on metabolism affecting most organ systems in the body. The secretion of thyroid hormones is stimulated by thyrotrophin (TSH) which is secreted from the pituitary gland, which is in turn secreted in response to thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH), secreted by the hypothalamus. Hypothyroidism refers to an un http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/congestive-heart-failure/485 Congestive heart failure, in simple terms, is when the heart fails to maintain an adequate circulation of blood around the body owing to a defect in the hearts pumping action. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/conn's-syndrome/151 Conns syndrome is a disease of the Adrenal gland. The adrenal aglands are situated adjacent (superomedial) to the kidneys. Each adrenal gland is composed of an inner medulla, and outer cortex. The cortex is divided into three zones - zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. The middle zone - zona fasciculata is where aldosterone is synthesised and secreted. Aldosterone is a hormone which regulates sodium and potassium balance. The action of aldosterone is to exchange is to exchange sodium for potassium in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney nephron - thus retain http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/constipation/481 Constipation (irregularity of bowels; lack of regular bowel movements), is a common symptom, but often, constipation remains unrecognized until the patient develops sequelae such as anorectal disorders or diverticular disease. Several definitions of constipation have been proposed based upon passing stools frequency (often less than 3 times weekly) in different population groups. However, it is more useful to approach constipation operationally, as a change in the bowel habit or defecatory behavior that acutely or chronically results in symptoms or diseases that are resolved by relieving th http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/contact-dermatitis/863 Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin caused by something touching the skin. Contact dermatitis is a condition referring inflammation caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy provoking substance. The two main types of contact dermatitis include: Irritant contact dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis Irritant dermatitis is the most common type of contact dermatitis, which involves damage to the skin resulting from contact with acids, alkaline substances such as washing detergents, soaps, solvents and other chemicals. The second most common type of contact dermatit http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/coronary-heart-disease-chd/758 Coronary heart disease (CHD),also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), is a disorder of the coronary arteries. These arteries of the heart are the main blood vessels that surround the heart and provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles. Coronary heart disease is almost always due to atheroma (fatty deposit in the blood vessel) and its complications, particularly thrombosis (formation or presence of a blood clot within a blood vessel). The common clinical manifestations of coronary heart disease are: angina (stable and unstable) myocardial infarction (heart attack) heart failure http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/crohn's-disease-inflammatory-bowel-disease/175 Crohns disease is a form of inflammatory bowel diseasenbsp;characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which occurs in a discontinuous pattern (there are sections of healthy and diseased tissue). The inflammation is transmural, meaning it affects all layers of mucous membrane forming the gastrointestinal wall. Other types of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis cause superficial inflammation, meaning that they affect only the outer layer of the gastrointestinal wall. In Crohns disease, inflammation can affect any of the gastrointestinal organs, f http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/croup-viral-laryngotracheobronchitis/34 Croup is a syndrome, which is a collection of symptoms and signs that consists of hoarse voice, harsh barking cough and an inspiratory stridor (a high pitched noice made with inspiration). There are many causes of croup, the most common of which is viral laryngotracheobronchitis. Many other conditions can cause croup, some of these other causes include: Supraglottic obstruction (obstruction of the airways occurring above the epiglottis)Acute enlargement of the tonsils Foreign body in the airways Retropharyngeal abscess (abscess behind the tissues of the pharynx)Epiglottitis (rare) Acute angio http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cryptogenic-fibrosing-alveolitis-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/19 Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) is a disease of the lung. The lungs are composed of air passages, starting from the trachea (or windpipe) which divides into a left and right main bronchus, which keep dividing until they become bronchioles, and finally terminating into alveoli. The alveoli are small folded membranes shaped like a cluster of grapes. They are the interface between the air and blood stream and that is where gas exchange takes place. The function of the alveoli is dependent on the alveolar wall which is a thin membrane, allowing for oxygen and http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cushing's-syndrome/147 Cushings syndrome refers to the syndrome associated with excessive levels of a type of hormones - glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol) are secreted naturally by the adrenal cortex in response to stimulation from the pituitary gland (ACTH hormone), which in turn responds to CRH secretion from the hypothalamus. Because glucocorticoids like cortisol have such widespread effects on metabolism and the immune system, the symptoms and signs of Cushings syndrome are wideranging. Cushings syndrome can result from excess secretion of cortisol from the adrenal gland, or in response http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma/724 Lymphoma (cancer in the lymphatic system) can be divided into two broad categories: Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a type of non-hodgkins lymphoma. Cutaneous (which means of the skin) T cell lymphoma includes a wide variety of lymphomas that have a common feature: the cancerous white blood cells are confined to the skin (localised) when the disease is diagnosed. The lymphocytes (white blood cells produced by the lymphatic system) involved in CTCL are a special group of lymphocytes called T cells that maintain the normal function of the skin immune syste http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cystic-fibrosis/35 nbsp;Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive genetic disorder that affects the mucus lining of the lungs, which leads to breathing problems and other health problems. The lungs are composed of air passages, starting from the trachea (or windpipe) which divides into a left and right main bronchus, which keep dividing until they become bronchioles, and finally terminating into alveoli. The alveoli are small folded membranes shaped like a cluster of grapes. They are the interface between the air and blood stream and that is where gas exchange takes place.nbsp;Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder of exo http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/cytomegalovirus-cmv-infection/97 Cytomegalovirus or CMV is a virus that is common in the environment and the majority of adults have antibodies (an indication of previous infection) to it in their blood by age 40. However, CMV produces no symptoms usually, though it can present with symptoms similar to glandular fever. However, serious systemic CMV infections can occur in people with impaired immunity (immunocompromised host), such as those with AIDS, organ transplant and bone marrow transplant recipients, and people receiving chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments. In addition, CMV infection can affect th http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/de-quervain's-tenosynovitis-washerwoman's-sprain/354 De Quervains tenosynovitis or washerwomans sprain, is a painful wrist condition involving two of the tendons at the wrist - the thumb extensors called Extensor pollicus brevis and abductor pollicus longus at the base of the thumb. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/662 Deep Vein Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body. DVT clots usually occur in those deep veins within the leg, particularly within the calf muscles. The veins in the arm, eye or brain may also rarely be affected. Deep vein thrombosis is quite rare, affecting approximately one or two people in every thousand, mainly older people. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/deliberate-self-harm/490 Self-harm refers to the deliberate, direct destruction of the body that results in tissue damage. When someone engages in self-harm, they may have a variety of intentions; these are discussed below. However, the persons intention is NOT to kill themselves. You may have heard self-harm referred to as parasuicide, self-mutilation, self-injury, self-abuse, cutting, self-inflicted violence, and so on. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/delirium/70 Delirium is a psychological disease. This condition is an acute confusional state, characterised by disturbance of consciousness accompanied by variable degrees of cognitive impairment. It is generally considered an acute reversible condition. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dengue-fever-breakbone-fever/103 Dengue fever is a mild viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever, rash, and muscle and joint pains. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dental-caries/874 Dental caries is an infectious disease that can lead to cavities (small holes) in the tooth structure that compromises both the structure and the health of the tooth. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dental-pain/875 Dental pain or toothache is simply defined as an uncomfortable sensation related to the teeth or surrounding structures. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dermatomyositis/506 Dermatomyositis is a systemic muscle disorder of unknown origin that causes muscle weakness and characteristic skin changes. Polymyositis causes a similar muscle weakness, but without the skin changes. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/developmental-bone-birth-defect-achondrogenesis/331 Achondrogenesis is a kind of birth defect in the development of bone and cartilage, and is thought to be inherited. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/developmental-coordination-disorder-dcd/712 Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects children and may persist into adult life. It is a delay or impairment in motor development characterised by clumsiness or awkwardness. Children with DCD usually have difficulty performing gross motor tasks, such as crawling, walking, jumping, standing on one foot and catching a ball. The childs fine motor skills, such as those required to tie a shoelace or to write may also be affected and children with DCD may have poor handwriting. Speech difficulties may also be evident. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetes-insipidus/150 Diabetes Insipidus causes impaired vasopressin (hormone that regulates the kidneys) secretion or renal resistance to its action. There is an excessive and persistant discharge of urine, that leads to dehydration and extreme thirst. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetes-insipidus-central/387 Diabetes Insipidus - central occurs as a result of a disorder in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain. Diabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon condition that occurs when the kidneys are unable to conserve water as they perform their function of filtering blood. The amount of water conserved is controlled by antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also called vasopressin). ADH is a hormone produced in a region of the brain called the hypothalamus. It is then stored and released from the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. DI caused by a lack of ADH is called http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetes-insipidus-nephrogenic/388 Diabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon condition that occurs when the kidneys are unable to conserve water as they perform their function of filtering blood. The amount of water conserved is controlled by antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also called vasopressin). ADH is a hormone produced in a region of the brain called the hypothalamus. It is then stored and released from the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. DI caused by a lack of ADH is called central diabetes insipidus. When DI is caused by failure of the kidneys to respond to ADH, the condition is called http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetes-mellitus-type-1-insulin-dependent-juvenile-onset/825 nbsp;Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic syndrome defined by an inability to produce insulin, a hormone which lowers blood sugar. This leads to inappropriate hyperglycaemia (increased blood sugar levels) and deranged metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Insulin is normally produced in the pancreas, a glandular organ involved in the production of digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon. These functions are carried out in the exocrine and endocrine (Islets of Langerhans) pancreas respectively.nbsp;nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetes-mellitus-type-2-non-insulin-dependent-mature-age-onset/826 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic syndrome defined by resistance to the hormone insulin. This leads to inappropriate hyperglycaemia (increased blood sugar levels) and deranged metabolism of carbohydrate, fats and proteins. Insulin is a key metabolic hormone secreted by the pancreas. Insulin exerts its actions in the liver and peripheral tissues such as muscle and fat. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, relative insulin deficiency usually occurs because of resistance to the actions of insulin in muscle, fat, and the liver. This abnormality results in decreased glucose transport in musc http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetic-cheiroarthropathy/643 Diabetes may affect the muscle and joint systems in a variety of ways. Diabetic cheiroarthropathy, also known as diabetic stiff hand syndrome, is commonly found in patients with type 1 diabetes and to a lesser extent, type 2 diabetes. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetic-eye-disease-non-proliferative-diabetic-retinopathy/940 Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, previously called background retinopathy, is the earliest stage of diabetic eye disease. Microscopic changes occur in the blood vessels of the eye in non-proliferative disease; however, the changes typically do not produce symptoms and are not visible to the naked eye. Non-proliferative disease progresses from mild to moderate to severe. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is initially characterised by microaneurysms (microscopic blood-filled bulges in the artery walls) which may burst and leak into the retina. Tiny spots or dots of blood may accu http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetic-eye-disease-proliferative-diabetic-retinopathy/652 Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that affects diabetics. It occasionally also affects individuals with pre-diabetic metabolic abnormalities (e.g. metabolic syndrome). The condition is characterised by the growth of tiny abnormal blood vessels (a process called neovascularisation) in the eye, and fibrous growth in the retina (the light-sensingnbsp;area ofnbsp;the eye) and surrounding vitreous fluid (a layer of jelly-like substance that protects the retina and separates it from the lens). Neovascularisation (abnormal blood vessel growth) in diabetic retinopathy occurs in http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetic-ketoacidosis/710 Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the hallmark of type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. DKA is an emergency condition caused by a disturbance in your bodys metabolism. Extremely high blood glucose levels, along with a severe lack of insulin, result in the breakdown of body fat for energy and an accumulation of ketones in the blood and urine. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetic-macular-oedema/941 Diabetic macular oedema is a sight-threatening eye condition. It is characterised by the leaking of blood from damaged vessels of the retina (light sensing layer of the eye) into the macula (the section of the eye which enables clear, sharp vision). nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp; For more information, see The Eye and Vision. Diabetic macular oedema affects diabetics with proliferative or non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The likelihood of developing diabetic macular oedema increases with the progression of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathynbsp;and is most likely wh http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetic-nephropathy/288 Diabetic Nephropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus in which there is long term damage to the kidneys as a result of long-term poorly controlled diabetes. The renal vessels and the glomerulus (filtering part of the kidney) are the main areas affected. Diabetic nephropathy is characterised by the presence of a protein called albumin in the urine, hypertension (high blood pressure), oedema (swelling), and progressive renal insufficiency. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diabetic-neuropathy/706 Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that happens in people who have diabetesnbsp;mellitus. It affects mainly the peripheral nerves. There are three types of peripheral nerve affected: motor, sensory, and autonomic. Motor nerve fibres carry signals to muscles to allow motions like walking and fine finger movements. Sensory nerves take messages in the opposite direction. They carry information to the brain about shape, movement, texture, warmth, coolness, or pain from special sensors in the skin and from deep in the body. Autonomic nerves are nerves that are not consciously controll http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma-dlbcl/725 Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which can be further divided into Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The lymphatic system is part of the bodys immune system and helps us fight infection. It is made up of various lymph organs, such as thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Lymph is a colourless fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system. It contains lymphocytes which are white blood cells that fight infection. There are two types of lymphocytes: T cells and B cells. T cells grow http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diphtheria/109 Diptheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diptheriae. Diptheria may be nasal, pharyngeal, laryngeal or cutaneous. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/disseminated-intravascular-coagulation/730 Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a disorder that affects the blood clotting cascade. This disorder occurs when your bodys clotting mechanisms are activated inappropriately. DIC can occur in the short or long term, and is the end complication of a variety of diseases such as cancers and some infections. Clots form throughout the whole body, instead of localizing only to the site of injury. Eventually, all the blood clotting factors are used up and unavailable to be used when needed at actual sites of injury. In the image on the right severe bleeding has occured in an infant, le http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dissociative-disorders/81 Dissociative disorders (as described in the DSM-IV-TR classification system) are disorder with the essential feature of disrupted quot;consciousness, memory, identity or perception of the environment.quot; The most common feature is dissociative phenomenon, where patients may assume an entirely new, or multiple types of personality. There are four major types of this disorder: Dissociative Amnesia: The loss of personal memory in the absence of impaired ability to learn new material. Dissociative Fugue: The unexpected and sudden travel away from home, associated with an inability to recall th http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/diverticular-disease-diverticulosis-diverticulitis/195 Diverticular disease is a disease of the colon. Diverticula are little outpouchings of the wall of the colon. Although they can be found in smaller numbers in the stomach or small intestine, quot;diverticular diseasequot; refers to when they are found in the large bowel (usually sigmoid colon). quot;Diverticulitisquot; refers to when there is inflammation of the colon at the site of the diverticula - usually as a result of one of the diverticula becoming blocked. The image below is indicative of diverticulitis. The arrow indicates an area within the sigmoid colon that is suffering from div http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/domestic-violence/478 Domestic violence is when an individual is in some way hurt by a person that he or she knows. Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm: a person also can be sexually abused or psychologically abused. Often a victim is hurt in more than one of these ways. Domestic violence usually continues over a long period of time and gets more frequent and more severe over time. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/drug-abuse-substance-abuse/90 Drug abuse and dependence is a psychological disease. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dry-eye-syndrome-keratoconjunctivitis-sicca/889 Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye produces fewer or poorer quality tears and is unable to maintain normal eye lubrication. It can also occur when thenbsp;lacrimal glands are damaged, or when tears evaporate more rapidly than normal. The medical name for dry eye syndrome is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome can include burning, scratchiness or irritation (feeling like theres something in your eye when theres not), redness, dryness, blurred vision, and an inability to wear contact lenses. Dry eye syndrome typically occurs in both eyes. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dubin-johnson-syndrome-and-rotor-syndrome/213 Dubin-Johnson and Rotor syndrome are both characterised by congenital hyperbilirubinaemia. In other words, both Dubin-Johnson and Rotor syndrome are inherited syndromes in which the liver can not adequately excrete bilirubin (the breakdown product of haemoglobin -which in turn is the molecule which carries oxygen in the blood). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dyslexia-developmental-reading-disorder/679 Dyslexia, also commonly known as Developmental Reading Disorder, is a reading disability resulting from the inability of an individual to process and interpret symbols. The widely accepted view today is that dyslexia is a verbal deficit and can be considered part of the continuum of language disorders. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/dysmenorrhoea-period-pain-menstrual-cramps/711 Dys - painful; meno - month; rrhea - flow.Dysmenorrhoea refers to pain occurring before or during menstruation or both. It is classified into primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs when pelvic anatomy and ovarian function are normal and no organic cause can be found for pain. Secondary dysmenorrhoea describes pain due to pelvic pathology. It can occur at any age but most commonly observed in women 20-45 yrs of age. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ebola-virus-ebola-hemorrhagic-fever/321 Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe illness likely transmitted to humans from infected animals and animal materials. It causes shock and severe bleeding abnormalities. The virus first appeared in the Ebola river region in the Sudan and Zaire. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ectopic-pregnancy/914 nbsp;Ectopic pregnancynbsp;(sometimes referred to as extrauterine pregnancy) refers to a pregnancy which grows outside of the uterus (where pregnancy usually occurs). It occurs when a fertilised egg fails to implant in the endometrial tissues of the uterine cavity and instead leaves the uterus and implants at another site. The most common sites for such pregnancies are the: Fallopian tubes (also known as tubal pregnancy);Ovary; andAbdominal cavity (i.e. the area around the abdomen including the liver and spleen).nbsp;Left untreated, ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/egg-allergy/845 Food allergies can have effects at several different sites in the body, including the mouth, throat, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Often more than one site in the body is affected at the same time, and the reaction can be generalised, such as anaphylactic shock. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-eds/509 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that result from the production of abnormal collagen. This can have wide ranging effects on the skin, joints and blood vessels. Skin can become excessively extendible (stretchy), fragile and bruise easily. There is poor wound healing, leading to thin wide scars. Ligaments and tendons become lax, resulting in an increased risk of dislocations and the onset of early degenerative osteoarthritis. The walls of the blood vessels, intestines, uterus and foetal membranes in some patients with EDS may be particularly fragil http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/emphysema/18 Emphysema is a chronic disease affecting the lungs. People have two lungs as demonstrated in the diagram below. The lungs receive air that travels from the nose and mouth, through the trachea (windpipe) and to the smaller airways. The lungs consist of a series of folded membranes (the alveoli) which are located at the ends of very fine branching air passages (bronchioles). The alveoli are responsible for the absorption of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide from the body. Emphysema involves abnormal permanent enlargement of the tiniest airspaces of the lungs, the alveoli and respiratory bro http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/empty-sella-syndrome/366 Empty sella syndrome is the absence of the pituitary gland on radiological imaging of the sella turcica. The pituitary gland is partly surrounded by a bony structure called the sella turcica (Turkish saddle). When the pituitary gland is not visible on CT or MRI scans of the sella turcica, the condition is referred to as empty sella syndrome. Primary empty sella syndrome occurs when a small anatomical defect above the pituitary gland increases pressure in the sella turcica and causes the gland to flatten out along the walls of the sella. When the sella is empty because the pituita http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/empyema/36 The lung is lined by two thin membranes of pleura (inner visceral and outer parietal), which allows the lung to expand and shrink with each breath with minimal friction. An empyema represents a collection of pus in the pleural space. This is the potential space between the two layers (parietal and visceral) of pleura. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/encephalitis-viral-encephalitis/456 Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain parenchyma (the functional part of the brain). Patients affected have widespread or focal disability of the neurological and psychological function. Encephalitis is different from meningitis, although, clinically, the 2 often occur together with signs and symptoms of meningitis, such as fear of light, headache, or stiff neck. Encephalitis usually has a viral cause however, it can occur as a result of bacterial or fungal meningitis. Common viral causes of encephalitis include Herpes Simplex virus (HSV - most common cause), ECHO, Coxsackie, mumps http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/endochondroma-chondroma-ollier's-disease/365 Chondroma is a benign (does not spread throughout body) tumour of cartilage. When chondromas form within the medullary cavity within the bone they are called endochondromas. Olliers disease is a syndrome when a person suffers from many endochondromas. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/endometriosis/852 nbsp;Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissues grow outside of the uterus and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed. Abnormal endometrial tissue growth is most commonly found in the pelvis, however deposits may also occur at distant sites including the brain. Excessive endometrial tissues then attach to tissues in the new location (e.g. the pelvis) and form benign (i.e. non-cancerous) nodules.The condition affects women of reproductive age. Many women with endometriosis will be asymptomatic (i.e. they will not show of the symptoms associated with endometriosis) and unaw http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/enlarged-prostate-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/808 nbsp;Benign prostatic hyperplasianbsp;(BPH)nbsp;is a condition in which benign (non-cancerous) nodules cause an enlargement of the prostate gland. A healthy prostate gland is responsible for producing semen. As a general rule, hyperplasia tends to occur in central glands of the prostate, close to the urethra. The urethra is the tube that transports urine and semen through the penis.nbsp;nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/eosinophilic-oesophagitis-eo/876 Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EO), also known as eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), is a specific inflammatory condition of the oesophagus where the wall becomes filled with eosinophil cells. The oesophagus is the muscular tube extending from the throat to the stomach which is important in swallowing. Eosinophils are a specific type of white blood cell involved in inflammatory changes, particularly those associated with allergic reactions. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/epidemic-polyarthritis-ross-river-virus/372 Ross River virus, or as it is traditionally called Epidemic Polyarthritis, is caused by a virus which is transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes. A wide variety of symptoms may occur from rashes with fevers, to arthritis that can last from months to years. There are no specific treatments and actions which reduce mosquito bites are the best form of prevention against these debilitating diseases. The disease affects the joints and the skin. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/epididymitis-and-orchitis-epididymo-orchitis/810 Epididymitis and Orchitis is a condition affecting the testis and epididymus (a long structure on the posterior surface of the testes, that stores and matures sperm before if is expelled through the ductus deferens). The condition normally results from ascending infection of the urinary tract, which tracks from the bladder to the male gonads. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/epilepsy/158 Epilepsy is the continuing tendency of a person to have seizures. An epileptic seizure is caused by an abnormal electrical discharge from a group of nerve cells in the brain. There are many different types of epilepsy and many different causes of epilepsy. Adult onset seizures are almost always caused by a structural problem within the brain. Epileptic seizures can be classified as partial or generalized, simple or complex. In partial epileptic seizures the seizure activity is restricted to a local area in the brain, whereas in generalized seizures a larger area and both sides of the brain http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/epileptic-seizures-epileptic-fits-status-epilepticus/785 Status epilepticus is not a disease on itself. Rather, it is a clinical situation where there are recurrent seizure activities (fits) without periods of consciousness in between. Traditionally, to define status epilepticus the duration of recurrent seizures should be at least 30 minutes. This is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Status epilepticus is a neurological clinical situation because of the recurrent seizures. It affects mainly the brain and also the organs innervated by the brain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/epstein-barr-virus-ebv-infection-glandular-fever/98 Epstein-Barr virus is a viral infection causing fevers, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/escherichia-coli-infections-e.coli/471 E coli is one of the most frequent causes of some of the many common bacterial infections, including cholecystitis, bacteremia, cholangitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), and travellers diarrhoea, and other clinical infections such as neonatal meningitis and pneumonia. The genus Escherichia is named after Theodor Escherich who isolated the type species of the genus. E coli is a major facultative inhabitant of the large intestine. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/essential-tremor/784 Essential tremor (ET) is a disease of the central nervous system, although the exact mechanism is unknown. It is suspected that this disease occurs due to changes in the deep brain tissue, but this has yet to be proven. ET usually affects only certain parts of the body, including: Hands Arms Face Voice Jaw Less commonly: legs, walking ability, balance http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ewings-sarcoma/442 Ewings sarcoma is a primary malignant small round cell tumour of bone. The small cells that make up the tumour resemble those of lymphoma or neuroblastoma, and current evidence suggests that the tumour cells are related to nerve cells (have a neural phenotype). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/extrinsic-allergic-alveolitis-eaa-or-hypersensitivity-pneumonitis-hp/20 Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a widespread disease of the lungs, involving inflammation in both the small airways of the lung and the alveoli (air sacs). It is not dissimilar to asthma, but the latter involves the bronchi and bronchioles. It is also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Breaking up these terms, extrinsic means the disease is caused by an external agent not from the body with allergic component to it; alveolitis means inflammation to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. The lung is composed of large airways (beginning with the trachea a http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/factor-v-leiden/64 Factor V is one of many proteins involved in the sequence of reactions required for blood clotting to occur. The presence of Factor V promotes the clotting tendency of blood. Normally, the level of factor V in the blood is controlled by a substance called activated protein C. This protein breaks down factor V. In patients with Factor V Leiden, an abnormality of their factor V gene means that activated protein C is unable to break down their factor V. The persistance of factor V in the bloodstream leads to a tendancy for blood clots to occur. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/failed-back-surgery-syndrome-fbss/898 Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a syndrome characterised by continuing back and/or leg pain despite undergoing lowernbsp;spinal surgery. FBSS is diagnosed when the outcome of such surgery does not meet the expectations of the patient or the surgeon that were outlined before the surgery. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/fatty-liver-steatosis-steatohepatitis/648 Virtual Medical Centre Video Click here to watch a video on fatty liver disease.Fatty liver is also known as NASH, which stands for Non-Alcoholic Steatorrhoeic Hepatosis or Non-Alcoholic-Fatty-Liver-Disease (NAFLD). Fatty liver is due to excessive accumulation of fatty material in the hepatocytes (liver cells), which is the most common response of the liver to injury. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/female-sexual-dysfunction-fsd/483 nbsp;The World Health Organisation defines female sexual dysfunction (FSD) as ldquo;the various ways in which an individual is unable to participate in a sexual relationshiphellip;she would wish.rdquo;nbsp;FSD is classified into a range of disorders depending on the specific nature of the sexual difficulties a woman encounters.nbsp;They are:Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: The persistent or recurrent lack of sexual fantasies, thoughts, desires and receptivity to sexual contact.Sexual aversion disorder: The persistent or recurrent fear and/or aversion of sexual contact.Sexual arousal di http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/fibromyalgia-fibrositis-syndrome/137 Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown cause. It is characterised by widespread muscle pain and stiffness in specific points - so called tender points which tend to be in certain areas. It is often associated with fatigue and poor sleep patterns. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/fibrous-dysplasia-inflammatory-fibrous-hyperplasia-idiopathic-fibrous-hyperplasia-/332 Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic disorder of the skeleton that causes the expansion of one or more bones due to the abnormal development of the fibrous, or connective tissue within the bone. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/focal-hyperhidrosis/946 Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive perspiration. Unlike normal sweating which occurs as a thermoregulatory responsenbsp;(that is, in response tonbsp;temperature stimuli in an attempt to maintain the bodys normal temperature), the excessive sweating characterising hyperhidrosis occurs due to a non-thermoregulatory response. The condition was first described about a century ago, but only recently has hyperhidrosis and its treatments received widespread attention. While there are many definitions, the condition may be described as sweating more than is required to regulate http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/foetal-alcohol-syndrome/507 Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of abnormalities with a child caused by exposure of alcohol to a foetus (an unborn baby, still in the womb). Alcohol is known to be what is called a teratogen. A teratogen is something from outside the body that can cause problems with the unborn baby. When drunk, the alcohol gets into the mothers blood and crosses via the placenta (the connection between mother and baby) into the babys blood. Here it can cause problems with the normal growth pattern of the baby. It is often associated with the problem of alcoholism in a mother. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/follicular-lymphoma/738 Follicular Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. There are two broad categories of lymphoma: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system that helps fight infection. It is composed of various organs e.g. lymph nodes, thymus, spleen and bone marrow. These are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels. Lymph is a colourless fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system. It contains lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection. There are 2 type http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/food-allergy/792 Food allergy refers to a specific allergic reaction, known as a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction, to a specific food (or foods), which is mediated by proteins known as IgE. Most food allergies in children are triggered by cows milk, egg, nut, sesame seed, soy, wheat and seafood proteins. Food allergies can have effects at several different sites in the body, including the mouth, throat, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Often more than one site in the body is affected at the same time, and the reaction can be generalised, such as anaphylactic shock. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/friedreich-ataxia/778 Friedreich ataxia is a disease of the central nervous system. The nervous system in the body can be divided into 2 categories: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nerves make up a vast network that transmits impulses from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to every other part of the body. Peripheral nerves also send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathies refer to a diverse group of diseases affecting the motor, sensory and autonomic nerves lying outside the central nervous system (i. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/frontotemporal-dementia-pick's-disease/718 Frontotemporal dementia (Picks disease) is a form of dementia characterised by gradually worsening decline of mental abilities. The disease often affects a persons ability to use and understand spoken and written language. It can also affect personality, social behaviour, reasoning, problem solving, and memory. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/frozen-shoulder-adhesive-capsulitis/497 The term frozen shoulder is often used to describe situations where the shoulder is working at less than its optimal range of motion. The correct term for this condition is adhesive capsulitis - a syndrome defined as the painful restriction of shoulder movement, due to an unknown cause. Secondary adhesive capsulitis refers to the condition when it is associated, or caused by an underlying illness or disorder. The image on the right is that of the affected joint components leading to Frozen Shoulder. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/g6pd-deficiency-glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-deficiency/455 G-6-PD deficiency is a hereditary, sex-linked enzyme defect that results in the breakdown of red blood cells when the person is exposed to the stress of infection or certain drugs. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gallstones/182 Gallstone disease is a disease of the gall bladder. Gallstones are solid stones which are formed from concretions within the gallbladder. They are two main types: Cholesterol stones (80%), and pigment stones (20%). Pigment stones are composed of bilirubin, the byproduct of haemoglobin (a component in red blood cells) breakdown. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gastritis/622 Gastritis, an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach, is not considered a single disease. Rather, gastritis is a condition that has numerous causes. Common to all is pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly (abdomen), sometimes called dyspepsia. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gastrointestinal-stromal-tumours-gists/921 Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are cancers that arise from cells within the gastrointestinal tract. The most common location for a GIST to develop is the stomach (50-60%), followed by the small intestine (30-40%), colon and rectum (5-10%), and oesophagus (5%). Rarely cases have been reported occurring outside the gastrointestinal tract in the gallbladder,nbsp;pancreas, liver and urinary bladder, which are referred to as extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumours. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gaucher-disease/912 Gaucher diseasenbsp;(GD) is an inherited genetic disorder that leads to the build up of fatty deposits in multiple organs within the body, including the spleen, liver, bone marrow and, rarely, the brain. There are three subtypes of Gaucher disease:Typenbsp;1 Gaucher disease is the most common form, and is the least serious. Typenbsp;2 Gaucher disease is rare, and fatal in the early stages of life.Typenbsp;3 Gaucher disease is an intermediate form between typesnbsp;1 and 2.Typenbsp;1 Gaucher disease is also known as non-neuronopathic GD, whilst typenbsp;2 and typenbsp;3 Gaucher disease http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gender-identity-disorder/484 Gender identity disorder is the existence of persistent feelings that your mind and body are of differing genders. It is a sense of inappropriateness of ones anatomic sex. Boys with gender identity disorder see themselves as girls and vice versa. This is distinct from homosexuality -- people with gender identity disorder may be attracted to the same or the opposite sex, but they feel that their own biological sex is wrong and doesnt represent their actual gender identity. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/generalised-anxiety-disorder-gad/84 Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a psychological disease. This condition is characterised by excessive worry about actual circumstances, events or conflicts that occur in everyday life. Anxiety disorders are classified according to whether the anxiety is persistent (general anxiety) or episodic, with the episodic conditions classified according to whether the episodes are regularly triggered by the same cue (phobia) or not (panic disorder). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/generalised-hyperhidrosis/949 Hyperhidrosis is anbsp;condition characterised by excessive sweating; that is, the production of more sweat than is required to regulate body temperature. It is caused by non-thermoregulatory stimuli, meaning stimuli other than heat. Normally the body only sweats when it becomes hot. Generalised nbsp;hyperhidrosis refers to hyperhidrosis affecting the entire body. It is also known as secondary hyperhidrosis as it typically arises secondary to other medical conditions, predominately endocrinologicalnbsp;(hormone-related) and infectiousnbsp;disorders. Generalised hyperhidrosis may also occu http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/genitourinary-tuberculosis-gutb/287 Genitourinary Tuberculosis is a disease of the genitourinary system. This includes the entire urinary tract and reproductive system. This is an extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis infection. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gestational-diabetes-mellitus/892 Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are high. This is due to problems with the hormone insulin, which allows sugar (mainly digested from the diet) to be taken up from the blood into the cells and to be processed as the bodys main energy source. If insulin levels are too low, or the body does not respond normally to insulin, sugar is trappedrsquo; in the blood (known as glucose intolerancersquo;), and diabetes occurs. Gestational diabetes mellitusnbsp;(GDM) is glucose intolerance that is first diagnosed during pregnancy (gestation). GDM is a tempo http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/giant-papillary-conjunctivitis-gpc/934 Conjunctivitis is a very common reason for experiencing an uncomfortable, red eye. There are a number of causes for conjunctivitis, including bacteria, viruses and, importantly, allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva refers to the thin, translucent lining of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelids. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is a type of allergic conjunctivitis. In GPC, a foreign body causes prolonged mechanical irritation, which results in a reaction in the eye. Most commonly, contact lenses are the foreign body causing the irr http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gilbert's-syndrome/212 Gilberts Syndrome is a disease of the Liver. There is a deficiency of an enzyme in the liver, which helps conjugate (attach) bilirubin (a by-product of haemoglobin breakdown) to a transporter molecule for excretion - hence there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood. This leads to no adverse effects in the patient but it leads to abnormal blood tests. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gingivitis/878 The term gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gingiva (gums). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/glaucoma/919 nbsp;Glaucoma refers to a group of disorders affecting the eyes. These disorders are characterised by increased pressure within the eye that causes damage to the eye tissues and the optic nerve, which is the main nerve controlling vision. Damage to the eye and optic nerve in glaucoma causes visual problems. There are several types of glaucoma including:Primary open-angle glaucoma;Primary angle-closure glaucoma;Congenital and juvenile glaucoma; andSecondary glaucoma as a complication of other medical conditions.nbsp;nbsp;The two most common of these are primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/glioma-of-the-spinal-cord/577 Glioma of the Spinal Cord presents as tumours within the spinal cord. The spinal cord forms part of the central nervous system. It is a cylindrical continuation of the brainstem, commencing from the medulla (at the level of the foramen magnum at the base of the skull) and extending to the conus medullaris at the level of the L2 vertebra. It is located within the vertebral canal - the bony tube formed by the vertebral foramina. Below the level of L2, the remaining contents of the spinal canal are known as the cauda equina - the bundle of nerve rootlets in the subarachnoid space. Within t http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/glomerulonephritis-gn/192 Glomerulonephritis is a general term for a group of disorders in which there is bilateral, symmetrical immunologically mediated injury to the glomerulus. A renal glomerulus consists of a capillary plexus invaginating the blind end of the proximal renal tubule. There are about one million glomeruli in each kidney. The glomerular capillaries are lined by a glomerular basement membrane. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/goitre-thyroid-enlargement/145 Goitre thyroid enlargementnbsp;is a disease of the thyroidnbsp;gland. A goitre is an enlargement of the gland. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gonorrhoea-gc/833 Gonorrhoea is a disease of the epithelial lining of the urogenital tract, rectum, pharynx and conjunctivae. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can be passed on by vaginal, oral or anal sexual intercourse. Gonorrhoea usually causes a urethritis (inflammation of the tube carrying urine from the bladder) in men, but occasionally it may spread to the heart, joints and brain. In women, the most common site of infection is the cervix (the lower end of the uterus or womb) but it may ascend and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)nbs http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gout-crystal-deposition-disorders/493 Gout is the most common form of crystal-induced arthritis, characterised by the deposition of crystals in and around joints and tendons. In some patients this may be asymptomatic, in others it will cause an acute inflammatory reaction (acute gout), or it may result in the slow destruction of the involved tissue after repeated attacks (chronic gout). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/gout-and-hyperuricaemia/141 Gout is a condition in which there are deposits of a chemical (sodium urate) in joints, causing arthritis, as well as in soft tissues and the urinary tract. Urate or uric acid is a chemical formed from the breakdown of purines - DNA building blocks derived from protein. Hyperuricaemia means that a person has too much uric acid in the blood - which is associated with gout. When uric acid precipitates in a joint (often the big toe) it causes an acute arthritis. Uric acid can also be deposited in: Soft tissue, causing tophi (white chalky deposits) and tenosynovitis - tendon inflammation; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/graves'-disease/659 Graves Disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis (increased activity of the thyroid gland). The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland, located just inferior to the larynx, or voice box. Its right and left lateral lobes lie on either side of the trachea, or windpipe. Connecting the lobes is a mass of tissue called the isthmus, that lies in front of the windpipe. Microscopic sacs called thyroid follicles comprise most of the thyroid gland. The walls of each of these thyroid follicles is made up by two types of cells, follicular cells and parafollicu http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/grief-mourning-grieving-bereavement/651 nbsp;Grief is a natural emotional reaction to a significant loss. It is most frequently an unhappy and painful emotion triggered by the death of a loved one. When we consider grief we often associate it with terms such as sorrow and heartache. Whether the loss is a family member, close friend ornbsp;the family pet, some level of grief will inherently follow. Anticipatory grief is pretty self explanatory. This form of grief occurs prior to the actual significant loss. This most often occurs when something or someone who is close to you is dying of a degenerative or invasive disease such as ca http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/groin-strain/896 Groin strain is a term used to describe an injury to one of the muscles or tendons located within the groin region of the inner thigh. The groin muscles are commonly used in sprinting and sports that involve side to side lunging or stepping as well as ball sports that involve kicking. Examples of such sports include soccer, Australian Rules football, swimming, American football, ice hockey and dancing. It is during these activities that a groin strain can occur. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/guillain-barre-syndrome-gbs/464 Guillain-Barre syndrome is a disorder caused by damage to the myelin sheath around nerves. The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that surrounds nerve fibres, it increases the speed at which signals travel along the nerves. Guillain-Barre syndrome results in progressive muscle weakness or paralysis. It often follows an infectious chest or intestinal illness. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/haemolytic-uraemic-syndrome-hus/292 Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome is a disorder marked by kidney failure, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopaenia (platelet deficiency), coagulation defects, and variable nervous system disorders. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/haemophilia-a/62 Haemophilia A involves a genetic defect causing abnormality of blood clotting. Normal blood contains a range of special proteins and chemicals that cause blood to clot quickly if blood vessels are damaged. This occurs due to a sequence of events known as the coagulation cascade, involving a series of reactions between different coagulation factors. The end result is a mesh of protein called fibrin, which is the solid part of a clot, and plugs up the damaged vessel. In Haemophilia A, levels of a coagulation factor called Factor VIII are reduced. This occurs due to genetic defects http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/haemorrhagic-stroke/811 Haemorrhagic stroke is characterised by bleeding occuring directly into the brain itself, damaging adjacent brain tissue. This often results from rupture of a vessel due to hypertension or an aneurysm (abnormal dilation or weakness of a vessel). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/haemorrhoids-piles-hemorrhoids/215 Haemorrhoids or piles are located in the anus. The term when used in a clinical sense, refers to the internal disruption or downward displacement of the anal cushions. The anal cushionsare tissue structures rich in blood supply, that line the anus and contribute to anal closure. They are classified according to their clinical presentation: First degree haemorrhoids occur when the is some bleeding present. Second degree heamorrhoids refer to spontaneously reducing prolapse of the anal cushions during defaecation. Third degree haemorrhoids refers to prolapse requiring manual replac http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hairy-cell-leukaemia/699 Hairy Cell Leukaemia arises from cells located in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue located in the centre of most long bones and is responsible for the production of the cellular components of blood; namely white cells, red cells and platelets. Lymphoblasts and myeloblasts are found in the bone marrow and are normal immature (precursor) cells of white and red blood cells. The development of these lymphoblasts is influenced by many factors within the body (endogenous factors) such as proteins and cytokines to differentiate into mature white and red blood cells. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hashimoto's-thyroiditis/310 Hashimotos thyroiditis is a disease of the thyroid gland. The thyroid produces two hormones, T3 and T4, which control metabolism of almost all thenbsp;cells innbsp;the body. The pituitary gland secrets a hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), which increases thyroid gland hormone production. Hashimotos thyroiditis occurs when inflammation caused by an autoimmune process destroys the thyroid gland, leading to an insufficient production of thyroid hormones. The disease is named after its discoverer, Hakaru Hashimoto. Hashimotos thyroiditis is the most common form of thyroiditis. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hayfever-or-seasonal-rhinitis/882 Allergic rhinitis is an allergic disease which affects many people worldwide. Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose, whilst the term allergic describes a normal but exaggerated response to a substance. It may be perennial, which means symptoms are present throughout the year, or seasonal, with symptoms peaking during the months of spring and summer when pollen levels are at their highest.nbsp; nbsp;Seasonal rhinitis, also known as hayfever, is characterised by irritation and congestion or watering of the nose, itchy eyes, ears and throat, and sneezing. It occurs due to an exaggerated r http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/headache/322 Headache, the medical term for which is cephalgia, refers to diffuse head pain; that is, pain which is spread throughout the head and not restricted to areas in which the headrsquo;s nerves are located. It is amongst the most common causes of pain for which a person might visit their general practitioner. Traditionally headaches have been classified as either: Primary: Headaches with no apparent underlying cause; or Secondary: Headaches caused by a medical condition such as an infection or injury to the head. nbsp; Primary headachesPrimary headaches may be further classified as: T http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/heart-attack-myocardial-infarction/817 A heart attack, also known as anbsp;myocardial infarction or MI,nbsp;occurs when an area of heart muscle dies or is permanently damaged because of an inadequate supply of oxygen to that area. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/heart-block-atrioventricular-conduction-abnormalities/53 Heart block is a disorder of the electrical conduction system of the heart. There are three degrees of heart block: 1st degree: There is a delayed conduction between the atria and ventricles, but all beats are conducted; 2nd degree: Some beats from the atria are not conducted to the ventricles; 3rd degree: The atria and the ventricles beat completely independently of each other. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/heart-failure/690 Heart failure, in simple terms, is when the heart fails to maintain an adequate circulation of blood around the body, owing to a defect in the hearts pumping action. Heart disease can lead to heart failure. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/henoch-schonlein-purpura/770 Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) otherwise known as anaphylactoid purpura is a blood vessel disease characterised by inflammation of the vessels, or vasculitis. Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) is divided into different names and groups depending on which vessels that are affected. In HSP, the small arterial vessels that join the arteries and veins together are affected. These tiny vessels are called capillaries, and HSP affect these particularly in the skin and kidneys. Internally, the gut can be affected too as they are rich in capillaries. Hence in HSP, 3 sites commonly in http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/heparin-induced-thrombocytopenia-type-ii-hit-ii/867 Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II (HIT-II) is a complication of heparin therapy. An immune response to the heparin molecule causes a drop in platelet count (thrombocytopaenia) as well as an increased risk of developing blood clots. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hepatitis-a-virus/123 Hepatitis A is a picornavirus - meaning that it is made up of single-stranded RNA. Although many viruses can affect the liver and cause a hepatitis picture, the Hepatitis A virus has its name because it is one of six viruses that specifically target the liver. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hepatitis-b-virus/122 Hepatitis B virus is a disease of the Liver. Hepatitis refers to any condition causing inflammation of the liver. Although many Hepatitis B viruses can cause inflammation of the liver, Hepatitis B is one of six viruses that specifically target the liver - which is why they are called Hepatitis viruses. The Hepatitis B viral particle is made up of an outer surface coat - hep B surface antigen (HBs), inner core ds DNA (hep b core antigen - HBc), and hep e antigen (HBe). These parts of the Hepatitis B virus particle and the antibodies produced against them by the body are used for laboratory det http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hepatitis-c-virus-hcv/135 The hepatitis C virus is a disease of the liver. A virus is an incredibly tiny infectious agent that incorporates itself into the cells of the body, programming them to start producing more of the virus. This causes damage to the cells, but in hepatitis C, the major damage is not actually done by the virus itself. Rather, the major damage caused to the liver is actually due to the inflammation that the body creates trying to fight off the virus. When the body starts to fight the disease, it causes damage to the cells and eventually fibrosis where the liver cells are replaced by tough, but http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hereditary-haemochromatosis-hh/169 Hereditary Haemochromatosis is an inherited disorder of iron metabolism where there is increased intestinal iron absorption leading to deposition and subsequent damage in multiple organs (joints, liver, heart, pancreas and pituitary). HH is an autosomal recessive condition - hence a person needs both copies (one from each parent) of the affectred gene to be abnormal to develop the disease. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hernia/217 A hernia is any structure passing through another which in doing so ends up in the wrong place. Formally, it is defined as the protrusion of a loop or knuckle of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. An inguinal hernia is most common - these occur in the area of where the skin crease at the top of the thigh joins the torso (the inguinal crease) and appear as a bulge. Other Hernias: Femoral hernia - bowel enters the femoral canal presenting as a mass in the upper, inner thigh. Umbilical - through umbilicus (the belly button area). Paraumbilical - just above or below th http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/herniated-nucleus-pulposus-slipped-disc-lumbar-radiculopathy-cervical-radiculopathy-herniated-intervertebral-disc-prolapsed-intervertebral-disc-ruptured-disc/335 A slipped disc, or herniated nucleus pulposus, is a condition in which part or all of the soft, gelatinous central portion of an intervertebral disk (the nucleus pulposus) is forced through a weakened portion of the disk, resulting in back and leg pain caused by nerve root irritation. Please click here for a diagram of a Herniated nucleus pulposus.nbsp;nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/herpes-simplex-virus-hsv-cold-sores-genital-sores-genital-ulcers/120 There are two different strains of herpes simplex viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus typenbsp;2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is the most common herpes simplex virus among the general population and is usually acquired in childhood. HSV-1 often causes lesions inside the mouth such as cold sores (fever blisters) and is transmitted by contact with infected saliva. By adulthood, up to 90% of individuals will have antibodies to HSV-1. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is sexua http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hip-pain/325 The hip is the part of the body anatomically referred to as the hip joint is where the upper part of the femur (the thigh bone) attaches to the pelvis (acetabulum). Image courtesy of Dr Ivaacute;n Saenz (Virtual Medical Vision) When patients complain of hip pain, they most commonly actually refer to the buttock or lower back. Hip problems, on the other hand, usually cause pain in the thigh region, groin, or even knee due to the innervation of the hip. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hiv-aids-human-immune-deficiency-virus-and-acquired-immune-deficiency-syndrome/121 HIV is a retrovirus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system. This system consists of cells and organs that protect the body against diseases like infections and cancer. HIV attacks the immune system through special types of white blood cell known as CD4 cells. CD4 cells play an important role in orchestrating and controlling the functions of the whole immune system. Once HIV is in the immune system, it multiplies inside the CD4 cells, disabling and killing them in the course of the infection, andnbsp;thus interfering with their normal function. The immune system gradually deteriorat http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hives-urticaria/762 Hives, or the medical term Urticaria is a common allergic reaction on the skin. It is characterized by raised, red skin welts that are more than 5mm in diameter. Hives are extremely itchy, and often have a pale border surrounding the red area. The urticarial rash can be isolated or many, sometimes they join together and form a large area of raised, red rash. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hodgkin's-lymphoma/408 Hodgkins Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that usually arises from the lymphocytes found within the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are groups of lymphatic cells held together by connective tissue, distributed throughout the body. Lymph fluid is produced when the blood passes through the tissues. Most of the cellular content of the blood (white cells, red cells and platelets) stays within the blood vessels, some of the liquid content (water, proteins, antibodies, fats) and some white cells pass through and bathe the tissues in nutrients. The lymphatic fluid is collected by the lymphatic vessels http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/horner-syndrome/779 Horner syndrome is a condition caused by injury to the sympathetic nerves fo the face. A syndrome is a combination of different signs and symptoms, when put together, have certain clinical significance. Horner syndrome is characterised by these 3 signs: Constricted pupils (the tiny black part of the eye) Drooping eyelids (ptosis) Facial dryness due to inability to sweat (anhidrosis) The significance of Horner syndrome lies in the underlying diseases that cause this syndrome, rather than a clinical disease by itself. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/human-papillomavirus-hpv/294 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) also known as wart virus or genital warts, is a particular type of virus that affects epithelial surfaces. Epithelium basically refers to a layer of cells. HPV usually causes warts in various parts of the body including the skin of palms (palmar warts), soles (plantar warts) and genitals. In addition, there are some types of HPV that can predispose to cervical cancer. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/huntington's-disease-huntington's-chorea/473 Huntingtons disease is a progressive disease that results in the slow loss of affected brain cells. It is an inherited condition that begins in adulthood. At present, typical Huntingtons disease is a lethal condition. Huntingtons disease is characterised by involuntary movements, dementia and psychological disturbances that worsen as the disease progresses. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hydrocephalus/163 Hydrocephalus can be defined as increased volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain. This may be due to: 1) Too much CSF produced 2) An obstruction of CSF flow 3) Problem with absorption of CSF The increased volume of CSF results in increased pressure within the brain (intracranial pressure) which may cause damage to the delicate brain tissue and resultant neurological effects such as drowsiness and seizures. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypercalcaemic-nephropathy/293 Hypercalcaemic nephropathy involves the kidney and urinary tract, and also encompasses kidney damage related to excessive amounts of calcium in the blood. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypercholesterolaemia/487 Hypercholesterolaemia is defined as elevated amounts of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally found in the walls of cells. It is used by the body to produce certain hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help to digest fat. If the amounts of cholesterol in the blood are excessive, cholesterol can build up in arteries, which can lead to coronary heart disease and many other serious conditions.nbsp;nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypereosinophilic-syndrome-hes/701 Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) refers to a group of diseases that are characterised by an excessive amount of eosinophils (a normal cellular component from the myeloid series of the blood that stains red with an eosin stain). These eosinophils can infiltrate the organs of the body, in particular the heart and lungs. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hyperparathyroidism/156 Hyperparathyroidism is a disease of the Parathyroid glands. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hyperprolactinaemia/152 Hyperprolactinaemia is defined as an elevation of prolactin level above 25ng/ml in women of childbearing age and above 20ng/ml in men and post-menopausal women. It occurs in the Pituitary gland which is located at the base of the hypothalamus. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypersensitivity-reaction-type-i/765 Hypersensitivity means that the body responds to a particular substance (called allergens) in an exaggerated fashion, where it does not happen in normal circumstances. There are 4 types of hypersensitivity reaction, type I, II, III and IV. They are different in terms of the disease manifestation and pathological processes. However, only type I hypersensitivity reaction will be discussed here. It is an immediate immune reaction, ie it happens immediately after exposure to the particular substance. Type I hypersensitivity reaction can occur in many parts of the body, but generally they inc http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypersensitivity-reaction-type-ii/767 Hypersensitivity means that the body responds to a particular substance (called allergens) in an exaggerated fashion, where it does not happen in normal circumstances. There are 4 types of hypersensitivity reaction, type I, II, III and IV. They are different in terms of the disease manifestation and pathological processes. However, only type II hypersensitivity reaction will be discussed here. Type II hypersensitivity reaction is also called antibody mediated hypersensitivity reaction because this is the differentiating feature from other types of hypersensitivity. Type II hypersensitivi http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypersensitivity-reaction-type-iii/768 Hypersensitivity means that the body responds to a particular substance (called allergens) in an exaggerated fashion, where it does not happen in normal circumstances. There are 4 types of hypersensitivity reaction, type I, II, III and IV. They are different in terms of the disease manifestation and pathological processes. However, only type III hypersensitivity reaction will be discussed here. In type III hypersensitivity, soluble antibodies bind to antigens to form immune complexes in the blood. These complexes travel through the blood stream and get deposited in various organs. Hence thi http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypersensitivity-reaction-type-iv/769 Hypersensitivity means that the body responds to a particular substance (called allergens) in an exaggerated fashion, where it does not happen in normal circumstances. There are 4 types of hypersensitivity reaction, type I, II, III and IV. They are different in terms of the disease manifestation and pathological processes. However, only type IV hypersensitivity reaction will be discussed here. Type IV hypersensitivity reaction is also called delayed type hypersensitivity reaction because it takes 2 to 3 days for the reaction to develop after exposure to the particular substance. Type IV hypers http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/812 Hypertension is defined as elevated blood pressure and is the leading cause globally of death and disability.nbsp;It is the major risk factor fornbsp;heart attack and stroke,nbsp;and is also a significant risk factor for for chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure.nbsp;Because individuals with hypertension usually dont have any symptoms, it is a disease that is often under-diagnosed. Diagnosis relies upon routinenbsp;blood pressure screeningnbsp;to monitor and detect affected individuals.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypertensive-nephropathy/296 Hypertensive Nephropathy is a disease of the kidneys. The vasculature of the kidneys is damaged with an increase in blood pressure (high blood pressure). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hyperthyroidism/144 Hyperthyroidism is an imbalance of metabolism caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces several hormones which control the way that every cell in the body uses energy (metabolism). The thyroid is part of the endocrine system.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hyperuricaemic-nephropathy-gout-purines-and-interstitial-nephritis/284 Hyperuricaemic Nephropathy is a disease of the kidneys. There are three forms of renal disease associated with hyperuricaemia: 1. Chronic hyperuricaemic nephropathy. 2. Acute hyperuricaemic nephropathy. 3. Uric acid stone formation: Nephrolithiasis (see Urinary Stone Disease). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypoactive-sexual-desire-disorder-hsdd/925 The traditional definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is an absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. The disturbance must cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty; cannot be better accounted for by another major mental disorder (except another sexual dysfunction); and is not due solely to the effects of a substance or general medical condition.This definition is based on the traditional model of human sexual response. It is important to note that this model derived from studies on predominantly male subjects, emerging from the work of William Master http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypoadrenalism-includes-addison's-disease/146 Hypoadrenalism is a disease of the entire adrenal cortex. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hyponatraemia/734 Hyponatraemia is defined as low levels of sodium in the serum, that is less than 135mmol/L (normal range is between 135mmol/L and 145mmol/L). Sodium is the predominant positively charged ion (cation) in the bodys extracellular fluid. Severe hyponatraemia is when the serum sodium levels are below 125mmol/L. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypophosphatasia/330 Hypophosphatasia is one of several disorders that resembles osteogenesis imperfecta. It is an inherited metabolic (chemical) bone disease that results from low levels of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypopituitarism/197 Hypopituitarism is a disease of the Pituitary Gland. It does not generally manifest until more than 75% of the gland is destroyed. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypothermia/653 Hypothermia will occur when the bodies natural defences against it (such as shivering and heat retention in body core) fail. Your normal body core temperature is usually 37 degrees celsius. When this drops below approximately 35 degrees, one is considered to be hypothermic. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/hypothyroidism/143 Hypothyroidism causes underactivity of the thyroid gland. It may be primary from disease of the thyroid gland or secondary to hypothalamic-pituitary axis. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/idiopathic-interstitial-pneumonia/788 The term idiopathic interstitial pneumonia actually refers to a group of diseases rather than to a specific diagnosis. These diseases pertain to problems within the lung space. The diseases classified within this group include: usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP) - the most common idiopathic interstitial pneumonia nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia (BOOP) respiratory bronchiolitis associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD) desquamative interstitial pneumonitis (DIP) lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) acute inter http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/idiopathic-subglottic-stenosis-iss-idiopathic-laryngotracheal-stenosis-ilts-idiopathic-tracheal-stenosis/930 Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISS) is narrowing of the upper airway caused by inflammation and scar tissue, due to an unknown cause.Idiopathic means that something has an unknown cause. Subglottic refers to the area of the airway that is narrowed (under the vocal cords, or glottis). Stenosis means a narrowing. nbsp;nbsp;Many things can cause the airway to narrow. ISS will not be diagnosed if another cause is found for the narrowed airway (as diagnosis of ISS requires the narrowing to be from an unknown cause). Known cau http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/idiopathic-thrombocytopaenic-purpura-itp/65 Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a disease involving immune destruction of platelets. Platelets are cells present in the blood which are important in forming plugs in damaged vessels to stop bleeding, while the longer process of clotting occurs. In ITP, destruction of platelets leads to an increased tendancy to bleed. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/infective-endocarditis-ie/9 Infective endocarditis is an infection (usually bacterial, occasionally fungal) of the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart). It is a serious disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize sequelae. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/infertility/894 Infertility is a condition in which a couple are unable to conceive, after frequent sexual intercourse, for 12 months or more. It is sometimes also known as infecundity, as fertility tends to imply the number of offspring one has produced (e.g. the total fertility rate for a country refers to the average number of babies born per woman), whereas fecundity implies the physiological ability to produce offspring. Infertility can be primary (occurring in couples who have not previously had a child) or secondary (occurring in couples who have conceived in the past) and can stem from factors related http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-overview/943 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of conditions characterised by recurring inflammation of the gastrointestinal organs. The two main types of IBD are: Ulcerative colitis: Characterised by inflammationnbsp;confined to the mucous membranes of the colon (bowel) and rectum; Crohns disease: Characterised by inflammation of any of the gastrointestinal organs.nbsp; For more information on ulcerative colitis, see Ulcerative Colitis. For more information on Crohns disease, see Crohns Disease. These conditions occur because the immune system do http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/influenza-flu/813 Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus which exists as three types: A, B or C. Influenza type A is found in humans as well as other mammals and birds. It is the only type that has been known to cause influenza pandemics (widespread outbreak of disease).nbsp; Influenza type B occurs in humans and seals. Influenza type C occurs in humans and pigs. Influenza type C occurs commonly in children under 6 years of age, and causes a mild illness. Most humans are exposed to influenza type C as children and therefore develop immunity to it.nbsp; Tiny proteins are pr http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/inherited-vitamin-d-disorders/307 Inherited Vitamin D Disorders affect the kidneys. Namely the renal tubules. There are three forms of inherited Vitamin D disorder. These include vitamin D-resistant rickets, Type I vitamin D-dependent rickets and Type II vitamin D-dependent rickets. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/insect-stings-bee-sting-spider-bites/761 Bee sting and wasp sting happen commonly, bee sting and wasp sting are one of the clinical encounters that are exaggerated and mystified in movies and medias. bee sting and wasp sting are mostly benign and harmless, but with massive bee and wasp sting they can be life-threatening. Also if anaphylaxis occurs, this can be from minimal stings and be life-threatening. Insect stings can be due to the following: bee sting wasp sting ants The commonest would be stings due to insects from the Hymenoptera group. This group includes bees, vespids (wasps, yellow jackets, hornets), and ants. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/insomnia/82 Insomnia is defined as unsatisfactory sleep that affects daytime functions. The daytime consequences of insomnia include fatigue, irritability, decreased memory and concentration, and malaise. All of these symptoms result in a reduced quality of life and impact on work life by decreasing productivity and increasing absenteeism.nbsp;nbsp; Some research has found that poor sleep quality is caused by an individual being unable to achieve delta or stage 4 sleep, which is the sleep stage that has restorative properties.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;For more information, see Sleep Physiolog http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/interstitial-cystitis/861 Interstitial cystitis is a bladder condition which mostly affects older women. Symptoms may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, urinary urgency and frequency, or urinary incontinence. It is a chronic (life-long) condition with no definitive treatment currently available. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/intraventricular-conduction-blocks/54 Intraventricular Conduction Blocks or Bundle Branch Blocks occur in the conduction system of the heart. There are two main bundles of conducting fibers in the heart conducting the electrical signal through the ventricles - the right bundle, and the left bundle (which has an anteriour and a posterious fascicle). Hence the possible abnormalities are: - Right bundle branch block; - Left bundle branch block; - anteriour hemi-block; - posterior hemi-block; - bifascicular block (right bundle and left anterior). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/invasive-breast-carcinoma-breast-cancer/950 Invasive breast carcinomas are cancers originating from breast tissue. They may originate in the milk ducts and/or glandular (breast milk producing) tissue of the breast and invade into normal healthy tissues. There are several different types of breast cancer, but infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common type of invasive breast cancer accounting for 70 to 80% of invasive lesions. The major types of invasive breast carcinomas are: Ductal carcinoma (70ndash;80%)- Cancer cells that resemble the ducts of the breast; Lobular carcinoma (5ndash;10%)- Cancer cells that resemble the lob http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/iron-deficiency-anaemia/60 Iron ceficiency anaemia is a disorder of the blood, where the iron level in the blood is low. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/716 Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a chronic disorder of function of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the large intestine (colon). The gastrointestinal tract (pictured below) consists of the mouth (oral cavity), oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and the small and large intestines. The colon, which is about 5 feet long, connects the small intestine with the rectum and anus. The major function of the colon is to absorb water, nutrients, and salts from the partially digested food that enters from the small intestine. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ischaemic-maculopathy/944 Ischaemic maculopathy is one of a group of eye diseases which affect diabetics. These eye diseases are collectively referred to as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs as a result of abnormal changes to the structure of blood vessels, which occur as a result of diabetes. In the early stages of the disease these changes affect the eyes retina (retinopathy) and may be classified as either: Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy - characterised by the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye; or Proliferative diabetic retinopathy - characterised by bleeding from abnormal http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ischaemic-stroke/856 nbsp;nbsp;A stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot (ischaemic stroke), or bursts and bleeds (haemorrhagic stroke). As a result, part of the brain cannot get sufficient blood (and hence cannot get enough oxygen and nutrients), and starts to die.Ischaemic stroke can be due to: Thrombosis - local blockage of an artery as a result of disease in the blood vessel wall. Embolism - particles of debris originating elsewhere block arteries supplying a particular part of the brain. Systemic hypoperfusion - http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/joint-hypermobility-syndrome-jhs/642 About 5% of the population have hypermobile joints - their joints have a range of movement that is greater than normal. This condition by itself is not serious, unless there is an underlying disease. However people with JHS have an increased risk of dislocations, sprains and joint pain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-juvenile-chronic-arthritis/637 Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) refers to a group of diseases causing chronic (lasting longer than 6 weeks) joint pain and swelling in children.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/juvenile-onset-ankylosing-spondylitis/733 Ankylosing spondylitis is often called arthritis of the spine. Ankylosing means stiffening of joints. Spondylitis means inflammation of one or more vertebrae (backbones). Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of the sacroiliac (SI) joints (between the segments of hip bones called sacrum and ilium) and the axial skeleton (the skeleton of the trunk and head). When symptom onset occurs in individuals 2. Ankylosing spondylitis with an age of onset of 17 years is termed adult-onset ankylosing spondylitis (AoAS). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/kawasaki-disease/623 Kawasaki disease is currently the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. First described by Dr Tomisaku Kawasaki, it is a disease of unknown cause that affects the blood vessels usually in children aged less than 5 years (90-95% of Kawasaki disease patients are aged less than 10 years). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/kidney-cancer-renal-cell-carcinoma-rcc/542 Kidney cancer, or renal cell cancer (RCC), originates from the cells of the outer layer of the kidney, the renal cortex. There are many types of RCCs and each type is derived from a different cell lineage and has its own distinct characteristics. Recognition that RCC is a collection of different cancer sub-types rather than a single disease has allowed the development of more specific treatments. nbsp; nbsp; For more information about the anatomy of the kidneys, including diagrams and descriptions for how they work, see Urinary System (Renal System). nbsp; There are t http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/kidney-cancer-renal-manifestations-of-malignant-disease/299 Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease is a disease affecting the Kidneys. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/kidney-disease-chronic-renal-failure/204 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD, also known as Chronic Renal Failure) is a disease affecting the kidney. Chronic kidney disease occurs with long-term kidney disease, resulting in a gradual decline in kidney function over time. There are four major causes of chronic kidney disease: Glomerular disease (such as glomerulonephritis) Tubulointerstitial disease (such as prolonged obstruction) Vascular disease (such as atherosclerosis) Cystic disease (such as adult polycystic kidney disease) It is important to understand the anatomy of the kidney so that you know how the diseases affect it. Chronic renal http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/kidney-disease-and-infection-nephropathies/306 The main area affected by Kidney disease and infection is the glomeruli of the kidneys. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/knee-pain/814 Knee pain can result from injuries to the knee or hip. The knee joint is composed of three articulating bones - the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap). These bones are held together by ligaments and the quadriceps muscle helps with stability. The joint, like other joints in the body is lined with cartilage, but in addition, it also has menisci which help to mould the surfaces of the knee joint so they can articulate more favourably and help to provide some lubrication. The joint is also surrounded by several bursae - fluid filled compartments which help with lubricat http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/krabbe-disease-globoid-cell-leukodystrophy/467 In Krabbe disease, there is a lack of an enzyme called galactosylceramide beta-galactosidase (GALC); this enzyme breaks down several important compounds in the body. Without enough GALC, substances which should be broken down start to accumulate. The build-up of these substances damages the nerve cells in the central nervous system, destroying many of them and preventing the repair of others. This can result in neurological problems such as blindness, abnormal muscle tone and seizures. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/kyphosis-scheuermann's-disease-roundback-hunchback-postural-kyphosis/317 Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine that develops into a bowing of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lactose-intolerance/843 nbsp; Lactose intolerance, or intolerance to lactose-containing foods (such as dairy products), affects primarily the gastrointestinal tract, though it can have effects on other systems as a result of nutritional deficits that result from the condition. Lactose intolerance can be either primary, or secondary to damage to the gastrointestinal tract. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lambert-eaton-syndrome-or-eaton-lambert-syndrome/780 Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a disease of the neuromuscular junction. A syndrome is a constitution of symptoms or conditions that occur together with the clinical significance that there may be presence of a certain disease. Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a disease that is characterised by muscle weakness that improves with continued contraction of the muscle. Lambert-Eaton syndrome is also known as Eaton-Lambert syndrome or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome because of the close similarity to another disease called myaesthenia gravis. Lambert-Eaton syndrome affects the muscle and also the au http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lassa-fever/111 Lassa fever is a disease of the blood, liver and spleen. Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/latex-allergy/805 Latex allergy has become an important health concern in recent years, especially in the occupational setting for health care workers, such as nurses, doctors and allied health professionals. Latex barrier products are now in widespread use following the adoption of universal precautions for infection control, which has been associated with an increased number of people suffering from latex allergy. Latex allergy cannot be cured, however awareness of the problem and avoidance of latex for sensitised individuals remains the mainstay of treatment. Natural rubber latex is derived from the sap http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/legionnaire's-disease-legionella-pneumonia-pontiac-fever/384 An outbreak of serious pulmonary infections among people attending a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia during the US Bicentennial celebration in July 1976 prompted the description of Legionnaires disease and its causative organism, Legionella pneumophila. A nonpneumonic variant caused by the same species is called Pontiac fever, named for an outbreak of the described disease in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1968. The bacterium can cause a broad spectrum of disease from mild cough and fever to a serious pneumonia. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/leiomyosarcoma-of-muscle/606 A leiomyosarcoma is a smooth muscle tumour. Muscle is the tissue responsible for body movements and the changes in the shape and size of internal organs. It consists of parallel arrangements of highly specialised cells containing contractile elements - chiefly actin and myosin filaments. There are 2 main types of muscle (based on their appearance under the light microscope): smooth muscle and striated muscle. Smooth muscle is the muscle that is found in the gastrointestinal, respiratory and genitourinary tracts, the blood vessels, the iris and ciliary body of the eye, the scrotum, and http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lennox-gastaut-syndrome/782 Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of epilepsy which develops in childhood. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is characterised by: Multiple seizures (fits) of various types, which are usually difficult to control A specific pattern of brain activity on the electroencephalogram (EEG) Intellectual impairment. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/leptospirosis-weil's-diseasesyndrome-icterohemorrhagic-fever/389 Leptospirosis is a rare, severe, and contagious bacterial infection caused by several species of the genus Leptospira, a spiral-shaped microorganism (spirochete). Leptospirosis often is referred to as swineherds disease, swamp fever, or mud fever. The organism enters the body when mucous membranes or abraded skin comes in contact with contaminated environmental sources. The infection causes a systemic illness that can quite often lead to renal and hepatic dysfunction and possible failure. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lewy-body-dementia-lbd/73 Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal structures (Lewy bodies) found in certain areas of the brain. In addition to dementia, patients with dementia with Lewy bodies experience hallucinations, motor impairment, and fluctuating alertness. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lipoma/884 A lipoma is a benign, or non-dangerous new growth of fatty tissue. They can occur anywhere in the body, and can often be found growing underneath the skin. They grow very slowly and very rarely turn into a tumour that is cancerous. It is the most common soft tissue growth of adulthood and is most commonly found in patients aged between 40 and 60 years old, but can also be found in children. It is more common in men, however women are also able to get lipomas and in some instances, there is a familial tendency for growth of lipomas. There are different names given to lipomas, depending on where http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/liver-cancer-hepatocellular-carcinoma/601 Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a cancer of the liver. The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and is found under the ribs on the right hand side. The functions of the liver are many and varied but can be divided into: Protein metabolism - synthesis of circulating proteins and coagulation factors; also involved in protein breakdown; Carbohydrate metabolism - regulation of blood sugar level through breakdown and release of stored glycogen or the synthesis of glucose (gluconeogenesis) from protein/fat stores; Lipid metabolism; Bile formation - bile acids are synthesised from ch http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/liver-cirrhosis/168 Cirrhosis is a disease of the liver. The liver is an organ that can normally withstand a lot of damage because of its ability to regenerate. However, because of progressive damage due tonbsp;whatever cause, this damage is often accompanied by fibrosis (scar tissue). As this progresses there is progressive scarring of the liver and distortion of its architecture - termed cirrhosis, which is irreversible. In cirrhosis there is less viable liver tissue which can perform the livers normal function, hence this can lead to liver failure, and there is also a build up of pressure in the veins that http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/liver-failure-including-encephalopathy-fulminant-hepatic-failure-hepato-renal-syndrome/167 Acute hepatic (liver) failure commonly occurs as a result of an acute insult in a patient with chronic liver disease (acute-on-chronic hepatic failure). Fulminant (rapid and severe) hepatic failure (FHF) is when encephalopathy (confusional state) occurs within 8 weeks of the onset of liver damage (of whatever cause) in a previously normal liver. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/localized-scleroderma/859 Scleroderma is a disorder with an unknown cause. It is characterized by thickening of the skin due to extra tissue being deposited within it. The excess tissue is called connective tissue, connective tissue is the framework which keeps much of the body together. Scleroderma is a group of conditions that are linked by the changes in the skin, however there are many other effects of the disease, and as a result it is classified into a variety of distinct conditions depending on the pattern of disease. Classification of Scleroderma Scleroderma is classified broadly into two categories: Localized http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lower-back-pain/815 nbsp; The lower back is a complex structure composed of the vertebrae (the back bones), the nerves which leave the spinal cord at that level, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues. The back provides support, movement and protects important structures such as the spinal cord. The vertebrae (the lumbar ones at that level) articulate with each other via the facet joints at the back, and are also separated from each other by a cushion, or shock absorber called the intervertebral disc. They are held together by various ligaments, and form the site of attachment of the back muscles. Nerves exit http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lung-abscess/37 A lung abscess is a localised infection within the lung. An abscess is a pus-containing cavity. It usually occurs as a complication of inadequately treated pneumonia, when the bacteria are able to replicate to large numbers and cause damage to the lung tissue. The damaged tissue is walled off by the immune system and becomes an abscess. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lung-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-lung/570 Lung cancers are tumours arising from cells lining the airways of the respiratory system. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is one of the main types of lung cancers. Adenocarcinoma of the lung arises from the secretory (glandular) cells located in the epithelium lining the bronchi. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lung-cancer-large-cell-carcinoma-of-the-lung/592 Lung cancers are tumours arising from cells lining the airways of the respiratory system. One type of lung cancer is known as Large Cell Carcinoma. The cells of this tumour appear large and abnormal under the microscope. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lung-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-lung/568 Lung cancers are tumours arising from cells lining the airways of the respiratory system. One of the main types of lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. This is a tumour that develops from the squamous cells which line the airways of the lungs. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lupus-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle/164 Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that may affect many organ systems within the body. In particular it is associated with a distinctive rash and joint pain, however the most potentially serious problems are due to effects on the brain and kidneys. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lupus-nephritis/346 Image courtesy of Blausen Medical Communications. Contact Andrew Walbank.Lupus nephritis is a disease affecting the kidneys. Systemic lupus erythematosusnbsp;(SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder which causes significant renal disease, primarily affecting the glomerulus.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lyme-disease/624 Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, and the individuals subsequent immune reaction to the infection. It is characterised by arthritis, neurological and cardiac complications, with a characteristic rash that spreads from the initial tick bite. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lymphoblastic-lymphoma-non-hodgkin's-lymphoma/741 Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, and can be further divided into Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Lymphoblastic lymphoma is classified under non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The lymphatic system is an important part of the bodys immune system that helps us fight infection. It is composed of the lymph nodes, thymus (a gland behind the breast bone), spleen and bone marrow, which are connected by tiny lymph vessels. Lymph is a colourless fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system. It contains lymphocytes which are white blood cells that fight infection. There are 2 types of lym http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lymphoma-of-the-brain/673 Cancers of the Brain may be of the Lymphoma type. Primary lymphomas arise from lymphatic cells found within the brain. Secondary lymphomas arise from outside the central nervous system and deposit within the CNS as a metastatic process. Primary lymphomas will be discussed here. The brain is the control centre for the body. It is comprised of millions of individual nerve cells, which are all interconnected. It is located at the top of the spinal cord and is encased in hard bone. Individual nerves emerge from the brain to work the muscles and organs contained within the head. These are c http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/lymphoma-of-the-stomach-gastric-lymphoma/543 Cancer is a condition in which the normal cells of the body undergo change and exhibit abnormal cell growth. This can manifest differently depending on the tissues/organs involved and the characteristics of the cancer itself.Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic cells/lymphoid tissue that forms part of the immune system. Normally these cells help protect our bodies against infection. The cells/tissues affected may be located within lymph nodes or in lymphoid tissue located in other sites of the body (not within lymph nodes) such as the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and skin. A http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/macular-degeneration/924 Macular degeneration is a condition affecting the nerves in the central portion of the eyes retina, which is known as the macula. Globally, it is the leading cause of vision loss and is responsible for some 50% of visual impairment. The condition is characterised by an individuals loss of central, high acuity vision, that is, the vision that is used for tasks that require sharp focus, including reading, writing and driving. As visual acuity deteriorates, the individuals central vision (what they see in the centre of their field of vision) becomes unfocused, although their peripheral visio http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mad-cow-disease-creutzfeldt-jacob-disease-transmissible-spongiform-encephalopathy-new-variant-cjd/353 Mad Cow Disease or Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) is a disorder causing slowly progressive dementia and loss of movement. CJD is caused by prions (proteinaceous infectious particles). There are four forms of CJD - sporadic, iatrogenic, familial and new variant CJD. Sporadic CJD is the most common form of CJD. In familial CJD there is an inherited mutation in a gene which causes CJD. In iatrogenic CJD the disease is transmitted by procedures such as transplantation of contaminated tissue (e.g. corneas) or contact with contaminated medical devices (e.g brain electrodes). New variant C http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/malaria/116 Malaria is an infection affecting red blood cells, liver, and potentially brain and kidneys. Malaria (Quartan malaria; Falciparum malaria / Blackwater fever; Tertian malaria) is caused by the Plasmodium parasite that is transmitted from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes vector. There are four species of Plasmodium, the parasite causing malaria. These are Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium falciparum. Malarial infection with each of the four species causes are largely similar symptoms and signs, although the malaria symptoms s http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/male-breast-cancer-male-breast-carcinoma/829 Male breast cancer is a rare but important disease. Many people do not realise that men, as well as women, have breast tissue. In women, the breast is composed mainly of fatty tissue, milk glands and a series of ducts connecting the glands to the nipple. In men, only a small amount of breast tissue is present. This is mainly made up of fat, with a few ducts and some connective tissue. However, this small amount of breast tissue can occasionally undergo malignant (cancerous) change, producing breast cancer. Breast cancer in men is essentially the same disease as breast cancer in women. A few i http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/male-sexual-dysfunction-erectile-dysfunction-impotence/482 Erectile dysfunction is the inability to develop or maintain an erection that is rigid enough to allow penetration of the vagina, and therefore functional sexual intercourse. Generally, the term erectile dysfunction is applied if this occurs frequently (75% of the time) over a significant period if time (several weeks to months). If this is the case, the term impotence may also be used. Erectile dysfunction may present in different ways. Some men are completely unable to develop an erection. Some may develop an erection that doesnbsp;not remain rigid enough to allow satisfactory intercour http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/malignant-mesothelioma-of-the-pleura/594 Virtual Medical Centre Video Click here to watch a video on mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura is a cancer which arises from the mesothelial cells found within the pleural membranesnbsp;that cover the lungs. There are two pleurae:nbsp;the visceral pleura, which covers the actual lung itself; and the parietal pleura, which covers the inside of the chest wall. The purpose of the pleura is to provide a smooth surface so that, as the chest expands, the lungs expand smoothly within the chest cavity. The pleural membranes normally secrete a small amount http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/malnutrition/660 Malnutrition is a condition in which an individual has insufficient energy to maintain their bodys essential functions, including growth, maintenance and movement. It is defined by the British National Institute for Clinical Excellence as quot;a state in which a deficiency of energy, protein and/or other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects on tissue/body form, composition, function or clinical outcome.quot; As the definition suggests, malnutrition can be further classified as either protein-energy/protein-calorie malnutrition (i.e. a deficiency in protein energy), or micronutrient d http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/malt-lymphoma/749 Lymphoma is divided into 2 broad groups: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. MALT lymphoma is a relatively uncommon type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It primarily affects the B lymphocytes. Lymphoma means cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important to our immune system where it helps to combat infection. The lymphatic system consists of several organs, e.g. lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and bone marrow, where all these are connected by tiny vessels. Lymphatic fluid is the medium that circulates in these tiny vessels. Like blood, it has cells in them. These cell http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mantle-cell-lymphoma/751 Lymphoma is divided into 2 broad groups: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma has many subtypes - and one of them is Mantle Cell Lymphoma. It is a B-cell lymphoma, which means it primarily affects the B lymphocytes. Lymphoma means cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important to our immune system where it helps to combat infection. The lymphatic system consists of several organs, e.g. lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and bone marrow, where all these are connected by tiny vessels. Lymphatic fluid is the medium that circulates in these tiny ves http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/marfan's-syndrome/625 Marfans syndrome is an inherited disorder of connective tissues within the body. It affects the skeleton, joints, eyes and cardiovascular structures. The skin and lungs are also frequently involved. The clinical expression of the disorder is largely variable and some patients may have marked abnormalities in one system (e.g. cardiovascular) with only minor changes in others (e.g. minimal skeletal changes). Two of the major systems must be involved to avoid over-diagnosis of the condition. Abraham Lincoln was thought to have Marfans syndrome as he possessed many of the physical character http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/measles-rubeola/104 Measles is a highly contagious viral illness characterized by a fever, cough, conjunctivitis (redness and irritation in membranes of the eyes), and a spreading rash. It is one of the five classic exanthems along with rubella, roseola, fifth disease, and chicken pox. Measles affects the skin and respiratory tract. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/medial-epicondylitis-medial-tennis-elbow-golfer's-elbow/352 Tennis elbow is an overload or overuse condition in which the muscles of the forearm are affected - in particular the muscles that flex the wrist - the forehand muscles in tennis or the muscles of the dominant arm in golf. Although the condition is termed golf elbow since it is common in golfplayers, only a small proportion of patients actually get the condition from playing golf. The forehand muscles are attached to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Hence the other term for it is medial epicondylitis - since the common flexor attachment is involved due to the repetitive strai http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mediastinal-thymic-large-b-cell-lymphoma/727 Mediastinal large B cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system and can be subdivided into Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system that helps fight infection. It is composed of various organs e.g. lymph nodes, thymus (in the mediastinum - behind the breastbone), spleen and bone marrow. These are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels. Lymph is a colourless fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system. It contains lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infect http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/medullary-cell-of-the-thyroid/544 Cancers of the Thyroid may be of the Medullary Cell type and usually arise from the medullary cells located between the thyroid follicles, which are responsible for production of calcitonin. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck in the front. It acts as the bodys carburettor and accelerator determining how quickly we burn our fuel. It regulates body metabolism and energy. The vallecular cells make the thyroid hormone responsible for the above, and C cells located between the thyroid follicles make calcitonin (which regulate calcium). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/medulloblastoma-primitive-neuroectodermal-tumour-pnet/445 Medulloblastoma is an aggressive brain tumour that only develops in the posterior fossa of the brain - classically in the midline of the cerebellum. It is an important tumour because it occurs in childhood and it can be very aggressive. It is made up of small cells that are believed to have a neuro-ectodermal origin. The brain is contained within the cranial vault, and is divided into several sections by folds of dura mater (one of the three membranes encasing the brain). The posterior fossa of the skull contains the cerebellum and brainstem. The term primitive neuroectodermal tumour o http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/megaloblastic-anaemia/61 Megaloblastic anaemia is a disorder of the bone marrow. There is a presence of erythroblasts in the bone marrow with delayed nuclear maturation because of defective DNA synthesis (megaloblasts). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/melioidosis-burkholderia-pseudomallei-psuedoglanders-whitmore's-disease/470 Melioidosis, also called Whitmores disease, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis is clinically and pathologically similar to Glanders disease, but the ecology and epidemiology of melioidosis are different from glanders. Melioidosis is predominately a disease of tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia where it is endemic. The bacteria causing melioidosis are found in contaminated water and soil and are spread to humans and animals through direct contact with the contaminated source. Glanders is contracted by humans from infected domest http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/meningioma-of-the-brain/537 Meningioma of the Brain is a cancer of the meninges. The meninges are protective membranes which cover the brain. They are in 2 layers; 1 layer is applied closely to the brain and the other layer applied to the skull. The space between the 2 membranes is filled with cerebro-spinal fluid. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/meningioma-of-the-spinal-cord/581 Meningioma of the Spinal Cord is a type of spinal cord cancer. The spinal cord forms part of the central nervous system. It is a cylindrical continuation of the brainstem, commencing from the medulla (at the level of the foramen magnum at the base of the skull) and extending to the conus medullaris at the level of the L2 vertebra. It is located within the vertebral canal - the bony tube formed by the vertebral foramina. Below the level of L2 the remaining contents of the spinal canal are known as the cauda equina - the bundle of nerve rootlets in the subarachnoid space. Within the verte http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/meningitis-eosinophilic-meningitis/773 Meningitis is defined as inflammation of the meninges. Meninges are thin membranes that cover the spinal cord and the brain. There are many causes of meningitis, most commonly infection. Depending on the types of bugs that causes the infection, there will be different immunological cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF - the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord). In eosinophilic meningitis, there is increased number of eosinophils in the CSF. Eosinophil is a type of white blood cell responsible to fight off parasitic infection or to mount an allergic response. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/meningococcal-septicaemia-meningococcemia-meningococcal-bacteremia/113 Meningococcal septicaemia is an acute (sudden onset) infection of the bloodstream and subsequent vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Neisseria meningitidis frequently lives in the upper respiratory tract with no evidence of illness. Some event is thought to trigger the onset of aggressive behavior of the organism and sporadic cases of meningococcemia and meningococcal meningitis appear. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/menopause/661 Menopause is the term used when women permanently stop having menstrual periods. It can be diagnosed after one year with no periods following the final menstrual periodnbsp;(FMP). Menopause may occur naturally, or may occur due to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Natural menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen, and finish releasing eggs that may be fertilised by sperm to result in pregnancy. The change in hormone levels means the uterusnbsp;(womb) no longer prepares itself for pregnancy each month, which is why periods no longer occur. This decrease in function of t http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/meralgia-paraesthetica/644 Meralgia paraesthetica is a condition caused by entrapment or injury to the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer part of the thigh. Patients may experience a dull ache, itching, numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the outer thigh that may cause mild to severe discomfort. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/merkel-cell-carcinoma-mcc/540 nbsp; nbsp;Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that predominantly affects elderly Caucasians. It has a tendency to recur locally and spread to different parts of the body. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/metabolic-syndrome/834 Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a number of metabolic abnormalities (including insulin resistance and obesity) occur at the same time in an individual. Individuals who have the syndrome are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus than those who do not. Metabolic syndrome is defined by the International Diabetes Federation as: Central obesity, indicated by a waist circumference (ethnicity specific) Plus any two of the following: Increased triglycerides Increased high density cholesterol High blood pressure High fasting plasma glucose http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/metastases-of-the-spinal-cord/687 Metastatic disease occurs when cancer from one site in the body spreads to another area. The spine is a common area for the spread of cancer and can cause a variety of neurological and bone related symptoms. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/metastases-to-the-bone/708 Metastases is the term used to describe the spread of cancer from its site of origin to another location in the body. Bone is one of the most common locations in the body to which cancer metastasises. Any type of cancer can spread to the bone.The most common metastasising cancers are those of the breast, lung, kidney, thyroid and prostate. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/metastases-to-the-liver/705 Liver metastases occur in the tissue of the liver, usually close to blood vessels. The liver has the second richest blood supply of the body, and therefore provides a very suitable environment for the growth of cancer cells. The primary cancer site may be anywhere in the body, the most common sites are listed in Predisposing Factors. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus-mrsa-staph-infection/795 Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) refers to a disease caused by a bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria commonly causes cellulitis and wound infections but it may also cause serious infections such as osteomyelitis (bone infection) or bacteraemia (infection of the bloodstream). The bacteria is normally present on the skin and in the nose of 30-50% of the general population, however it does not cause disease unless it effects a vulnerable site or person. MRSA refers to Staphylococcus aureus with an acquired resistance to methicillin (a powerful antibiotic) a http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/microscopic-polyangiitis-mpa/262 Microscopic polyangiitis is characterized by pauci-immune, necrotizing, small-vessel vasculitis without clinical or pathological evidence of necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/migraine/324 Migraine is a recurring type of primary headache. It is characterised by unilateral pain (pain which occurs on only one side of the body), which is typically moderate-severe and has a pulsating quality. Migraine may occur with or without aura, which refers to focal neurologicalnbsp;symptoms (neurological disturbances affecting a distinct area of the body, such as the eyes) which precede the migraine headache. They may be categorised in terms of the frequency with which they are experienced as: Intermittent or episodic- when headaches occur on Chronic- when headaches occur on ge;15 days p http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/milk-allergy/847 Food allergies can have effects at several different sites in the body, including the mouth, throat, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Often more than one site in the body is affected at the same time, and the reaction can be generalised, such as anaphylactic shock. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mitral-regurgitation-mr/4 Acute mitral regurgitation is a disorder in which the hearts mitral valve (between the left aftrium and left ventricle) does not close properly, causing blood to leak (back-flow) into the left atrium (upper heart chamber) when the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) contracts. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mitral-stenosis-ms/5 Mitral stenosis is a narrowing or obstruction of the opening of the mitral valve, which separates the upper (left arium) and lower chamber (left ventricle) on the left side of the heart. This prevents adequate blood flow between the left atrium (upper chamber) and ventricle (lower chamber). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/molar-pregnancy-gestational-trophoblastic-disease-gtd/895 Image courtesy of Blausen Medical Communications. Contact Andrew Walbank.Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), also known as molar pregnancy, is a range of pregnancy related tumours. Molar pregnancies occur when the placenta (or afterbirth) of a defective pregnancy transforms into a tumour. It can occur following normal or abnormal fertilisation. The tumours are unique because they arise from placental tissues and therefore contain maternal and paternal genes (whereas most tumours arise only from the tissues of the individual in which they are found).They can be either benign (i.e. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/moles-benign-pigmented-lesions-benign-melanocytic-lesions-melanocytic-naevi-nevocytic-naevi/871 Benign pigmented lesions refer to a wide range of abnormalities that can be found on the skin, including: Melanocytic naevi (also known as the common mole); Seborrhoeic keratosis; Acanthosis nigricans; Lentigines; Cafe au lait macules; Melasma; Post inflammatory conditions; Ephelides (freckles). The common mole refers to a topic of significant importance. A very important life-threatening condition, malignant melanoma, can mimic these benign looking moles. With the naked eye, it may be difficult to tell benign from malignant lesions, thus awareness and presenting to your loca http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/motor-neurone-disease/183 In motor neuron disease (MND) there is relentless and unexplained destruction of lower and upper motor nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive weakness of muscles. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mould-allergy/858 http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mucormycosis-zygomycosis/678 Mucormycosis is a fungal infection of the sinuses, brain, or lungs and on rare occasions the skin and digestive system, that occurs primarily in people with immune disorders. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/multiple-endocrine-neoplasia-ii-men-ii-sipple's-syndrome/348 Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia II (MEN II) or Sipples syndrome occurs when patients develop a type of thyroid cancer accompanied by recurring cancer of the adrenal glands. One type of this disease (MEN IIa) is also associated with overgrowth (hyperplasia) of the parathyroid gland. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/multiple-endocrine-neoplasia-type-1-endocrine-adenomatosis-or-wermer's-syndrome/347 Multiple Endocrine Adenomatosis or Wermers syndrome is a disorder of the endocrine glands; the parathyroids are the earliest and most often affected by MEN1. The human body normally has four parathyroid glands, which are located close to the thyroid gland in the front of the neck. The pancreas gland, located behind the stomach, the pituitary is a small gland inside the head, behind the bridge of the nose. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/multiple-epiphyseal-dysplasia-med/646 Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is a rare genetic condition that affects the growing portion or head of the long bones. It belongs to a group of disorders called osteochondrodysplasias that result in abnormal development of cartilage and bone. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/multiple-myeloma/600 Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Normally, plasma cells form part of the immune system. They produce immunoglobulins (antibodies) which help fight infection. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow multiply too fast. They take up too much space in the bone marrow and prevent the normal production of other blood cells, such as red and white blood cells. The plasma cells of multiple myeloma also produce large quantities of abnormal immunoglobulins, which cannot fight infection and which can cause damage to the kidneys. The type of abnormal pr http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/multiple-sclerosis-ms/159 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). As shown in the diagram below, nerves in the body are covered with a fatty sheath called myelin. Myelin considerably increases the speed that nerve signals (impulses) travel down the axons. A thin myelinated axon transmits impulses at anything from 5 to 30 meters per second, whereas an unmyelinated one transmits them at 0.5 to 2 meters per second. It does this by both insulating and containing the nerves. nbsp; In MS, there are multiple areas of damage to the myelin sheath (demyelination) within the http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/multiple-system-atrophy-shy-drager-syndrome/463 Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset disease with features of parkinsonism, autonomic dysfunction, urinary dysfunction and cerebellar ataxia. There is progressive loss of neuronal and oligodendroglial cells in the central nervous system. MSA is also known as Shy-Drager syndrome (when autonomic dysfunction is the predominant feature), striatonigral degeneration (Parkinsonsim predominates) and olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy (cerebekllar features predominate). The diagnosis of MSA can be very difficult as it can be clinically very similar to other disorders such as Parkinsons d http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/mumps-epidemic-parotitis/105 Mumps is an acute, contagious, viral disease that causes painful enlargement of the salivary or parotid glands. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/muscular-dystrophy/794 The muscular dystrophies are a group of hereditary and genetic muscle diseases mainly characterised by the presence of progressive skeletal muscle weakness. There is usually a defect or deficiency in essential muscle proteins which is accompanied by the death of muscle cells and tissues. Cardiac and smooth muscle may be affected in some types of muscular dystrophy. The major types of muscular dystrophy include: Beckers muscular dystrophy (BMD) - usually noticeable at adolescence Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) - usually noticeable at birth Distal muscular dystrophy Duchenne muscular http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/myaesthenia-gravis/207 Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterised by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal muscles in the body. The muscle weakness worsens after activity and improves after rest. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/myelodysplastic-syndrome-mds/68 Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) describes a group of bone marrow disorders that are characterised by a defect in stem cells. The bone marrow is the tissue located in the centre of long bones in the body and is responsible for producing most of the cells in the body. Stem cells are the precursor cells that divide and grow to produce each of the particular cell lineages. Haemopoetic stem cells produce cells in the blood of three classes- white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). In Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) the stem cells become mutant and http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/myelofibrosis-idiopathic-myelofibrosis-myeloid-metaplasia-agnogenic-myeloid-metaplasia/329 Myelofibrosis is a disorder of the bone marrow in which the marrow is replaced by fibrous (scar) tissue. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/myelofibrosis-myelosclerosis/95 Myelofibrosis means fibrosis of the bone marrow. In this condition, the marrow becomes fibrous as part of a chronic malignant (cancerous) process in which the proliferation of certain blood cell clones leads to the formation of fibrous tissue. With increased fibrosis of the bone marrow - other organs (spleen, liver) become a source of blood cell synthesis - consequently enlargement of the liver and spleen is the other common finding in myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis can occur secondary to other bone marrow conditions (polycythaemia vera, chronic myeloid leukaemia) or as a primary condition - http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/myeloma-nephropathy/358 Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that affects certain white blood cells called plasma cells. This cells are found in the bone marrow, producing large amounts proteins which are actually small fragments of antibody proteins called light chains. Myeloma kidney disease may take many forms, as a number of metabolic derangement are caused by multiple myeloma, which may have deleterious effects on the kidney. The most significant of these derangements are: Hypercalaemia: May result in hypercalaemic nephropathy. Increased protein production: May lead to classic myeloma nephropathy, light chain deposition http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/myocarditis/51 Myocarditis is an inflammatory disorder of the myocardium (the heart muscle). It is usually caused by a viral infection, particularly adenovirus (a virus that contains DNA) and enterovirus (a group of viruses that infect the gastrointestinal tract and can spread to other areas) infections, although many infectious organisms commonly seen in infants and children have been implicated. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/myopathy-including-duchenne's/228 Myopathies are diseases that affect the skeletal muscles (those attached to bones). Myopathies can be caused by inherited genetic defects (e.g. muscular dystrophies), and endocrine, inflammatory (e.g. polymyositis), and metabolic disorders. Nearly all of the myopathies produce weakening and wasting of skeletal muscles. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/narcolepsy/650 Narcolepsy is a disorder of the bodys normal sleep wake cycles, causing inappropriate sleepiness at unpredictable times during the day. Patients who suffer from narcolepsy may fall asleep at various times during the day, sometimes with little or no warning. The condition is characterised by four main symptoms. These include (listed in decreasing frequency): Excessive / increased sleepiness during the day. Cataplexy (abrupt loss of muscle tone for a brief, temporary period of time, commonly triggered by sudden emotional reactions such as laughing or fear. This can cause symptoms such as weakne http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/neck-pain/369 Neck pain can present in any of the seven cervical vertebrae (back bones) connecting the base of skull to the thoracic cage. As well as the cervical spine, muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues can also be a source of neck pain. In addition, other structures likethe trachea (wind pipe), blood vessels, thyroid gland, and lymph nodes are also found in the neck and can be a source of pain. Sometimes pain in the neck can result from structures (e.g. lung, heart) that are not in the neck) - this is called referred pain.nbsp;nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome/752 Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a collection of problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from drugs use (by the mother during pregnancy). Because of this, it is also known as infant narcotic withdrawal. A syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms, grouped together and recognised as a manifestation of a certain disease. Almost every drug that the mother takes during pregnancy passes from the mothers blood to the foetus (foetus means unborn baby). If the mother has been taking illicit substances such as narcotics, the foetus can get addicted with these substances. After birth, the b http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/nephrocalcinosis/223 Nephrocalcinosis is a disease affecting the kidney. Deposition of calium salts within the tissues of the kidney. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/nephrolithiasis-kidney-stones-renal-calculi-urinary-stones/349 Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is a disease affecting the urinary tract. Kidney stones are small deposits that build up in the kidneys,nbsp;made of calcium, phosphate and other components of foods. They are a common cause of blood in urine. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/nephrotic-syndrome-ns/201 Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is a disease affecting the kidneys. Exclusively associated with the excessive loss of albumin into the urine generally defined to be exceeding 3.5g per day. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/neuroblastoma/200 Neuroblastoma is a cancer of childhood that grows in the nervous system. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/neuroendocrine-tumour/799 Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are tumours composed of neuroendocrine cells, which are cells that produce and secrete regulatory hormones and are present throughout the nervous and endocrine/hormonal systems. As neuroendocrine cells are distributed widely throughout the body, tumours of these cells can occur at many sites. Examples of neuroendocrine tumours are: Carcinoid tumour; Pancreatic endocrine tumour; Gastrinoma; Insulinoma; Glucagonoma; VIPoma (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide tumour); Paraganglioma; Pheochromocytoma; Medullary thyroid carcinoma; Poorly differentiated sm http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/neuropathic-pain/797 Neuropathic pain is defined as pain caused by a lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system. There is no noxious (pain causing) stimulus that is causing the pain. Rather, the pain results from inappropriate signals in the nervous system. Unlike physiologic pain, which serves to warn and protect individuals from possible or actual injury, neuropathic pain serves no useful purpose. Some examples of peripheral neuropathic pain include: Postherpetic neuralgia (pain occurring after shingles); Diabetic neuropathy; Pain following limb amputation. Some causes of central neuropathic pain inclu http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/neutropaenic-sepsis/732 Neutropaenic sepsis is a systemic infection that occurs in the setting of decreased blood neutrophils (granulocytes). A decrease in neutrophils increases the risk of infection, and once microorganisms have entered the body, reduces the bodys ability to fight the infection. Many microorganisms, including some that dont usually cause infections, may proliferate in these patients and cause disseminated infection. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/neutropenia/704 Neutropenia is a disorder of the blood, with low levels of a special type of cell called the neutrophil. There are many types of cells in the blood, but the two main kinds are red blood cells and white blood cells. A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell, which helps destroy bacteria in the body. Therefore someone who has low levels of neutrophils is more likely to get bacterial infections. There are many causes for neutropenia - sometimes it can occur after an infection, ingestion of a particular drug or some people can be born with it. If the neutrophil levels fall extremely low, the http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/nodal-marginal-zone-b-cell-lymphoma/750 Lymphoma is divided into 2 broad groups: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma has many subtypes - and one of them is Nodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma. As the name suggests, it primarily affects the B cells. Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma is the nodal (i.e. happens in the lymph nodes) manifestation of MALT lymphoma (see other article on MALT lymphoma). Lymphoma means cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important to our immune system where it helps to combat infection. The lymphatic system consists of several organs, e.g. lymph no http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/non-hodgkin's-lymphoma/409 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma usually arises from the lymphocytes found within the lymph nodes or lymphoid tissue within other organs. Lymph nodes are groups of lymphatic cells held together by connective tissue, and are distributed throughout the body. Lymph fluid is produced when the blood passes through the tissues. Most of the cellular content of the blood (white cells, red cells and platelets) stays within the blood vessels, some of the liquid content (water, proteins, antibodies, fats) and some white cells pass through and bathe the tissues in nutrients. The lymphatic fluid is collected http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-nsclc/709 Lung cancersnbsp;are one of the most common cancers worldwide. Lung cancers are classified as either small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancers refers to a subset of cancer types that account for approximately 70% of lung cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, large cell carcinoma of the lung, and adenocarcinoma of the lung. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/nontraumatic-spinal-cord-injury/854 Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Injury (NTSCI) is any damage to the spinal cord that has not been caused by a major trauma. So rather than the spinal cord being injured in a traumatic impact like a car crash or a fall, it has been damaged in other ways such as infection, loss of blood supply, compression by a cancer or through slow degeneration of the spinal bones (vertebrae) such as in osteoarthritis. The spinal cord is about 46cm long, and contains many nerve cells that create signals, nerve fibres that transmit the signals as well as other cells that look after the nerve cells. Around the spina http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus/781 Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus literally means water in the brain, but technically it means building up of fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) in the brain to the extent that the normally fluid-filled cavities in the brain (called ventricles) are enlarged. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a symptom complex characterized by the following: Abnormal walking pattern (gait) Urinary incontinence (unable to hold the urine) Dementia (progressive intellectual decline characterised by memory loss, inability to perform normal tasks, etc.) As noted above, http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/obesity/474 Obesity is defined as being 20% or more over the maximum desirable weight for a mans height or 25% or more in females. It is now considered a chronic health problem of the Western world. Being obese is different from being overweight. Obesity is also defined as having a BMInbsp;(body mass index) over 30 kg/m2. Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres) squared. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally associated with good health. As the BMI gets higher, more health problems develop.Calculate your BMI using the calculator below. Then com http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/obliterative-bronchiolitis-ob/740 Obliterative bronchiolitis, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a manifestation of chronic allograft rejection, that is, rejection following organ transplantation from another human being. It develops in nearly 50 percent of all patients who receive a lung transplant from an unrelated donor.Obliterative bronchiolitis is a severe inflammatory response provoked by lung transplantation from an unrelated donor. The inflammatory response causes a large number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that fights infection) to come into the graft tissue (transplanted tissue), resulting in fi http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/88 Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterised by the presence of obsessions and compulsions within a patients comprehension and behaviour. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/obstructive-sleep-apnoea-osa-sleep-apnea/488 Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition characterised by episodes where a persons breathing repeatedly stops while they sleep. Apnoea refers to the lack of breathing, while obstructive describes the cause of the apnoea. During normal sleep, the muscles lining the upper throat relax slightly, but stay strong enough to keep the airway open, allowing air in and out of the lungs. Some individuals have a narrower passage, and during sleep, the relaxation of these muscles causes the passage to close, resulting in air not getting to the lungs. Loud snoring and laboured breathing occur. When comp http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/occipital-neuralgia/866 Occipital neuralgia is a very specific type of headache, where the pain is in the back of the head, at the very top of the neck and behind the ears. This location relates to an area supplied by a nerve, called the occipital nerve, which usually gathers information about pain and touch from this exact area. In occipital neuralgia this area can also sometimes not feel normal sensations as well as usual. While it is usually only on one side of the head, it can sometimes be on both. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/oesophageal-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-oesophagus/521 Oesophagus Cancer (cancers of the oesophagus) may be of the Adenocarcinoma type, and usually arise from the glandular cells of the epithelium which lines the lower part of the gullet. The oesophagus is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is a muscular tube lined with epithelium. The sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus stops acid refluxing up the oesophagus from the stomach.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/oesophageal-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-oesophagus/619 Oesophageal cancers may be of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma type and usually arise from the Epithelium which lines the gullet. Squamous cell carcinomas are usually found in the upper 2/3 of the oesophagus. The oesophagus is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is a muscular tube lined by epithelium. The sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus stops acid refluxing up the oesophagus from the stomach. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/opioid-induced-hyperalgesia/853 Opioids are a class of drugs commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. They can be used over prolonged periods to relieve chronic pain. Opioid induced hyperalgesia is a clinical picture which involves increasing pain in patients who are receiving increasing doses of opioids. Opioids are substances such as opium, morphine, heroin, codeine and methadone. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/oppositional-defiant-disorder-odd/891 Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavioural disorder characterised by a ongoing pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviour beginning in childhood or adolescence. It is part of a group of disruptive behaviour disorders that also includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder. Of these three, ODD is seen as the most gentle. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/oral-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-floor-of-the-mouth/609 Oral Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Floor of the Mouth) in oncology squamous cell cancers of the head and neck are often considered together because they share many similarities - in incidence, cancer type, predisposing factors, pathological features, treatment and prognosis. Up to 30% of patients with one primary head and neck tumour will have a second primary malignancy. The oral cavity or mouth consists of two parts: the vestibule, which is the space between the lips and cheeks and the teeth and gums; and the mouth proper which is internal to the teeth. The oral cavity refers to the http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/oral-mucositis-om/920 Oral mucositis (OM) refers to an inflammatory, erosive, and/or ulcerative process inside the mouth, which is usually caused by radiation or chemotherapy. OM can cause severe pain and difficulty eating, and can severely impact on a persons quality of life, nutritional intake, and treatment for cancer. The severity of this impact on quality of life may result in depression in some individuals. OM presents a significant burden because symptoms are often of such a severity that they can require an interruption, or may lead to dose reduction of cancer therapy. Thus, OM is a major factor in determi http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/oral-thrush-monoliasis-oral-candidiasis-oc/937 Oral thrush (or oral candidiasis) is a type of thrush found in the oral cavity. It is a type of fungal (yeast)nbsp;infection, caused most commonly by Candida albicans, but can also be caused by other non-albican species like C. krusei, C. parapsilosi, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis. As the Candida species are a part of the normal flora that lives in the mouth, it is the change in the normal oral environment, rather than the actual exposure or infection per se, that results in the occurrence of this disease. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osgood-schlatter-os-disease/333 Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause for anterior knee pain in adolescents. It is a painful swelling of the bump on the front of the upper tibia (the shin bone) in an area of the tibia called the anterior tibial tubercle. The anterior tibial tubercles is where the quadriceps tendon attaches on the tibia (the muscle that helps straighten the leg). This is an overuse condition where there is inflammation of the insertion site of the quadriceps tendon - the term for this sort of disorder is traction apophysitis since the traction of the tendon on the developing tibial tuberosity i http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osler-weber-rendu-syndrome-hereditary-hemorrhagic-telangiectasia/338 Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome is a rare disorder that is genetic, via autosomal dominant inheritance. It is also known as hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, familial hemorrhagic angiomatosis, Osler disease, and heredofamilial angiomatosis. The disorder is one of the blood vessels, which can cause excessive bleeding. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osteitis-fibrosa-osteitis-fibrosa-cystica/341 Osteitis fibrosa is a complication of hyperparathyroidism (excess parathryroid hormone production) in which bone is softened, deformed and has the potential to develop cysts. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osteoarthritis/495 nbsp; Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of pain and disability in the community, and the most common condition leading to joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee. It may be thought of as a degenerative joint disorder characterised by the breakdown of articular cartilage (cartilage from in between the joint surfaces which is smooth and helps absorb shock),as well as the formation of new bone. Traditionally it has been divided into primary osteoarthritis (no apparent cause), or secondary osteoarthritis (due to an underlying condition or abnormality), howev http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osteogenesis-imperfecta-brittle-bone-disease/304 Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is one of the most common inherited bone disorders. The disease typically involves the bones, teeth, ligaments, eyes and skin, and is characterised by fragile bones that break easily. There are 4 variants or subtypes of osteogenesis imperfecta. This bone disorder is usually present at birth as an inherited disease. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is classified into four major types (and further subtypes). All four types of OI are caused by defects in the amount or structure of Type 1 collagen, an important part of the bone matrix. The collagen problem usually re http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osteomalacia/627 Osteomalacia is the adult counterpart of rickets in children. Both of these conditions are caused by a defect in vitamin D availability or metabolism. Osteomalacia is characterised by poor bone formation, resulting in weakened bone. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osteomyelitis-acute-and-chronic/238 Osteomyelitis occurs when the bone becomes infected; pus is produced within the bone, which may result in an abscess. The abscess then starves the bone of its blood supply. In children, the long bones are the most likely to be affected. In adults, the vertebrae and the pelvis are most commonly affected. Bone infection can be caused by bacteria or by fungus. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osteoporosis/501 nbsp; Osteoporosis is characterised by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone architecture, resulting in bone fragility and subsequently increased risk of fractures. With osteoporosis the bone is normal in composition, but deficient in quantity, quality and structural integrity. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/osteosarcoma-osteogenic-sarcoma/604 Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. The bones of the body are a specialised form of connective tissue that form the majority of the human skeleton. They are comprised of calcium, phosphate and magnesium within a framework of type I collagen. The size of the skeleton does not tend to increase beyond puberty (when fusion of the skeletal growth plates occur) but bone is a highly metabolically active tissue undergoing constant resorption, formation and remodelling. The Three major functions of bone can be seen as: Mechanical- support of tissues, attachment of muscles and enabling move http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/otitis-media-middle-ear-infection/879 Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. There are two major types of otitis media: Acute otitis media Otitis media with effusion Otitis media is diagnosed by your doctor by taking a history and doing an examination of the ear canal.nbsp;nbsp;Acute otitis media is defined by the following: History of acute onset of signs and symptoms of fluid in the middle ear, and middle ear inflammation Presence ofnbsp;fluid in thenbsp;middle ear: Bulging of the ear drumLimited or absent mobility of the ear drumDischarge from the earnbsp;Signs and symptoms of middle ear inflammation: Reddening of http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ototoxicity/885 Ototoxicity refers tonbsp;drug or chemical-related damage to the inner ear,nbsp;resulting innbsp;damage tonbsp;the organs responsible for hearing and balance. Such damage cannbsp;lead tonbsp;temporary or permanent hearing loss, and/or loss of balance. Ototoxic substances include several therapeutic medicines (e.g. aminoglycoside antibiotics, some anti-cancer agents, loop diuretics, anti-malarial drugs and aspirin),nbsp;and other environmental substances (e.g. mercury, lead and arsenic). The table below lists some of the most commonly used ototoxic medications and substances.Table 1. Com http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ovarian-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-ovary/888 Ovarian cancer refers to cancer of the cells of the ovary. The ovaries are the organs which produce eggs for fertilization and subsequent reproduction. They also produce hormones which regulate the menstrual cycle.About 90% of ovarian cancer arises from the cells on the outer surface of the ovary. nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/paget's-disease-osteitis-deformans/502 Pagets disease is a disorder of bone remodelling, resulting in enlarged and thickened bone that is structurally abnormal and brittle. This leads to bone pain, fractures, and deformities if untreated. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pain-after-shingles-postherpetic-neuralgia-phn/915 Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a condition where enduring painnbsp;continues after a case of shingles (herpes zoster (HZ)) has cleared up. PHN occurs once the HZ rash has healed and there is no inflammation remaining at the site of infection. Herpes zoster (HZ) is an inflammatory condition that is caused by the activation of a virus that has been lying dormant in the body. Varicella-zoster is the same virus that causes chicken pox, therefore HZ only occurs in people who have had chicken pox. Once a person has had chicken pox the virus remains in nerve cells near the spine. Chicken pox will http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pancreatic-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-pancreas/590 The pancreas is a gland approximately 13 cm long that is situated behind the stomach. It lies across the back wall of the abdomen, between the spleen on the left and the first part of the small intestine (called the duodenum) on the right. Roughly 1% of the gland produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate the production, storage and uptake of glucose by the bodys tissues. The other 99% of the gland produces pancreatic fluid, which is excreted into the duodenum to aid in the process of digestion. This fluid is made up of digestive enzymes and other substances secreted by a ne http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumour-pnet/942 Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) are a group of rare tumours that develop from specialised cells known as neuroendocrine cells within the pancreas. These cells are also located in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and less commonly in the ovaries, testes, liver and bile ducts. The majority of tumours arising from these cells are located within the stomach, gut and pancreas. The pancreas is a triangular-shaped gland that lies behind the stomach and is divided into a head, neck, body and tail. For more information, see Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System. The pancre http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pancreatitis-acute/179 Acute Pancreatitis is a condition in which there is acute inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ which has two major factors: It secretes powerful enzymes into the first part of the small bowel (the duedenum) which helps to digest food components such as fats, proteins, and starches. It secretes hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the blood stream, which helps with the regulation of the blood sugar level.nbsp; Pancreatitis is believed to occur due to inappropriate activation of the digestive enzymes, while they are still within the pancreas, in response to some cause. T http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pancreatitis-chronic/180 Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic inflammatory process of the pancreas. It is a similar, but more low-grade, ongoing process than acute pancreatitis, characterised by recurrent symptoms of abdominal pain, with progressive damage to the pancreas which in the end often results in pancreatic insufficiency. The pancreas is important for the digestion of nutrients in the gut (by secreting digestive enzymes into the duedenum), as well as for regulation of blood glucose (by secreting regulatory hormones such as insulin and glucagon). Hence, the end result of the process may be malabsorption of nutr http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/panic-disorder/85 Panic disorder is a psychological disease. It is a type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are classified according to whether the anxiety is persistent (general anxiety) or episodic, with the episodic conditions classified according to whether the episodes are regularly triggered by the same cue (phobia) or not (panic disorder). The more severe form of panic disorder features agoraphobia - the fear of open spaces, fear of being outside of the house alone or fear of being in crowds. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/papillary-cell-of-the-thyroid/520 Thyroid cancers may be of the Papillary Cell type and usually arise from the follicular cells of the thyroid and is likely to be a slow growing tumour. 40% of thyroid tumours are of this type. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck at the base. This acts as the bodys carburettor and accelerator determining how quickly we burn our fuel. It regulates body metabolism and energy. The follicular cells make thyroid hormone responsible for the above, and C cells located between the thyroid follicles make calcitonin (which regulate calcium). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/parkinson's-disease/161 nbsp; Parkinsons disease involves a depletion of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia in the brain. The classical features of Parkinsons disease include resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness) and postural instability. This cluster of symptoms is referred to as Parkinsonism syndrome, which can be caused by other neurodegenerative disorders, cerebrovascular disease and certain drugs. Parkinsons disease is named after James Parkinson, an English physician who described the Shaking Palsy in 1817.nbsp; nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/patent-ductus-arteriosus-pda/48 Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where a temporary blood vessel near an unborn babys heart, the ductus arteriosus, fails to close after birth. (The blood vessel normally closes after birth because it is no longer needed). The word patent means open. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pathological-gambling/754 Pathological gambling is a inpulse-control disorder. This means that a person acts on certain impulse that is potentially harmful but they cannot resist the action. This is not the same as problem gambling. In pathological gambling (disorder), there is a chronic inability to resist the impulse of gambling in a person. This is to the extent when gambling is so serious that it damages a persons financial, functional, social and vocational life. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/peanut-allergy/844 Food allergies, including allergy to peanuts and other nuts, can have effects at several different sites in the body, including the mouth, throat, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Often more than one site in the body is affected at the same time, and the reaction can be generalised, such as anaphylactic shock. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid/791 Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to an inflammation affecting any part of the upper female genital tract, including the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries. The inflammatory condition is usually caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea. It may also be caused by an infection from other bacteria in the vagina which have entered to the uterus. PID may be used to refer to a number of more specific conditions, including: Endometriosis (a condition in which tissues that normally grow in the womb grow ou http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/penicillin-and-other-antibiotic-allergy/776 Penicillin allergy and other other antibiotic allergies are not diseases on their own, but the clinical situations commonly encountered in medicine are due to adverse drug reactions. As the name suggests, it is an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction towards penicillin or other antibiotics. It can occur in many parts of the body as in any allergic reaction. However the commonly affected parts are: skin airways gut face generalisednbsp;nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/peptic-ulcer-disease-pud/166 Peptic ulcer disease occurs mainly in the stomach or proximal duedenum.nbsp; Rarely, however, peptic ulcers can also occur in the oesophagus, jejunum (in Zollinger Ellison syndrome) or sometimes in a Meckels diverticulum. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/perennial-allergic-rhinitis/30 Allergic rhinitis is an allergic disease which affects many people worldwide. Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose, whilst the term allergic describes a normal but exaggerated response to a substance. It may be perennial, which means symptoms are present throughout the year, or seasonal, with symptoms peaking during the months of spring and summer when pollen levels are at their highest. Perennial rhinitis is characterised primarily by nasal symptoms including watering or congestion of the nose and sneezing. It occurs due to an exaggerated response to an environmental trigger which re http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pericarditis-and-pericardial-disease/14 Pericarditis is an inflammation of the Pericardium. The pericardium is the fibrous sheath around the heart. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/perinatal-stroke/736 Perinatal (around birth) stroke is defined as a stroke occuring around the time of birth. It is an increasingly recognised cause of neurological disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cognitive abnormalities 3. A stroke is sudden decrease or loss of consciousness, sensation, and voluntary motion caused by rupture or obstruction (as by a clot) of a blood vessel of the brain. It is a common condition in adults, and is becoming increasingly known in newborns and children. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/peripheral-arterial-disease-arteriosclerosis/58 Arteriosclerosis of the extremities is a disease of the blood vessels characterized by narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet. This causes a decrease in blood flow that can injure nerves and other tissues. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/peripheral-neuropathies/229 Peripheral neuropathy refers to a diverse group of disease affecting the motor sensory and autonomic nerves lying outside the central nervous system. This can cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as weakness, numbness or sensitivity to touch. The peripheral nerves make up a vast network that transmit information from/to the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to/from every other part of the body. Information for movement is conveyed from the central nervous system via the nerves (motor pathways) and information regarding sensation from the peripheries to the central nervous s http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/peripheral-t-cell-lymphoma/747 Peripheral T cell lymphoma means cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important to our immune system where it helps to combat infection. The lymphatic system consists of several organs, e.g. lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and bone marrow, where all these are connected by tiny vessels. Lymphatic fluid is the medium that circulates in these tiny vessels. Like blood, it has cells in them. These cells can be divided into 2 types: T cells and B cells. Lymphoma is divided into 2 broad groups: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Peripheral T cell lymphoma is a non-Hodgki http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/personality-disorders/78 Personality disorder is a psychological disease. A personality can be described as a pervasive quot;characteristic configuration of behavioural response patterns apparent in everyday life,quot; that is both stable and predictable in many diverse situations. A personality disorder is said to exist when the response patterns exceed those limits set by social opinion. The personality disorder will consequently lead to social rejection and occupational dysfunction throughout life. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/petechiae-skin-purpura/873 A petechia, (plural Petechiae) refers to a small red or purple pin point dot on the body, due to broken capillary blood vessels. Events that cause an increase in pressure, such as coughing or vomiting can cause petechiae around the face or eyes. Minor trauma is another common cause of petechiae. In general, petechiae are commonly seen and usually of no concern. If blood collects under the tissues, and reaches a centimeter or more in diameter, the area is now referred to as a purpura. An even larger area is called an ecchymosis (known as the common bruise). However, petechiae represent b http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/peyronie's-disease/345 Peyronies Disease is a curvature of the penis of an unknown cause. The primary abnormality of this condition is the accumulation of fibrous tissue within the tunica albuginea (the whitish membrane, composed of collagen and elastic fibres, within the penis that surrounds the spongy chambers) of the penis. This causes a progressive penile deformity and varying degrees of erectile dysfunction. During erection the penile scar tissue shortens and may cause bending of the penis. Occassionally the shaft of the penis is narrowed causing a flail segment at the site of constriction, firmness proximall http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/phantom-limb-pain/787 Phantom limb pain refers to the neuropathic pain some people experience after the surgical amputation of a limb. Phantom limb pain may be associated with feelings that the amputated limb is still attached to the body. Phantom limb pain is often hard to distinguish from stump pain (pain felt in the stump remaining after amputation). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pharynx-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-pharynx/611 Pharynx cancer or squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx is a cancer of the head and neck. In oncology squamous cell cancers of the head and neck are often considered together because they share many similarities - in incidence, cancer type, predisposing factors, pathological features, treatment and prognosis. Up to 30% of patients with one primary head and neck tumour will have a second primary malignancy. The pharynx is the continuation of the nose and mouth. It is a muscular tube that continues downwards through the neck and is responsible for the passage of both air (to the larynx, tra http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/phobic-disorders/86 A phobia is the irrational fear of an object or situation. The patient is often aware that their fear is irrational but remains powerless to control their reaction. Anxiety disorders are classified according to whether the anxiety is persistent (general anxiety) or episodic, with the episodic conditions classified according to whether the episodes are regularly triggered by the same cue (phobia) or not (panic disorder). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pierre-robin-syndrome-robin-sequence/312 Pierre Robin Syndrome is characterized by a combination of three features, possibly due to the underdevelopment of the lower jaw. The lower jaw is abnormally small (micrognathia), the tongue is displaced downwards (glossoptosis), and there is an abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft soft palate). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pigmented-villonodular-synovitis/638 Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a joint problem that usually affects the hip or knee. It can also occur in the shoulder, ankle, elbow, hand or foot. The lining of the joint expands and produces fluid which causes joint swelling and damage to surrounding bone. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pituitary-dwarfism-growth-hormone-deficiency-panhypopituitarism/364 Pituitary dwarfism involves abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. Pituitary dwarfism can be categorized as either congenital (present at birth) or acquired. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pituitary-gland-cancer-carcinoma-of-the-pituitary-gland/589 Pituitary gland cancer presents in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small gland situated in the sella turcica, a bony cavity at the base of the brain. It is connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk. The optic chiasm (part of the visual pathway) lies between the pituitary and the hypothalamus. The pituitary can be divided into two parts - the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. Between them, the hypothalamus and pituitary control many of the peripheral hormone systems. The hypothalamus controls pituitary hormone secretion. The anterior pituitary http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pituitary-infarction-apoplexy/386 Pituitary infarction or pituitary apoplexy is a disorder of the pituitary gland. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/placenta-accreta/931 Placenta accreta is a potentially life threatening obstetric condition in which the placenta is abnormally attached to the uterus. This can lead to massive blood loss during or following delivery. This is thought to result from a defect in the layer of tissue that would normally separate the placenta from the uterus (deciduas basalis). As a result, projections of the placenta (chorionic villi) are able to invade the uterus to varying degrees. nbsp;nbsp;While placenta accreta is often used as a general term to describe this condition, more specifically it refers to the prese http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/placenta-praevia/916 Image courtesy of Blausen Medical Communications. Contact Andrew Walbank.Placenta praevia occurs when the placenta is situated wholly or in part into the lower segment of the uterus and is located close to the opening of the cervix. Clinically this is important as it can give rise to bleeding either during pregnancy, during labour or following delivery. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/placental-abruption-abruptio-placentae/917 nbsp;Placental abruption is defined as the premature separation of a normally positioned placenta. This results in bleeding which may be revealed (seen to come out through the vagina), in approximately two thirds of cases, or concealed (no visible blood loss), in approximately one third of cases. Abruption may be total, involving the whole placenta, or partial, where only a portion of the placenta is involved. Placental abruption is an emergency so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any vaginal blood loss or other symptoms. It is particula http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/plague-bubonic-plague-yersinia-pestis/115 Plague is an infection caused by the organism Yersinia pestis. It is carried by wild rodents and transmitted to humans. It has a high mortality rate. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pleural-effusion/25 A pleural effusion is a disease of the lung. The pleura are thin films of connective tissue, which line both the outer surface of the lungs, and the inside of the chest cavity. The relationship of the pleura to the lungs and chest can be imagined as if the pleura were a balloon blown up inside the chest, into which the lungs have been pushed. Thus, there are in fact two layers of pleura between the outer surface of the lung and the chest wall. One is adherent to the lung, whereas the other layer follows the outline of the chest wall. The two layers press up against one another, and in th http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pneumonia/38 Pneumonia is a disease of the lung. The lung is composed of large airways (beginning with the trachea and then two main bronchi), which branch out to form smaller airways (segmental bornchi and bronchioles) which finally lead to the alveoli - the small air sacs where gas exchange takes place. Pneumonia represents an acute lower respiratory tract infection - it affects the lung parenchyma, alveoli and small airways. When the lung tissue becomes infected (whether it is bacteria, viruses, or fungi) there is inflammation of the lung tissue which leads to an exudate filling the alveoli and sma http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pneumothorax/8 Pneumothorax is a disease of the lungs. The pleura are thin films of connective tissue, which line both the outer surface of the lungs, and the inside of the chest cavity. The relationship of the pleura to the lungs and chest can be imagined as if the pleura were a balloon blown up inside the chest, into which the lungs have been pushed. Thus, there are in fact two layers of pleura between the outer surface of the lung and the chest wall. One is adherent to the lung, whereas the other layer follows the outline of the chest wall. The two layers press up against one another, a http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/poliovirus-infection-poliomyelitis-infantile-paralysis/99 A Poliovirus infection affects the nervous system, in particular the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord and cranial nerve motor neurones. Poliovirus may cause one of four clinical syndromes: 1) Asymptomatic infection: viral infection not causing any symptoms - 90% of cases. 2) Abortive poliomyelitis: minor illness. Non-specific symptoms due to a viral illness such as fever, malaise, headache, sore throat.Occurs in 5%. 3) Nonparalytic poliomyelitis: aseptic meningitis, occurring in 1-2%. 4) Paralytic polio: the most severe syndrome causing spinal or bulbar (cranial nerve) paralysis http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/polyarteritis-nodosa-pan/629 Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a multisystem disease that affects small to medium sized blood vessels. Typically it affects the renal, intestinal, muscular and cardiac circulations. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/polycystic-kidney-disease-pkd/298 Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited kidney disease (with autosomal dominant inheritance -- if one parent carries the gene, statistically 50% of the children will develop kidney disease) with formation of multiple clusters of cysts on the kidneys. The exact mechanism that triggers kidney cyst formation is known. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos/851 Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome,nbsp;is a common condition characterised by menstrual irregularities and symptoms or laboratory evidence of hyperandrogenism (excess levels of androgen). In many women with PCOS, polycystic ovaries will be detected on ultrasound.nbsp;PCOS was first described in 1935 as a collection of commonly occurring signs and symptoms. Since then, the criteria for diagnosing PCOS have changed several times. Most recently, the Rotterdam Consensus Conference agreed that PCOS may be diagnosed where any two of the following conditions http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/polycythaemia/69 Polycythaemia is defined as increase in haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), and red cell count. A Hb gt; 170g/L in men or 150g/L in women or a PCV (haematocrit) gt;0.5 in men or gt;0.45 in women is highly suggestive of polycythaemia. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume reflect the concentration of red cells in the blood - hence they can be relatively high in dehydration. However, an absolute increase in red cell mass is true polycythaemia, or absolute erythrocytosis. True polycythaemia itself can be either primary, or secondary. Secondary causes cause polycythaemia either by causing hypox http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/polymyalgia-rheumatica-and-temporal-giant-cell-arteritis/504 Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and Giant Cell arteritis (GCA) are closely related systemic disorders of an unknown cause that affect mainly elderly people1,3,4. These conditions may occur independently or may occur in the same patient, either together or at different times. 15-50% of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica also have giant cell arteritis4. Both disorders are treated with steroid medications. PMR is an inflammatory disorder that causes sudden onset of pain and stiffness in the shoulder, neck, hips and lumbar spine1,3,4. GCA is a granulomatous inflammatory disorder of the large arteri http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/polymyositis/630 Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease of unknown cause. It is often grouped with dermatomyositis, a disease that causes similar symptoms with the addition of skin manifestations. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/porphyrias/232 Porphyrias, Acute intermittent porphyria; Hereditary coproporphyria; Congenital erythropoietic porphyria; and Erythropoietic protoporphyria.Blood - they are a group of disorders characterzed by photo-sensitivity, acute attacks of abdominal pain and neurologic abnormalities or both.Porphyria Cutanea Tarda - disease with striking cutaneous manifestations.Protoporphyria - inherited illness characterized by a unique type of photosensitivity.Congenital Eyrthropoeitic PorphyriaAcute Intermittent PorphyriaVariegate Porphria and Hereditary Coproporphyria (V http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/portal-hypertension-including-oesophageal-varices/193 Portal Hypertension is a disease affecting the liver, portal system of veins, and also the oesophagus and spleen. The portal vein takes blood from the gut to the liver. In the case of liver cirrhosis, and a few other causes, there is an impedance to portal blood flow to the liver which causes and increase in pressure in the portal vein. This causes the spleen to enlarge, for fluid to drain into the abdomen (ascites) but also the formation of enlarged veins where there is a communication between the portal and systemic circulation. Most notably - this is in the lower oesophagus and upper http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/port-wine-stain/759 Port-wine stain is also known as naevus flammeus. It is a vascular malformation, which means it is a birthmark made of enlarged capillaries in the skin. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels in the body that connect the arteries and veins together. They are normally small and tiny. With enlarged capillaries, port-wine stain produces a red to purple discolouration of the skin. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/postnatal-depression-postpartum-depression/479 Postnatal depression is also known as puerperal depression, postpartum depression, baby blues, and puerperal psychosis. The first month afternbsp;the delivery of a newborn baby (the postpartum period) is a time of major changes for women. Female hormones and weight are rapidly readjusting. There may be new and stressful changes in relationships with other children, the father of the baby, parents and in-laws, colleagues at work, and friends. Of course, the new baby needs almost constant attention and feeding every two hours, resulting in thenbsp;feeding mothers sleep deprivation. A http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/postpartum-haemorrhage-pph/676 Postpartum haemorrhage, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is vaginal blood loss in excess of 500ml following childbirth. If the blood loss occurs in the first 24 hours following delivery, this is termed primary postpartum haemorrhage. Secondary postpartum haemorrhage refers to excessive vaginal bleeding between 24 hours and six weeks following childbirth. The site of blood loss varies depending on the cause of the bleeding.The causes of primary postpartum haemorrhage include:Uterine atony - which is the failure of the ut http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/postpartum-thyroiditis/314 Postpartum Thyroiditis is a disorder of the Thyroid Gland. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/post-stroke-upper-limb-spasticity/926 It is estimated that up to 60,000 Australians had a stroke in 2009, a figure that will continue to rise as the population ages. For those who survive a first-ever stroke, the damage caused to the motor (movement) pathway in the brain as a consequence of the event can lead to spasticity. Spasticity is a movement disorder characterised by muscle overactivity which significantly impedes physical movements. Spasticity does not develop in all people who have had a stroke but in the cases when it does, it can be a cause of major physical and functional impairment. It is important to remember that n http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/87 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disease. This condition is commonly associated with an extraordinarily stressful event which is re-lived by the person who experienced it in an episodic manner throughout life, causing them to re-experience the stress and anxiety associated with their first encounter. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/preeclampsia-toxemia-pregnancy-induced-hypertension/512 Preeclampsia is anbsp;pregnancy induced disease associated with elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine which presents in the second half of pregnancy. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/prehypertension/743 Prehypertension is a relatively new category of blood pressure identified by the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). It defines a systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic BP of 80 to 89 mm Hg. Blood pressure (BP) is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it is called high blood pressure, or hypertension. There are 2 components of blood pressure: systolic and diastolic.Systolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pre-invasive-ductal-carcinoma-ductal-carcinoma-in-situ-dcis-breast-cancer/674 Ductal carcinoma is a type of breast carcinoma (cancer), making up approximately 80% of all cases of breast cancernbsp;diagnosed in Australia. Ductal carcinoma may be divided into in-situ carcinoma (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Non-invasive cancers stay within the milk ducts or lobules of the breast. They do not invade normal tissues unlike invasive breast cancers. Ductal carcinoma in situ is sometimes called a pre-malignant condition. It describes an abnormal growth of the milk duct cells. The cells share similar microscopic features with invasive breast cancer, but http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pre-invasive-lobular-carcinoma-lobular-carcinoma-in-situ-lcis-breast-cancer/675 Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a lesion that represents abnormal tissue growth in the lobules (milk secreting tissues of the breast) and terminal ducts of the breasts. LCIS is a lesion with very low malignant potential and is thus not considered to be pre-cancerous unlike ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). However, it is significant as it is a risk factor for invasive breast cancer. Most invasive tumours that develop in women with LCIS are of the ductal rather than lobular type. However, people who have LCIS are 5.3-fold more likely than DCIS patients to develop invasive lobular c http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/premature-ejaculation/899 Premature ejaculation is a type of male sexual dysfunction, characterised by a mans inability to control ejaculation so that sex can continue long enough for both partners satisfaction. Typically this means that the male partner will ejaculate shortly after penetration occurs.nbsp;In severe cases, ejaculation may occur before penetration. While the exact time at which a mans ejaculation can be considered premature is not well defined, time from penetration to ejaculation (intravaginal ejaculatory latency time) of less than two minutes usually indicates premature ejaculation. Research sug http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/713 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD is a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are linked closely to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle and end when menstruation begins or shortly thereafter. PMDD is not just a new name for Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition that affects as many as 75% of menstruating women. It is considered to be a very severe form of PMS that affects about 5% of menstruating women. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pressure-ulcers/800 Pressure ulcers occur when an area of skin breaks down when you stay in one position for too long, most commonly involving bony areas such as around the heels, hips, elbows and back. People who are exposed to developing pressure ulcers include: those who are in a wheelchair or are bedridden (eg after surgery or injury), the elderly and if you are unconscious and stay in a particular position for a long period of time. The constant pressure produced against the skin reduces the blood supply to that area, and the affected tissue dies. Common sites for pressure ulcer development include: http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/priapism/344 Priapism refers to the medical condition in which the patient experiences a persistent and painful erection that is present for longer than 6 hours, which is not induced by stimulation nor sexual desire. It usually only affects the corpus cavernosa of the penis. There are two types of priapism: 1. Low-flow priapism - Most common form of disease, arising from the slow passage of blood through the vascular chambers of the penis. This is primarily caused by increased viscosity of blood in the penis. This type of priapism is a rugical emergency for the penis may be damaged with prolonged low-fl http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/primary-biliary-cirrhosis/172 Primary Biliary Cirrhosis affects the bile ducts in the liver. It is characterised by chronic inflammation and progressive destruction and fibrosis of the ducts lead to an obstruction to bile flow from the liver and cirrhosis. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/primary-erythromelalgia/739 Erythromelalgia is a rare disease of unknown cause, characterized by redness of the skin, increased temperature, and pain in the extremities (feet and hands), which usually occurs in response to warmth and moderate exercise. The prefix erythro- denotes redness, mel- is a combining form meaning limb or limbs, and the suffix -algia indicates pain. Erythromelalgia may be: Secondary to (occurring as a result of) other diseases (most commonly myeloproliferative disorders where the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow develop and reproduce abnormally) Primary, i.e. arising spontaneous http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/primary-insomnia-idiopathic-insomnia/932 Insomnia is defined as unsatisfactory sleep that affects daytime functions. These daytime consequences include fatigue, irritability, decreased memory and concentration, and malaise. Insomnia often occurs secondary to psychological disturbances and depression, known as secondary insomnia (or comorbid insomnia). Insomnia can also occur in the absence of any other underlying medical conditions, known as primary insomnia (or idiopathic insomnia). The main complaint with primary insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or maintaining sleep. Insomnia can have a major effect on quality of life, p http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/primary-sclerosing-cholangitis/178 Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is a disease affecting the bile ducts within and outside the liver. There is inflammation, fibrosis and strictures of the intra and extra-hepatic bile ducts. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/primitive-neuroectodermal-tumour-of-the-brain-pnet/695 Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNET) form a rare group of tumors defined by their appearance - they consist of small round cells in the nervous system. They are thought to develop from primitive or undifferentiated (having the potential become many different types of cell) nerve cells in the brain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/progressive-multiple-sclerosis/883 This article is only available to professionals. Please log in on the right hand side of the page to view this article. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/prolactinoma/285 A prolactinoma is a prolactin-producing tumour of the pituitary gland. These tumours come in various sizes, but the vast majority are less than 10mm in diameter. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/promyelocytic-leukaemia-pml/790 Promyelocytic leukaemia is a malignancy of thenbsp;bone marrow in which there is a deficiency of mature blood cells in the myeloid line of cells and an excess of immature cells called promyelocytes. Promyelocytic Leukaemia is considered to be a form of acute myeloid leukaemianbsp;(AML). It is hence classified as the M3 variant of acute myeloid leukaemia in the French-American-British (FAB) classification. Bone marrow is found inside most of the bones in the body. By adulthood, a large proportion of bone marrow has become relatively inactive. Generally speaking, it is the marrow inside the ve http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/prostate-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-prostate/806 The prostate is a gland found only in men. It surrounds the urethra (the tube through the penis that drains urine from the bladder), and sits at the base of the bladder.nbsp;The prostatenbsp;is normally about the size of a walnut. The function of the prostate is to produce fluid that forms part of the semen. This prostatic fluid, in addition to the fluid produced by the seminal vesicles, forms the fluid which carries the sperm when a man ejaculates. An adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that arises in the cells of glands. Most cells in the prostate gland are of the glandular type, which http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/prostate-cancer-neuroendocrine-carcinoma-of-the-prostate/818 The prostate is a gland found only in men. It surrounds the urethra (the tube through the penis that drains urine from the bladder), and sits at the base of the bladder. It is normally about the size of a walnut. The function of the prostate is to produce fluid that forms a component of semen. The prostate is made up of mainly glandular tissue; however, there are also some specialised epithelial (lining) cells called neuroendocrine cells. These cells secrete hormones, which act as chemical messengers in the body. Cancer occurs when an abnormalitynbsp;occurs in the genes of a cell, causing i http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/prostatic-intraepithelial-neoplasia-pin/890 Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) are changes in the cells of the prostate gland that may lead to the development of prostate cancer.nbsp; http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pseudogout-calcium-pyrophosphate-deposition-disease/494 As the name suggests, pseudogout is not true gout but often causes symptoms that closely resemble those of gout. Pseudogout is caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in cartilage (often referred to as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease - CPPD). These may precipitate acute and painful inflammation in the affected joint. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pseudomembranous-colitis-antibiotic-associated-diarrhoea/194 Pseudomembranous colitis, also known as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea,nbsp;is a condition characterised by inflammation of the colon as a result of the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. These drugs affect the normal bowel flora of the bowel, leading to overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile, which causes the colitis. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/psittacosis-chlamydial-pneumonia-ornithosis-chlamydia-psittaci-parrot-fever/416 Psittacosis or Parrot fever is an infection caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. The term psittacosis is derived from the Greek word for parrot, psittakos, and was first used by Morange in 1892. This bacterium can infect parrots, parakeets, canaries, and other bird species (e.g. turkeys, pigeons, ducks). Another term for this infection is Ornithosis, which describes the infection caused by nonpsittacine birds. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/psoriasis/722 Psoriasis is a common, chronic (persists for a long period of time) skinnbsp;condition. People who suffer from psoriasis develop red, scaly patches that can also be itchy. White or silvery scales can also form over these patches, which is quite characteristic of psoriasis. There are several different types of psoriasis - the most common, psoriasis vulgaris, accounts for 80ndash;90% of all psoriasis cases. Psoriasis is associated with a range of other conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, coronary artery disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Psoriasis is a complex disease and much re http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/psoriatic-arthritis/631 Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic (long lasting) autoimmune disease that affects the joints in association with skin or nail changes as seen in psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common, inherited skin condition that causes grayish-white scaling over a pink or dull-red skin rash. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pulmonary-embolism-pe/21 Pulmonary embolism occurs in the lungs. The lung, as well as containing airways, also contain blood vessels, which are derived from the pulmonary arteries. The pulmonary arteries (which receive blood from the right side of the heart) break up into progressively smaller and smaller branches until they form small capillaries. PEs start off as clots that may from in leg, pelvic, or abdominal veins, or even occasionally in the right side of the heart. These clots then travel through the bloodstream to lodge (embolise) in the lung arteries, cutting off further blood flow through that artery. This http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pulmonary-heart-disease-cor-pulmonale/42 Pulmonary Heart Disease or Cor Pulmonale is an alteration in the structure and function of the right ventrical caused by a primary disorder of the respiratory system. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pulmonary-hypertension/22 Pulmonary hypertension means high blood pressure in the lung blood vessels. It is not a disease itself, but rather a final common pathway for many different diseases. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is classified as pulmonary artery pressures higher than 30mmHg. It may affect the arteries or veins of the lungs. Pulmonary arteries take blood from the right side of the heart to the pulmonary capillaries; pulmonary veins transport the oxygenated blood from the capillaries to the left side of the heart. The disease discussed below is pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary venous hypertension, http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pulmonary-oedema/23 Pulmonary oedema is a disease of the lung. The lungs essentially provide the interface between air and blood. The lungs consist of a series of folded membranes (the alveoli), which are located at the ends of very fine branching air passages (bronchioles). Blood which arrives into the lungs from the pulmonary artery gets into smaller and smaller blood vessels until it ends up in the capillaries located within the walls of the alveoli, which is a very thin membrane. In this moist environment, oxygen diffuses from within the alveoli into the blood stream, while carbon dioxide moves out of the http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/pulmonary-valvular-disease/57 Pulmonary Valvular Disease is a disease of the heart, namely the pulmonary valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/q-fever/804 Q fever is a disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii which mainly afflicts sheep and cattle but can be transmitted to humans who come into contact with infected animals. Symptoms resemble those of influenza and include fever, headache and lung inflammation. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rabies/107 Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system (CNS); it is one of the oldest and most feared diseases reported in medical literature. Incidence of rabies is widespread throughout the world. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/radiation-nephritis/309 Radiation nephritis (Rad Np) is kidney injury and impairment of function caused by ionizing radiation. It may occur after irradiation of one or both kidneys, and it may result in kidney failure. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/raynaud's-phenomenon-raynaud's-disease/302 Raynauds Phenomenon is a disease that is caused by involuntary narrowing of blood vessels most commonly in the regions supplying the fingers, toes, ears and tip of the nose. This can cause death of the tissue in those areas due to lack of blood supply. Raynauds phenomenon causes distinct colour changes in the affected parts of the body and is usually brought on by certain triggers for example cold and emotional stress. Attacks generally last for minutes to hours and can vary. There are two main forms of Raynauds phenomenon are divided into primary and secondary. The primary form of Raynaud http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rectal-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-rectum/556 Rectal cancer may be of the adenocarcinoma type and usually arise from the epithelium (the layer of cells) which lines the large intestine. The colon is part of the large bowel. The large bowel starts at the end of the small bowel (the ileum), at the caecum. The caecum has the appendix running off it. The start of the colon is the ascending colon and where this rises to meet the liver (the hepatic flexure) it becomes the transverse colon. The transverse colon goes across the upper abdomen until it becomes adjacent to the spleen (the splenic flexure) and at this point it becomes the descending http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/reiter's-syndrome-and-reactive-arthritis/219 Reiters syndrome is a seronegative arthritis involving mainly the peripheral joints, occuring after an episode of urethritis or diarrhoea and associated with conjunctivitis. Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy following an infection in which no viable microorgansim is found in the synovial fluid. Reiters is seen by some to be a subset of the reactive arthritides. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/relapsing-polychondritis/649 Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, inflammatory disorder of cartilage which mainly affects the cartilage in the ear, nose and trachea (windpipe). This can result in pain, swelling and eventual destruction of cartilage in the affected structures. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rem-sleep-behaviour-disorder/510 nbsp;Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a newly described disorder, recognized as a distinct clinical entity following a series of reports in 1986 of adults with RBD. RBD is the best studied REM sleep parasomnia. Clinically, RBD is characterized by loss of normal voluntary muscle atonia during REM sleep associated with complex behaviour while dreaming. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/renal-artery-stenosis-ras-renovascular-disease-ischemic-nephropathy/311 Renal Artery Stenosis is a disease of the renal arteries. This name of this condition describes the narrowing (stenosis) of the main arteries of the kidneys, most often due to artherosclerosis (accumulation of cholesterol in arteries resulting in their hardening.) In younger women, the condition may arise from structural abnormalities of the arterial wall called fibromuscular dysplasia. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/renal-bone-disease-renal-osteodystrophy/286 Renal Bone Disease occurs due to poor renal function. Poor renal function leads to low blood calcium as the kidney is responsible for both vitamin D metabolism and calcium reabsorption from the glomerular filtrate. The calcium harboured in bones must therefore liberated by increased parathyroid hormone levels to maintain blood calcium concentrations. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/renal-failure-acute/205 Your kidneys are two very important organs in the body, which help perform many functions. Some of these functions include: helping you get rid of waste products, forming urine, controlling levels of important molecules such as sodium, potassium and chloride, and producing hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells when the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is not optimized. Acute failure of the kidneys is a condition in which there is a rapid loss of the normal function of your kidneys, due to a sudden, acute or chronic insult. This means that they can not perform their http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/renal-tubular-acidosis-rta/301 Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA) is a disease of the kidneys - Namely the renal tubules. There are three main types of renal tubular acidosis - Type one, type two, and type four. Type three renal tubular acidosis is a term no longer used for its defining feature resolved with age and was not part of the pathological process. The type of RTA is assigned depending on which part of the acid handling mechanism is affected. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi/789 Repetitive strain injury refers to damage to any tissue in the body resulting from repetitive demands, rather than a single traumatic event. It occurs over time and it becomes symptomatic when the tissue damage is sufficient to cause pain and dysfunction. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/respiratory-failure-types-i-and-ii/31 Respiratory failure is a disease of the lungs. The respiratory system basically consists of a gas exchanging organ (the lungs) and a ventilatory pump (respiratory muscles and the thorax). Either or both of these can fail and cause respiratory failure. Respiratory failure occurs when gas echange at the lungs is sufficiently impaired to cause a drop in blood levels of oxgyen (hypoxaemia); this may occur with or without an increase in carbon dioxide levels. The definition of respiratory failure is PaO27kPa (55mmHg). Respiratory failure is divided into type I and type II. Type I respiratory fai http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-infection/106 Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can cause serious respiratory infections in young babies, especially those born prematurely, who have heart or lung disease, or who are immunocompromised. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/retinoschisis/753 Retinoschisis means the splitting of the retina into 2 layers. It is a disease affecting the nerve tissue in the eye. The retina in the eye consists of various layers of nerve and pigment cells which are all interconnected. The retina layer allows vision to be possible in humans. However, in retinoschisis, these interconnecting layers split into separate layers, therefore resulting in loss of vision in the corresponding area where it is affected. There are two main types of retinoschisis: hereditary/idiopathic/juvenile retinoschisis- which occurs mainly in male children Acquired retino http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rett-syndrome-pervasive-developmental-disorder/472 Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder which also affects many other systems in the body. In 1965 Andreas Rett, an Australian physician identified a syndrome in 22 girls who, after 6 months of apparently normal development, deteriorated in a devastating fashion. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/reye's-syndrome/460 Reyes syndrome is a condition in which there is brain and liver damage of an unknown cause. It is associated with the use of aspirin to treat chicken pox or influenza in children.This condition can potentially affect all organs of the body, thoughnbsp;the brain and liver are at the greatest risk of damage. It can result in cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain) and the accumulation of fat in the liver and other organs. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rhabdomyosarcoma-of-muscle/607 Rhabdomyosarcoma of Muscle is a type of muscle cancer. Muscle is the tissue responsible for movements of the body, and for changes in the shape and size of internal organs. It consists of parallel arrangements of highly specialised cells containing contractile elements - chiefly actin and myosin filaments. There are 2 main types of muscle (based on their appearance under the light microscope): smooth muscle and striated muscle. Striated muscle can be further divided based on its location: Skeletal muscle has, as its name suggests, an intimate relationship with the bones of the skele http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rhesus-disease-rh-incompatibility-rh-factor-disease-haemolytic-disease-of-the-newborn/663 Rhesus disease (or Rh incompatibility) is a condition that results when a female of Rh-negative blood is exposed to Rh-positive blood cells and subsequently her body creates Rh antibodies to remove what it sees as an invading organism. In the case of a pregnancy, if blood is shared amongst fetus and mother, the mothers antibodies will attach and attack the foetal red blood cells, leading to anaemia in the foetus. This is known as Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn. The Rh Factor is a blood cell based surface antigen that was named in recognition of the monkeys in which it was first dis http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rheumatic-fever-and-rheumatic-heart-disease/41 Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease which may develop after an infection with streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever) and can involve the heart (especially the valves), joints, skin, and brain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis/503 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which the joints in the body become inflamed. RA is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. It is different to osteoarthritis. You may have heard of people referring to their rheumatism. This is a non-medical word that people use to describe a range of joint problems some of which may be RA. In RA, the bodys own immune system gets confused and attacks the joints and sometimes other tissues. The immune cells that normally fight infections turn on the bodys own tissues. This self attack (autoimmune) causes inflammation in the joints. People no http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rickets/225 Rickets is a childhood afflicition of what is commonly known in adults as Osteomalacia. It is primarily caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rotavirus-infection-viral-gastroenteritis/100 Virtual Medical Centre Video Click here to watch a video on gastroenteritis.Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral infection. Rotavirus is the most common virus that causes viral gastroenteritis. It mainly affects the small intestines. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/rubella-german-measles/101 Rubella (German measles, Three Day Measles) is a contagious viral infection with mild symptoms associated with a rash. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/salmonellosis-salmonella-enterocolitis-food-poisoning/417 Salmonellosis is an infection of the lining of the small intestine caused by the bacteria Salmonella. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sarcoidosis/640 Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause involving the formation of nodules of chronically inflamed tissue in many sites throughout the body. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs and nervous system, but can cause disease in other organs too. Sarcoidosis usually affects young and middle-aged adults. Sarcoidosis may rarely be fatal. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sarcoidosis-and-the-kidney/357 Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder which may involve the kidneys to a variable degree. Sarcoidosis results in renal disease in a number of different ways: 1. Abnormal calcium metabolism. 2. Interstitial nephritis. 3. Membranous glomerulopathy and other glomerular disorders. 4. Hypertension. 5. Obstructive uropathy with urolithiasis. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/scarlet-fever-scarlatina/108 Scarlet fever was once a very serious childhood disease, but now is easily treatable. The streptococcal bacteria produces a toxin that causes a rash that appears one to two days after the onset of illness. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/schizophrenia/74 Schizophrenia is a long term mental illness. The disease is characterised by positive and negative symptoms. The positive symptoms are those such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that dont exist) and delusions (strange fixed beliefs that are not true), while negative symptoms include lack of emotion, limited speech and an inability to enjoy any activities. There are different types of schizophrenia, including: Paranoid schizophrenia: Positive symptoms are severe (patients may hear many voices, see strange things, have many strange or disturbing beliefs)Disorganised schizophrenia: P http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sciatica/849 Sciatica is defined as pain caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve. It can cause pain anywhere along the distribution of the sciatic nerve from the lower back to the sole of the foot. It can also cause changes in sensation and muscle power of the leg. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve the size of a little finger. They originate from the spinal column in the lower back and travel behind the hip joint, down the buttock and down the back of the leg to the foot. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/scoliosis-spinal-curvature-kyphoscoliosis/316 Scoliosis is the term given to a lateral (away from the middle) or sideways curvature of the spine. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder/645 Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that is linked into the years seasonal changes. The majority of sufferers of SAD are depressed only during the late autumn and winter and not during the spring or summer. This is often referred to as suffering the winter blues. A small proportion, however, are depressed only during the late spring and summer. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sepsis-systemic-inflammatory-response-syndrome-sirs/453 Sepsis is a severe illness caused by overwheming infection of the bloodstream by toxin-producing bacteria. This condition can develop either as a result of your bodys own defense system or from toxic substances made by the infecting agent (such as a bacteria, virus, or fungus). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/septic-arthritis/226 Infective arthritis may represent a direct invasion of joint space by a variety of microorganisms, including a variety of bacteria, viruses, mycobacteria, and fungi. Reactive arthritis, a sterile inflammatory process, may be the consequence of an infectious process located somewhere else in the body. Although any infectious agent may cause arthritis, bacterial pathogens are the most rapidly destructive. Acute septic arthritis tends to be caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and group B streptococcus while chronic septic arthritis (which occurs less freque http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-sars/318 The lungs - the severe acute respiratory syndrome is caused by an infection with the SARS virus. It is a relatively new disease, being first described in the Guangdong Province of China in November 2002. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sheehan's-syndrome-postpartum-hypopituitarism-postpartum-pituitary-insufficiency/385 Sheehans syndrome is a condition that may occur in a woman who has a severe uterine hemorrhage during childbirth. The resulting severe blood loss causes tissue death in her pituitary gland and leads to hypopituitarism following the birth. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/shigellosis-bacillary-dysentery/655 Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella, that causes bacterial dysentery. These bacterium cause disease by penetrating the lining of the large intestine, causing swelling and sores. This causes diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps 1-2 days after initial exposure. The Shigella germ is actually a family of bacteria that can cause diarrhoea in humans. They are microscopic living creatures that pass from person to person. Shigella were discovered over 100 years ago by a Japanese scientist named Shiga, for whom they are named. There are several differe http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/shingles-herpes-zoster-hz/340 Shingles, also known as herpes zosternbsp;(HZ), is an inflammatory condition characterised by a blistering, itching, painful and burning rash. Shingles is caused by the activation of the Varicella-zoster virus. Varicella-zosternbsp;is the same virus that causes chicken pox,nbsp;and shinglesnbsp;only occurs in people who have had chicken pox. Once a person has had chicken pox, the virus remains in nerve cellsnbsp;near the spine. Chicken pox will never reoccur if the virus is reactivated. Instead, a condition far worse than chicken pox develops:nbsp;shingles. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/shoulder-dislocation-and-instability/938 Shoulder anatomy and stability The shoulder joint (also known as the glenohumeral joint) is the most mobile joint in the body, owing mainly to its unique anatomical structure which includes a very shallow socket. Unfortunately, it is also the most frequently dislocated joint in the human body. The joint is kept in place or stable by a combination of bone, ligaments and muscles, which all have an important part to play in shoulder stability. nbsp;The bony part of the joint socket is very shallow, so it is important that all these structures are working well to prevent the joint from dislocati http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/shoulder-pain/368 Shoulder Pain The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the humerus (the arm bone) and the glenoid labrum (the name for the socket of the shoulder joint in the scapula). The shoulder joint is very mobile - allowing great freedom of movement for the arm (much more than the equivalent joint in the hip). This greater mobility means that te shoulder joint is less stable. The stability of the shoulder joint also relies a lot on the rotator cuff muscles - four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor) inserting around the shoulder joint that help move i http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sick-sinus-syndrome-sss-bradycardia-tachycardia-syndrome/52 Sick sinus syndrome is a group of abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) presumably caused by malfunction of the sinus node, the hearts natural pacemaker. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sickle-cell-anaemia/93 Sickle cell anaemia is a structural abnormality of the haemoglobin chain in blood. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/silicosis/39 Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhalation of silica dust which leads to inflammation and then scarring of the lung tissue. Three types of silicosis are seen: 1) Simple chronic silicosis - which results from long-term exposure (more than 20 years) to low amounts of silica dust. Nodules of chronic inflammation and scarring provoked by the silica dust form in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. This disease may feature breathlessness and may resemble chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2) Accelerated silicosis - occurs after exposure to larger amounts of silica over http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/simple-allergic-conjunctivitis-seasonal-allergic-conjunctivitis-sac-perennial-allergic-conjunctivitis-pac/933 Conjunctivitis is a very common reason for having annbsp;uncomfortable, red eye. There are a number of causes for conjunctivitis, including bacteria, viruses and, importantly, allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva refers to the thin, translucent lining of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelids. Simple allergic conjunctivitis appears in two main forms:nbsp;Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC): A condition caused by allergens which are present seasonally and arenbsp;most common in spring time. Allergens that cause seasonal allergic c http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sjogren's-syndrome/634 Sjogrens syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes. It is often associated with an underlying autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. If Sjogrens syndrome occurs in the absence of an underlying autoimmune disease, it is known as primary Sjogrens syndrome. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/skin-cancer-basal-cell-carcinoma-of-the-skin/538 Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin is a cancer of the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves as a protective barrier between us and the environment, keeping water in and infection out. The skin in composed of two main layers: The epidermis - consisting of keratinised stratified squamous epithelium; and The dermis - a dense connective tissue. Epidermal components of the skin include hair follicles and hair; sweat, sebaceous and mammary glands; and nails. The functions of the skin include: Providing a protective barrier from the external environment; Homeosta http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/skin-cancer-malignant-skin-melanoma/513 Melanomas are cancers of cells known as melanocytes that are present in the skin. The purpose of the melanocytes is to produce a dark pigment called melanin. Melanin is importantnbsp;for protecting DNA (a very complex chemical that determines what a cell does) from the damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun.nbsp;Melanin is the primary determining factor in someones skin colournbsp;- the more melanin in the skin, the darker it will appear. Sometimes, however, something can go wrong in a melanocyte. It becomes cancerous and grows very quickly, becoming bigger and bigger. The cancerou http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/skin-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-skin/539 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin is one type of skin cancer. The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves as a protective barrier between us and the environment, keeping water in and infection out. The skin in composed of two main layers: The epidermis - consisting of keratinised stratified squamous epithelium; and The dermis - a dense connective tissue. Epidermal components of the skin include hair follicles and hair; sweat, sebaceous and mammary glands; and nails. The functions of the skin include: Providing a protective barrier from the external environment; Hom http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/small-bowel-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-small-intestine/450 Small bowel cancers include adenocarcinomas, carcinoid tumours, lymphomas, and leimyosarcomas. The small bowel is composed of the duedenun, jejenum, and ileum. It is the part of the Gastro-Intestinal tract extending from the pyloric sphincter of the stomach to the ileo-caecal valve separating the ileum from the colon (large bowel). The small bowel is important for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from digested food. Food that is partly digested by the acids in the stomach continues to be broken down by enzymes from the pancreas - which drain into the duedenum at the ampulla of vater. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/small-cell-lung-cancer-carcinoma-of-the-lung/573 Small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is thought to arise from neuroendocrine cells which form part of the epithelium (lining) of the bronchi (airways). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/small-intestine-cancer-lymphoma-of-the-small-intestine/451 Lymphomas of the small bowel may be primary (i.e. arising from the small bowel lymph tissue) or secondary to a systemic lymphoma. The small bowel is composed of the duodenum, jejenum, and ileum. It is the part of the Gastro-Intestinal tract extending from the pyloric sphincter of the stomach to the ileo-caecal valve separating the ileum from the colon (large bowel). The small bowel is important for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from digested food. Food that is partly digested by the acids in the stomach continues to be broken down by enzymes from the pancreas - which dra http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/small-lymphocytic-lymphoma/745 Lymphoma is divided into 2 broad groups: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma has many subtypes - and one of them is small lymphocytic lymphoma. Small lymphocytic lymphoma primary affects the B cells. It represents the tissue manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Lymphoma means cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important to our immune system where it helps to combat infection. The lymphatic system consists of several organs, e.g. lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and bone marrow, where all these are connected by tiny vessels. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/soft-tissue-sarcomas/572 Sarcoma is a term used to describe malignant tumours arising from mesenchymal or supportive tissue. Mesenchymal tissue includes connective tissues (e.g. bone, cartilage), blood vessels, lymph vessels, synovium (the lining of joint spaces), meninges (brain coverings) and muscle. Malignant tumours are cancers which have the ability to metastasise, which means the tumour can seed and spread to a different part of the body away from its site of origin. The information here will broadly cover the soft tissue sarcomas as a group. Further information is available on individual sarcoma types. ( http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/somatoform-disorders-briquet's-syndrome/80 A somatoform disorder is a clinical complaint of symptoms made by a patient for which there is no physical exidence of disease. There are five main types of somatoform disorder: 1. Hypochondriasis 2. Conversion Disorder 3. Body Dysmorphic Disorder 4. Pain Disorder 5. Somatisation disorder http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/spasmodic-dysphonia-laryngeal-dystonia/929 Dystonia encompasses a broad and complex spectrum of clinical presentations that occur as a result of opposite muscles contracting (muscle co-contraction), involuntarily causing the muscle to spasm. Spasmodic dysphonianbsp;(SD) is a rare form of dystonia that affects the laryngeal muscles (vocal cords). It is also known as laryngeal dystonia. The term spasmodic describes sudden and intermittent jerking movements of muscles and, as such, SD is characterised by poor vocal motor control during speech due to intermittent and involuntary spasms of the laryngeal muscles. SD is a task-specific diso http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/spider-bite/763 Spider bites can affect anyone. It is a clinical entity typically exaggerated in movies and the media. Although spider bites can be common depending on the geographical distribution of different spiders, they are generally benign and harmless. Spider bites can affect many sites. Generally reactions to spider bites can be divided into 3 types: local reactions: this means reactions that occur at bite sites systemic reactions: this means reactions that happen widespread in the body allergic reactions: this means exaggerated reactions that do not happen in normal individuals. As descri http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/spina-bifida/793 Spina Bifida refers to a birth defect resulting in malformations of the spinal cord, caused by the incomplete closure of a vertebral arch during development. It forms a part of the broad complex known as neural tube defects which refers to malformation of the neural tube during embryogenesis. There are three categories of spina bifida: spina bifida occulta, spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele) and meningocele. It may result in the exposure of the meninges (spinal membranes) and spinal cord. Spina bifida Occulta is a mild form of spina bifida. There is no opening on the back howeve http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/spinal-cord-astrocytoma-tumour/688 An astrocytoma is a rare spinal cord tumour that begins in the brain or spinal cord in star shaped cells called astrocytes - the supporting cells of the nervous system. These tumours may grow quite large before being detected. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/spinal-cord-cancer-lymphoma-of-the-spinal-cord/583 Cancers of the spinal cord may be of the Lymphoma type. The spinal cord forms part of the central nervous system. It is a cylindrical continuation of the brainstem, commencing from the medulla (at the level of the foramen magnum at the base of the skull) and extending to the conus medullaris at the level of the L2 vertebra. It is located within the vertebral canal - the bony tube formed by the vertebral foramina. Below the level of L2, the remaining contents of the spinal canal are known as the cauda equina, the bundle of nerve rootlets in the subarachnoid space. Within the vertebral canal http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/stomach-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-stomach/618 Cancer is a condition in which the normal cells of the body undergo change and exhibit abnormal cell growth. This can manifest differently depending on the tissues/organs involved and the characteristics of the cancer itself.Gastric adenocarcinoma is a cancer that affects the stomach. The stomach is an organ of the gastrointestinal tractnbsp;responsible for the digestion of food which enters it from the oesophagus.Over 90% of the cancers that occur in the stomach are gastric adenocarcinomas. This name implies that the cancer is located in the stomach (gastric), affects cells that would normal http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/stress-anxiety/476 Stress is defined as an organisms total response to environmental demands or pressures. When stress was first studied in the 1950s, the term was used to denote both the causes and the experienced effects of these pressures. More recently, however, the word stressor has been used for the stimulus that provokes a stress response. One recurrent disagreement among researchers concerns the definition of stress in humans. Is it primarily an external response that can be measured by changes in glandular secretions, skin reactions, and other physical functions, or is it an internal interpretation of, http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/stretch-marks-striae-distensae/868 Stretch marks (also known as striae distensae) are part of a condition affecting the skin, and are commonly found in the population. These white, smooth, linear lesions can be found anywhere on the body and are related to stretching of the skin. The most common sites to be affected by stretch marks include the breasts, buttocks, thighs and lateral abdomen. Stretch marks appear to be a type of scarring that occurs in the dermal layer of the skin, as a result of an altered healing response and replacement of collagen. They are separated from the normal skin by dense collagen bundles. The followi http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/stroke-cerebrovascular-accident-cva/823 nbsp;Stroke is a disease defined as a sudden neurological deficit (e.g. weakness, loss of sensation or other) due to a vascular cause. The deficit must last for longer than 24 hours and is of sudden onset. There are two main types: Ischaemic (85%): can be due to a thrombus (a clot forming in one of the blood vessels supplying the brain); or due to an embolus - a clot which travels from another site (usually the heart) to block off one of the arteries in the brain. Haemorrhagic (15%): this is due to rupture of one of the arteries in the brain - usually due to an aneurysm (an outpouching of an http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/subacute-thyroiditis-de-quervain's-thyroiditis/315 Subacute thyroiditis or De Quervains Thyroiditis is a disease of the Thyroid Gland. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/893 Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a term that has been used since the 1970s to describe the unexpected death of an infant or young child, where subsequent investigations have failed to demonstrate a cause of death. In 1989, an expert panel from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development revised the definition of SIDS. The current definition is quot;the sudden death of an infant under one year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical histo http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sudden-unexpected-death-in-epilepsy-sudep/880 Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and one of the most complex. Epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures (fits) resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. People with epilepsy may die suddenly and unexpectedly without a clear cause of death. This is known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is diagnosed when there is an unexpected non traumatic (such as head injury) and non drowning death in an individual with epilepsy. It may be witnessed or un-witnessed, and may occur following a seizure or not. It must not occur due to status e http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sudeck's-atrophy-reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-complex-regional-pain-syndrome-1/356 Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome or Sudecks atrophy involves a disturbance in the sympathetic nervous system. The latter is the the network of nerves that controls many bodily functions - and in the skin it is responsible for opening and closing blood vessels, and controlling sweat glands. In RSDS there is pain, as well as swelling and disability (often after injury) associated with other signs of sympatethic nerve dysfunction (initially warm and dry, and later cold and moist skin) in the affected area. It primarily affects the hands and feet. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/suicide-and-attempted-suicide-deliberate-self-harm/83 Suicide describes the intentional act of killing oneself. Identification of patients at risk of this behaviour is the most difficult but important task of psychiatry. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/supraspinatus-tendinitis-painful-arc-syndrome/360 Supraspinatus tendinitis or painful arc syndrome occurs in the shoulder. The shoulder joint owes its stability to the rotator cuff muscles - which are four small muscles located around the shoulder joint which help with movement, but importantly their tendons stabilise the head of the humerus within the joint capsule. The tendon of one of these muscles - the supraspinatus commonly impinges on the acromion (the bone forming the tip of the shoulder) as it passes between the acromion and the humeral head. The supraspinatus muscles helps abduct (lift up sideways) the arm. Any friction be http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/swine-influenza-swine-flu-h1n1-influenza-a/913 Swine influenza or swine flu, more correctly named H1N1 influenza A, is an influenza virus first detected in the United States in April 2009. This virus was originally described as swine influenza because genetic testing showed it to share many similarities with influenza viruses which normally infect pigs. Further study however has shown that this virus is in fact very different from the influenza virus that normally infects pigs in North America. Rather it contains a mixture of genetic information from viruses that normally infect pigs in Europe and Asia as well as from viruses which normall http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/syndrome-of-inappropriate-antidiuretic-hormone-secretion-siadh/149 Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) is the continued ADH secretion in spite of plasma hypotonicity and a normal or expanded plasma volume. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/syphilis/119 Syphilis is a sexually transmitted or congenital infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Although it begins as a genital infection, it becomes a systemic disease in the second (secondary syphilis), third (tertiary syphilis) or fourth stage (quaternary syphilis) and can affect most organs of the body including the bones and joints, liver, heart and brain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/systemic-scleroderma-systemic-sclerosis/224 Scleroderma is a disorder with an unknown cause. It is characterized by thickening of the skin due to extra tissue being deposited within it. The excess tissue is called connective tissue, connective tissue is the framework which keeps much of the body together. Scleroderma is a group of conditions that are linked by the changes in the skin, however there are many other effects of the disease, and as a result it is classified into a variety of distinct conditions depending on the pattern of disease. Classification of Scleroderma Scleroderma is classified broadly into two categories in both the http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tardive-dyskinesia/755 Tardive Dyskinesia is thought to be caused by antipsychotic medications that act on dopamine receptors in the central nervous system. It should be noted, however, that Tardive Dyskinesia was seen in some psychotic patients prior to the development of such medications. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/351 Tennis elbow is an overload or overuse condition in which the muscles of the forearm are affected - in particular the muscles that extend the wrist - the backhand muscles. Although the condition is termed tennis elbow since it is common in tennis players, only a small proportion of patients actually get the condition from playing tennis. These muscles attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Hence the other term for it is lateral epicondylitis - since the common extensor attachment is involved due to the repetitive strain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tension-headache/323 Tension-type headache (previously termed tension headache or muscle contraction headache) is a common type of primary headache, characterised by mild-moderate head pain with no associated symptoms. Like other primary headaches, tension-type headaches have no apparent underlying cause. They may be episodic or chronic, in which case they are referred to as chronic daily headaches. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/testicular-cancer-seminoma-of-the-testicle/821 nbsp;Seminoma of the testicle is a type of testicular cancer. The testes are the male gonads, located within the scrotum. They function in production of sperm (spermatogenesis) and production of sex hormones. The testes actually develop on the posterior surface of the abdominal cavity before migrating to their position in the scrotum, through the inguinal canal, during the 7th month of embryological development. Maldescent of the testes (cryptorchidism) is a risk factor for testicular cancer. It is a common condition of neonatal boys, occurring in up to 30% of premature babies and 5% of term http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/testicular-cancer-teratoma-of-the-testicle/563 nbsp;A type of testicular cancer is teratoma of the testicle. It is a type of germ cell tumour as it arises from sperm precursors. Germ cell tumours are by far the most common testicular tumours. The testes, the paired male gonads, are the sites of spermatogenesis (sperm production). They are ovoid glands consisting of a vast number of coiled seminiferous tubules that join to form the rete testis, which then connect to the epididymis. The testes are located within the scrotum but actually develop on the posterior surface of the abdominal cavity before migrating to their position in the scrot http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/testosterone-deficiency-primary-hypogonadism-and-secondaryhypogonadotrophic-hypogonadism/374 Male hypogonadism is a disorder in which a man has testosterone deficiency, that is, he produces abnormally low levels of the male sex hormone testosterone. As testosterone plays an important role in regulating the male sex drive, supporting the development of sperm and developing male sex characteristics (e.g. deep voice, facial hair), testosterone deficiency often results in symptoms such as reduced sex drive and infertility. These symptoms can also affect a mans self esteem and his overall sense of well-being. Testosterone in males is produced in the testicles. Testosterone deficiency ari http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tetanus-lockjaw/112 Tetanus is a disease caused by the toxin of the bacterium Clostridium tetani that affects the central nervous system, sometimes resulting in death. Spores of the bacterium C. tetani live in the soil and are found around the world. In the spore form, C. tetani may remain dormant in the soil, and it can remain infectious for more than 40 years. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tetralogy-of-fallot/50 Tetralogy of Fallot is a type of heart defect present at birth (congenital) consisting of four different abnormalities. It usually results in insufficiently oxygenated blood being pumped to the body causing cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin). The classic form of Tetralogy includes 4 defects within the heart structures: Ventricular septal defect (hole between the right and left ventricles). Narrowing of the pulmonic outflow tract (tube that connects the heart with the lungs). An aorta (tube that carries oxygenated blood to the body) that arises from both ventricles, rather than http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/thalassaemia-mediterranean-anemia-cooley's-anemia/130 Thalassaemia arises when there is an imbalance in the production of alpha and beta globin chains. Normal haemaglobin contains two chains (globin chains - alpha and beta), which are folded in such a way so as to hold haem molecules within the fold and letting the haem combine reversibly with oxygen. In normal haemoglobin (Hb) there is 1:1 balance in in the production of alpha and beta globin chains. This production leads to the collection (precipitation) of globin chains within red cells or precursors of red cells. This results in cell damage, death of red cell precursors in the bone marrow http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/thoracic-back-pain-upper-vertebral-fracturespain/231 Thoracic back pain occurs within the backbone. The backbone (or vertebral column) is composed of 32 vertebrae - 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 3 coccygeal. The 12 thoracic vertebrae are considered the upper back while the lumbar region the lower back. The thoracic vertebrae differ from the others in that the 12 ribs are attached to the 12 vertebrae respectively. The costovertebral joints (between the ribs and the vertebrae) hence provide another source of pain. On the other hand, the thoracic vertebrae, being higher up than the lumbar, do not support as much weight, he http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/throat-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-tonsil/608 Throat cancer or squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil is a part of cancers of the head and neck. In oncology squamous cell cancers of the head and neck are often considered together because they share many similarities - in incidence, cancer type, predisposing factors, pathological features, treatment of the cancer and cancer prognosis. Up to 30% of cancer patients with one primary head and neck tumour will have a second primary malignancy. The pharynx is the continuation of the nose and mouth. It is a muscular tube that continues downwards through the neck and is responsible for the pas http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/thrombotic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/131 Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic purpura results from widespread hyaline thrombi in small vessels. The pathology not fully understood. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic purpura is related to a deficiency or autoantibody to the protease enzyme which cleaves von Willebrand factor. The accumulation of very high molecular weight multimers of Von Willebrand Factor and endothelial damage are thought to be the causative factors in this condition. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/thyroid-cancer-anaplastic-of-the-thyroid/545 Thyroid Cancer (Anaplastic of the Thyroid) may be of the Anaplastic type and usually arise from the follicular cells located between the thyroid follicles, which are responsible for production of calcitonin. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, at the base. It acts as the bodys carburettor and accelerator determining how quickly we burn our fuel. It regulates body metabolism and energy. The follicular cells make the thyroid hormone responsible for the above, and C cells located between the thyroid follicles make calcitonin (which regulates calcium). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/thyroid-cancer-follicular-cell-of-the-thyroid/548 Thyroid Cancer may be of the Follicular Cell type and usually arise from the follicular cells of the thyroid. It is usually a slow growing type of tumour. 40% of thyroid tumours are of this type. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck in the front. This acts as the bodys carburettor and accelerator determining how quickly we burn our fuel. It regulates body metabolism and energy. The vallecular cells make the thyroid hormone responsible for the above, and C cells located between the thyroid follicles make calcitonin (which regulate calcium). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tongue-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-tongue/612 In oncology squamous cell cancers of the head and neck are often considered together because they share many similarities - in incidence, cancer type, predisposing factors, pathological features, treatment and prognosis. Up to 30% of patients with one primary head and neck tumour will have a second primary malignancy. The oral cavity or mouth consists of two parts: the vestibule- which is the space between the lips and cheeks and the teeth and gums; and the mouth proper- which is internal to the teeth. The oral cavity refers to the entire contents of this area - including the cheeks, gums, http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tonsil-cancer-lymphoma-of-the-tonsil/615 Tonsil cancer may be of the Lymphoma type and usually arise from the lymphatic cells which are found in the wall of the tonsils. The pharynx is the continuation of the nose and mouth. It is a muscular tube that continues downwards through the neck and is responsible for the passage of both air (to the larynx, trachea and lungs) and food (to the oesophagus and then stomach). The pathways for food and air cross over in the pharynx. In addition, the auditory canal opens onto the upper part of the pharynx. The walls of the pharynx are composed of fascia and muscle layers all lined by a mu http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tonsillitis/29 Tonsillitis involves infection of the pharyngeal tonsils (at the back of the throat). These are symmetrical areas of lymphoid tissue located in the pharynx, on either side of the hard palate. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tourette's-syndrome-gilles-de-la-tourette-syndrome-tics/459 Tourettes syndrome is an inherited disorder of the nervous system characterised by multiple motor and vocal tics that begins in childhood and adolescence. Tics are repetitive movements or vocalisations such as grunting, coughing, blinking, sniffing, touching the ground, or tensing the abdomen. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/toxoplasmosis/865 Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan (single-celled organism) called Toxoplasma gondii.nbsp;The organismnbsp;has a complex life cycle that can be divided into three stages: Tachyzoite (active);Bradyzoite (inactive but capable of being reactivated); and Sporozoite (past the sexual stage of the life cycle). Toxoplasmosis is characterised by acute infection that is, infection with T. gondii tachyzoites.Life cycle ofnbsp;T. gondii Tachyzoites are active T. gondii organisms, meaning that they can invade and replicate themselves within cells. They can invade all organs of http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/transfusion-reactions/67 Blood transfusion is associated with a number of potential side effects. These include: Fever Allergic reaction Acute haemolysis (immediate breakdown of red blood cells) Delayed haemolysis (delayed breakdown of red blood cells) Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) Transmission of infection - Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C, and HIV are the most important Electrolyte toxicity (for example low calcium, high potassium) Iron overload http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/travellers-thrombosis/703 Travellers thrombosis may be referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or commonly in the media as economy class syndrome. It refers to the development of a blood clot in the deep veins, most commonly in the lower legs and is meant to be associated with prolonged travel periods. These clots have the capacity to travel to various areas of the body such as the lungs (causing a pulmonary embolism or PE), therefore compromising blood flow in that region. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tricuspid-valvular-disease/56 Tricuspid Valvular Disease is a disease of the heart, namely the tricuspid valve between the right ventricle and right atrium. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/trigeminal-neuralgia-tic-douloureux/234 Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that affects the face. The trigeminal nerve is the main sensory nerve to the face. It has three divisions supplying the three parts of the face in the diagram below - called V1 (mandibular nerve, red), V2 (maxillary nerve, blue), and V3 (opthalmic nerve, green). Trigeminal neuralgia is an idiopathic condition (of unknown cause) in which there is paroxysmal (acute attacks of) pain in the distribution of branches of the trigeminal nerve on one side of the face. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tuberculosis-tb/40 Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic, communicable infection due to the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs, but can spread to almost any part of the body. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tumour-lysis-syndrome/737 Tumour lysis syndrome is the name given to a collection of metabolic abnormalities that occur following the initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/tumour-of-unknown-primary-tup/803 Tumour of unknown primary is defined as the presence of a metastatic cancer without a known primary site of origin. A malignant tumour (cancer) is made up of an abundance of cancer cells. Some of these cells may break away from the original tumour (the primary tumour) and spread to other parts of the body. The new tumours that these cells form in other sites are called metastases, or secondary tumours. The type of cells in the secondary tumours is usually similar to that of the primary tumour. For example, bowel cancer that has spread to the liver will have the same cell type in both s http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/turners-syndrome-bonnevie-ullrich-syndrome-gonadal-dysgenesis-monosomy-x/291 Turners Syndrome is the complete or partial chromosomal abnormality consisting of the absence of the X chromosome. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/typhoid-fever/656 Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ulcerative-colitis-inflammatory-bowel-disease/173 Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease characterised by chronic and widespread inflammation of the colorectal mucosa. Inflammation of the mucosa leads to the formation of ulcers. For more information on the bowel, see Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System. UC is similar to another form of irritable bowel syndrome called Crohns disease in that both conditions are characterised by inflammation which is not caused by infection. Unlike Crohns disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. stomach, intestines), UC is confined to http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/undescended-testes-cryptorchidism/717 Undescended testes or cryptorchidism occurs when one or both testicles fail to move into the scrotum prior to birth. The testicles develop before birth in the abdominal cavity and normally descend into the scrotum before birth. The testicles are the male sex gonads which produce sex hormones (such as testosterone which produces male secondary sex characteristics) and sperm for reproduction. Cryptorchidism by definition suggests a hidden testicle: a testicle that is not within the scrotum and cannot be manipulated into the scrotum by several months of age. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/urethral-stricture/337 Urethral Stricture is a disorder of the urethra - The conduit connecting the bladder to the external environment. Urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra (the tube that releases urine from the body). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/urinary-incontinence/855 Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. There are many causes of urinary incontinence and incontinence is usually due to multiple factors. Urinary incontinence, if uncontrolled and poorly treated, has significant physical, functional and psychological consequences in affected individuals. Urinary incontinence occurs in all walks of life; the young, the old, males and females. Due to its universal distribution within the populatfion it is a highly important problem. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/urinary-tract-infection-uti/281 A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs in the urinary tract, this includes those parts of the urinary system between the kidneys and the external environment. These include the ureters, (connecting each kidney to the bladder) the urinary bladder, and the urethra (allowing the passage of urine from the bladder to the external environment.) A urinary tract infection can occur at any one of these anatomical sites. An quot;upperquot; urinary tract infection is defined as any infection above the bladder (i.e. within the ureter and/or renal collecting system.) The quot;lowerquot; urinary tract http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/urinary-tract-obstruction/211 A Urinary Tract Obstruction occurs in the urinary tract, this includes the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder and urethra. This condition occurs when any part of the urinary tract is obstructed, preventing the passage of urine from the kidneys to the external environment. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/uterine-cancer-adenocarcinoma-of-the-endometrium/566 Uterine cancer (Adenocarcinoma of the Endometrium) is the most common form (85%) of endometrial cancers. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. The lining nourishes a foetus during pregnancy and is shed during menstruation. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/vaginal-thrush-yeast-infection-vulvovaginal-candidiasis-vvt-vvc/837 Vaginal thrush (or vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a common condition that is often chronic and can interfere with womens sexual function and sense of wellbeing. It is associated with vulvitis (inflammation of vulva) and vaginitis (inflammation of vagina). It is a type of fungal infection - a yeast infection - caused most commonly by the fungus Candida albicans (in over 90% of cases). Although C. albicans is part of the normal flora that lives in the mouth, throat, intestine and vagina, it may become pathogenic and cause symptoms such as vaginal discharge and pruritis (itchiness) of the vulva http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/vancomycin-resistant-enterococci-vre/796 Enterococci are bacteria that are normally found in the bowel and the female genital tract. They are normally of very low virulence and therefore they do not cause symptomatic disease in many people. They may cause urinary tract infections and other infections after contamination of the peritoneal cavity. Enteroccocal infections may also be seen in surgical wound infections, liver and intraabdominal abscesses, and foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Sometimes after exposure to certain antibiotics, drug resistant strains of enterococci may survive and multiply - resulting in an overgrowth o http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/varicocoele/336 Varicocoele is a disease of the testis- namely the pampiniform plexus of veins (the network of veins that drain blood from the testes). Recall the testes are the male gonads responsible for sex hormone and sperm production. The condition occurs due to an incompetence of the valves within the veins of the spermatic cord. This causes the veins to expand, resulting in a localised venous lump (or varicocoele) near the testis. It is much more common on the left thought to be due to the anatomical relationships of the veins. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/vascular-dementia-multi-infarct-dementia/72 Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by multiple small or large strokes in the brain. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ventricular-arrythmias-vt-ventricular-fibrillation-vf/55 Ventricular Arrythmia (VA) is a severely abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that, unless treated immediately, causes death. VF is responsible for 75% to 85% of sudden deaths in persons with heart problems. To pump blood out to the body, all areas of the heart normally squeeze (contract) in a synchronised manner. The hearts upper chambers (the atria) contract first, and then the hearts bottom two chambers (the ventricles) contract. During VA, however, the ventricles contract independently of the atria, and some areas of the ventricles contract while others are relaxing, in a disorganized mann http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/ventricular-septal-defect-vsd/46 Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a disease of the heart, namely the septum (or division) between the two ventricles (or main chambers of the heart). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/vernal-keratoconjunctivitis-vkc/935 Conjunctivitis is a very common reason for experiencing an uncomfortable, red eye. There are a number of causes for conjunctivitis, including bacteria, viruses and, importantly, allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva refers to the thin, translucent lining of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelids. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a particular type of allergic conjunctivitis. VKC usually affects both eyes, follows a more long-term course, and is strongly linked to a personal or family history of other allergic diseases. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/vulval-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-vulva/569 The main type of vulvae cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva. The vulvae are the female external genitalia, consisting of the mons pubis, the labia majora and minora and the clitoris. The proximal two-thirds of the labia minora and all tissues internal to them are of endodermal origin. All tissue external to this point is ectodermal in origin and histology resembles that of skin. Between the labia minora is the vestibule - containing the external urethral meatus, the hymen and the clitoris. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/waldenstrom's-macroglobulinemia/469 Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia is a cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) which causes overproduction of monoclonal macroglobulin (IgMantibody). B-lymphocytes play a vital role in the bodys specific immune system. B-cells mature into plasma cells and are responsible for the production of antibodies, which primarily play a role in bacterial infections. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/wegener's-granulomatosis/499 Wegeners Granulomatosis is a disease where the blood vessels are inflamed. This is called vasculitis. This inflammation causes damage to the organs of the body by decreasing their blood flow, which destroys their normal tissue. This is called necrosis. The inflammation damages important organs of the body by limiting blood flow to those organs and destroying normal tissue. The organs afffected most commonly are the lungs and the kidneys. Wegeners Granulomatosis is a disease that can involve any organ system, but specifically affects the upper and lower respiratory tract (nose, sinuses http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/west-nile-virus-viral-encephalitis-western-equine-encephalitis/465 West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitos and causes an illness that ranges from mild to severe. Mild, flu-like illness is often called West Nile fever. More severe forms of disease, which can be life-threatening, may be called West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis, depending on where it spreads. WNV virus is endemic in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In North America, WNE first occurred in the northeast United States along the eastern seaboard and now extends to Florida, the Gulf Coast, and several western states. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/whiplash-injury/498 Whiplash injury is a soft tissue injury to the neck, or a neck strain/sprain. The neck is made up by the cervical spine, the first seven vertebrae of the back. Areas of the vertebrae commonly affected are the intervertebral joints (the joints between each vertebrae), the intervertebral discs (the soft material that cushions one vertebrae from another), and the ligaments, muscles and nerve roots that hold the vertebrae together. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/whooping-cough-pertussis/110 Whooping cough, otherwise known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial disease which affects the respiratory system and produces spasms of coughing that usually end in a high-pitched sounding deep inspiration of air, which is what is referred to as the whoop. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/wilson's-disease/171 Wilsons disease is a rare inherited disorder characterized by a toxic accumulation of copper in liver and brain (hepatolenticular degeneration). http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/yellow-fever/102 Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by fever, jaundice, kidney failure, and bleeding. http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/zollinger-ellison-syndrome-gastrinoma/214 In Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the primary tumour is located in the pancreas. This type of tumour, however, secretes large quantities of a hormone called quot;gastrinquot; which causes the stomach to secrete much more acid than usual - leading to ulcers throughout the gatro-intestinal tract - in the stomach, duodenum or jejunum. nbsp;nbsp;