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General Illness Information Medical Term: Migraine headache Common Name: None Specified Description: A migraine headache is a recurring, throbbing, intense pain that most commonly affects one side of the head but may affect both sides. The pain is of sudden onset and may be preceded or accompanied by visual, neurologic, or gastrointestinal symptoms. It is a type of vascular headache: a genetically based, neuro-chemical instability of the nervous system triggered…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Spontaneous Abortion Common Name: Miscarriage (Spontaneous abortion) Description: Spontaneous termination of pregnancy within 20 weeks of fetal age.  At this stage. the fetus is considered to be unable to survive outside the uterus. About 20% of recognized pregnancies terminate in spontaneous abortions and 75% of these occur before the 8th week. Frequently the miscarriage occurs so early in pregnancy that the woman is not aware…

General Illness Information Common Name: Lyme Disease Medical Term: None Specified Description: Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. The tick is so small that you may not notice the tick or its bite. Because not all ticks are infected, a bite does not always result in Lyme disease. Even if the tick is infected, it may not transfer the disease to you. It…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Meniere’s Disease Common Name: None Specified Description: Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear Probably results from an abnormality in the inner ear fluid regulation. Usually it involves one ear, but both ears may be affected in 15% of patients. Typical onset age is between 20 and 50 years of age. Both sexes are equally affected.  Intermittent attacks of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the…

General Illness Information Common Name: Liver Cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) Medical Term: None Specified Description: A malignant tumor arising from liver cells. Although much less common than metastatic liver cancer in most areas of the world, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common internal malignancy and an important cause of death in certain areas of Africa and Southeast Asia. This is mainly because of the high incidence of Hepatitis B in these…

General Illness Information Common Name: Larynx Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer Medical Term: None Specified Description: Cancer of the larynx (voice box), and surrounding tissues. Usually in patients over age 50 years old. Men are nine times more affected than women. Causes: The cause has not been identified, but there is a very strong association with smoking, and also with heavy alcohol use. Prevention: Do not smoke. Limit alcohol use. See your…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Labyrinthitis Common Name: None Specified Causes: Inflammation of the semicircular canals in the inner ear. These are fluid-filled chambers that sense and help maintain balance. May be caused by viruses, bacteria or by trauma to the region. Prevention: Obtain prompt medical treatment for ear infections. Signs & Symptoms Extreme dizziness especially with head movement that begins gradually and peaks in 48 hours Involuntary eye movement…

General Illness Information Common Name: Laryngitis Medical Term: None Specified Description: An inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and surrounding tissues, causing temporary hoarseness. Causes: Inflammation of the vocal cords and surrounding area caused by: Viruses (common), bacteria, allergies. Electrolyte-balance disturbances, especially low potassium, that cause muscle weakness (Uncommon). Tumors (rare) or polyps. Excessive use of the voice. Prevention: Avoid raising, or straining your voice. Treat all respiratory infections appropriately….

General Illness Information Medical Term: Keratitis Common Name: None Specified Description: Infection or inflammation of the cornea (the center portion of the eye that surrounds the pupil). Causes: Bacterial, viral or fungal infections. The most common is herpes simplex virus, Type I. Drying of the eye caused by an eyelid disorder or insufficient tear formation. Foreign object in the eye. Contact lenses over-use. Intense light, such as from welding arcs…

General Illness Information Common Name: Coronary Artery Disease Medical Term: Ischemic Heart Disease Description: Coronary artery disease is a condition  in which fatty deposits  (atheroma) accumulate in the cells lining the wall of the coronary arteries. These fatty deposits build up gradually and irregularly in the large branches of the two main coronary arteries which encircle the heart and are the main source of its blood supply. This process is…