Warning: strftime() [
function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in
/home/medhelp/public_html/3rdparty/Smarty/libs/Smarty_Compiler.class.php on line
409
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS: The most common motor
neuron disease of muscular atrophy, ALS results in degeneration of upper
motor neurons in the medulla oblongata and lower motor neurons in the spinal
cord. This neurologic disease causes progressive physical degeneration
but doses not impair the patient's mental status. Onset usually occurs
between ages 40 and 70. Most patients diagnosis with ALS die within
3 to 10 years after onset, usually due to aspiration pneumonia or respiratory
failure.
Precipitating factors for acute deterioration may include: trauma,
viral ;infections, and physical exhaustion. Disorders that must be
differentiated from ALS include CNS syphilis, multiple sclerosis, spinal
cord tumors, and syringomyelia.
Cause: May be autosomal dominant inheritance, nutritional deficiency
of motor neurons related to a disturbance in enzyme metabolism, or autoimmune
disorders that affect immune complexes in the renal glomerulus and basement
membrane, or metabolic interference in nucleic acid production by the nerve
fibers.
Symptoms:
Atropy and weakness (especially in the muscles of the forearms and the
hands
Impaired speech
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Excessive drooling and possible choking
Does not impair mental status
Treatment:
No effective treatment exists for ALS
Management aims to control symptoms and provide emotional, psychological,
and physical support
Atrial Septal Defect: (ASD) this
congenital defect, an opening between the left and right atria allows shunting
of blood between the chambers. The left atrial pressure normally
is slightly higher than right atrial pressure, blood shunts from left to
right. The pressure difference forces large amounts of blood through
the defect and leads to right heart...
Related Articles:
-
Atelectasis
Atelectasis: Is an incomplete expansion
of lobules (clusters of alveoli) or lung segments may result in partial
or complete lung collapse. The collapsed tissue, unable to...
-
Asthma
Asthma: a condition marked by recurrent attacks of paroxysmal
dyspnea, with wheezing due to spasmodic contraction of the bronchi.
In some cases, it is an allergic manifestation...
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis Information
Arthritis : Inflammation
of a joint, marked by pain, heat, redness, and swelling. Arthritic
disorders are among the most common chronic conditions that is painful
and disabling. There are...
-
Appendicitis
Appendicitis: One of the most common major
surgical disease, appendicitis is obstruction and inflammation of the vermiform
appendix, which may lead to infection, thrombosis,...
-
Aneurysm
Aneurysm: a sac formed by localized dilatation of an
artery or vein
Thoracic aortic aneurysm: In this disorder,
the ascending, transverse, or descending part of...
-
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis: refers to an exaggerated hypersensitivity reaction
to a previously encountered antigen. A severe reaction may precipitate
vascular collapse, leading to systemic...
-
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease: The cause of Alzheimer's
disease is unknown. Several factors are thought to be implicated.
They include; Neurochemical factors, such as...
-
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS: The most common motor
neuron disease of muscular atrophy, ALS results in degeneration of upper
motor neurons in the medulla oblongata and lower...
-
Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse: Chronic, uncontrolled
intake of alcohol is the nation's largest substance abuse problem,.
It cuts across all social and economic boundaries,...
-
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/AIDS: Progressive weakening
of cell mediated (T-cell) immunity, AIDS heightens susceptibility
to opportunistic infections and unusual...
-
Adenoid Hyperplasia
Adenoid hyperplasia: This is a pretty common
childhood health condition, which involves an enlargement of the lymph
glands that are located above the back of the child’s mouth....
-
Acute Respiratory Failure
Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) : - This disorder occurs when the lungs no longer meet the body's metabolic
needs. It isn't easily defined because it has many causes and variable...
-
Acute Renal Failure
Acute Renal Failure (ARF) : - the sudden interruption of kidney function from obstruction, reduced
circulation, or renal parenchymal disease. If untreated, it can progress
to end-stage...
-
Athlete's Foot
Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Treat and Cure Toenail Fungus
Athlete's Foot: is caused by an organism that lives on the
skin and breeds best under warm, moist conditions. If left...
-
Anxiety
Learn how you can end anxiety and panic attacks without expensive medication!
Anxiety: a feeling of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear without apparent stimululi, associated with...
-
Anorexia Nervosa
Learn how you can end anxiety and panic attacks without expensive medication!
Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by self-imposed starvation and excessive leanness; a wasted condition of...
-
Angina
Angina: spasmodic, choking, or suffocation
pain. The episodic pain of angina occurs when the supply of oxygen
to the heart can't meet the heart's needs.
Physical or...
-
Anemia
Anemia: Anemias are marked by abnormally low numbers
of RBC (red blood cell), a deficiency of hemoglobin, or a low volume of
packed RBCs per 100 ml of blood, stemming form an imbalance...
-
Allergies
Learn how you can end anxiety and panic attacks without expensive medication!
Allergy
Bacterial : specific hypersensitiveness to a particular bacterial antigen.
Bronchial:...
-
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis: Is a reaction to airborne (inhaled) allergens.
Depending on the allergen, the resulting rhinitis and conjunctivitis may
be seasonal such as hay fever or...
-
Adenoid Problems
Banish Tinnitus in 3 Simple Steps! Silence The Ringing Once and For All
Adenoid hyperplasia: This fairly common childhood condition involves an enlargement of the lymphoid tissue of...
-
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD: difficulty
paying attention. Patient with this disorder have short attention
span. Commonly found in young children and may continue...
-
Acne
Want the Secret to be Acne Free in 3 Days?
Click Here to Find Out How
Acne : Acne or pimples, are the terms used to describe
a most common skin condition of an inflammatory nature. Acne...