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Beta-Thalassemia Testing and Complications

Individuals with thalassemia major usually develop symptoms within the first two years of life. These infants may fail to thrive and often have difficulty feeding, tire easily and suffer from severe anemia.

2 Dec 2009

Beta-Thalassemia Types

Beta-thalassemia is an inherited disorder of the blood that affects the hemoglobin inside red blood cells. The condition is caused by an abnormality in the production of the beta globin chain found in hemoglobin.

2 Dec 2009

What is Beta-Thalassemia?

Beta-thalassemia is one of a group of hereditary blood conditions that result from reduced or absent synthesis of the beta-globin chain of the hemoglobin molecule. It occurs as the result of a point mutation or less commonly, a deletion in the gene that codes for the beta chain, on chromosome 11. It occurs in 1 of 10,000-100,000 people, depending on the ethnicity. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The symptoms vary from none to severe anemia.

2 Dec 2009

Botulism Prognosis

Botulism is a dangerous condition caused by infection with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria releases the botulinum toxin, which is severely damaging to the nerves and muscles. If the condition is not treated, the paralysis can affect the lungs and cause respiratory failure.

2 Dec 2009

Botulism Diagnosis

Botulism is a disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The condition is suspected based on a patient’s symptoms and the details they give regarding exposure to the bacteria.

2 Dec 2009

Botulism Mechanism

Botulism is a dangerous illness caused by infection with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria releases toxins that attack the central nervous system and eventually lead to death if the condition is not treated.

2 Dec 2009

What is Botulism?

Botulism is a dangerous disease caused by infection with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria produces toxins which target the nervous system causing muscle weakness and paralysis. If the condition is not treated, the paralysis can reach the lungs and cause respiratory failure.

2 Dec 2009

Migraine and the Heart

Migraines occur when blood vessels in the head contract and dilate in an abnormal manner. The arteries in the back of the head have been shown to go into spasm, reducing blood flow to the back part of the brain or the occipital lobe. This is thought to trigger the pulsating pain in the side of the head that is seen in migraine.

2 Dec 2009

Economic Impact of Migraines

Migraine is a severe form of headache and symptoms can last anything form a few hours to a few days, with some individuals affected on a regular basis for the whole of their lives.

2 Dec 2009

Migraine History

Migraine is one the oldest ailments known to mankind. Some of the earliest cases of painful headaches were recorded by the ancient Egyptians and date back as far as 1200 B.C. Much later, in around 400 B.C., Hippocrates referred to the visual disturbances that can precede a migraine such as flashing lights or blurred vision, which we call aura. He also described the relief felt by sufferers after vomiting.

2 Dec 2009

Migraine Treatments

Currently, there is no known cure for migraine and treatment is aimed at preventing headache onset and relieving symptoms when they do occur.

2 Dec 2009

Migraine Pathophysiology

Considerable debate has surrounded the cause and underlying pathology of migraine and several theories have been proposed.

2 Dec 2009

Migraine Diagnosis

Migraines are commonly diagnosed based on symptoms, since there are no specific tests to detect and confirm this condition.

2 Dec 2009

Migraine Symptoms

Migraine is a severe form of headache that is felt as an intense pain in the front or side of the head, although the location of the pain may change during an attack of migraine. The pain usually worsens on exposure to light, sound or even when a person tries to move.

2 Dec 2009

What are Migraines?

Migraine is a severe form of headache felt as a throbbing pain at the front or side of the head. Migraines may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as a sensitivity to light or nausea.

2 Dec 2009

Arthritis History

Arthritis has a severe impact on people of all ages and has been known to mankind since ancient times. Little was known of the diseases, except its symptoms and signs. Rheumatoid arthritis for example can be traced back to dinosaurs and prehistoric man.

2 Dec 2009

Arthritis Treatment

Treatment and management of arthritis depends on the type and severity of the condition.

2 Dec 2009

What is Arthritis?

There are over 100 disorders that typically affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles and are termed arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Some of these may also involve internal organs.

2 Dec 2009

Cataract Treatment

In the initial stages of development, cataracts are mild and may not be noticeable. However, as a cataract grows in size or more develop, the lens of the eye becomes more clouded and light is less able to pass through it and reach the retina. At this stage, vision can become cloudy and blurred and treatment may be necessary.

2 Dec 2009

Cataract Classification

Cataracts are cloudy or misty patches that occur in the lens of the eye and blur vision. Cataracts are the most common cause of poor vision and can even cause blindness in severe cases.

2 Dec 2009