Glossary for Cognitive impairment

Medical terms related to Cognitive impairment or mentioned in this section include:

• $3 alpha methylglutaconicaciduria, type 3$: A rare genetic condition where a gene mutation prevents the production of certain protein which leads to a build-up of an acid (3-methylglutaconic acid) which can have a negative impact on the body. The condition is characterized mainly by damage to the optic nerve.
• $49,XXXXY syndrome$: A rare sex chromosome abnormality where there are three extra copies of the X chromosome.
• ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a mental and behavioral disorder characterized by behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, inattention, concentration difficulty, and other mental symptoms. The related description Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be a more modern description of the disease.

  Misdiagnosis of ADD is a well-known controversy in the sense that cases of hyperactivity in children may be over-diagnosed. There is a tendency for parents to seek and doctors to prescribe the drug Ritalin even in cases where the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD may be incorrect. Alternative diagnoses include normal child behavior (i.e. just an active child), food intolerances, or other behavioral disorders (see misdiagnosis of ADD).

  On the other hand, ADD is under-diagnosed in adults, with a large number of adults having ADD without knowing it; see misdiagnosis of Adult ADD.

• ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental and behavioral disorder characterized by behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, inattention, concentration difficulty, and other mental symptoms. Typically, ADHD and associated hyperactivity is known as a childhood disorder, although ADD/ADHD in adults is known to be under-diagnosed. It is distinguished from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) which has a reduced focus on hyperactivity type symptoms.
• Abnormal thinking:
• Absence of septum pellucidum and septo-optic dysplasia: A rare birth defect where a thin membrane in the middle of the brain is missing. This brain abnormality is never present on it's own but is a characteristic of septo-optic dysplasia where the patient also has optic disk abnormalities and pituitary deficiencies.
• Aceruloplasminemia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by a lack of the protein ceruloplasmin in the blood resulting in a buildup of iron in the liver, brain and pancreas. This in turn causes diabetes and degeneration of the neural system causing tremors and walking abnormalities.
• Achondroplasia: A rare disease characterized by abnormal bone growth which results in short stature with short arms and legs, large head and characteristic facial features.
• Acidemia, propionic: An inherited genetic disorder where the body is incapable of processing some proteins and fats resulting in the accumulation of certain substances in the body which causes the symptoms of the condition. The condition can be life threatening.
• Acrosphenosyndactylia: A rare condition characterized by abnormalities in the appearance of the face and head as well as finger and toe abnormalities. The bones of the skull fuse together too early which prevents it from growing normally. Various toes and fingers may be fused together.
• Acute leukaemia of ambiguous lineage: A term used to describe a type of leukemia (a blood cancer) where the leukemic cells cannot be determined as myeloid or lymphoid or where both types of cells are present.
• Acute megacaryoblastic leukemia: A rare form of malignant bone marrow cancer involving the proliferation of immature precursors of blood cells. More specifically, it involves the rapid proliferation of megakaryoblasts (premature form of megakaryocytes).
• Acute myeloblastic leukemia type 1: A form of blood cancer resulting in the rapid proliferation of immature blood cells (blast cells).
• Acute myeloblastic leukemia type 2: A form of blood cancer resulting in the rapid proliferation of granulocytes and monocytes.
• Acute myeloblastic leukemia type 3: A rare form of malignant bone marrow cancer involving the rapid proliferation of immature precursors of blood cells. Type 3 involves the proliferation of promyelocytes.
• Acute myeloblastic leukemia type 4: A rare form of malignant bone marrow cancer involving the rapid proliferation of immature precursors of blood cells. Type 4 involves the rapid proliferation of myelocytes and monocytes.
• Acute myeloblastic leukemia type 5: A rare form of malignant bone marrow cancer involving the proliferation of immature precursors of blood cells. Type 5 involves the rapid proliferation of monoblasts (immature precursors of monocytes) in particular.
• Acute myeloblastic leukemia type 6: A rare form of malignant bone marrow cancer involving the rapid proliferation of immature precursors of blood cells. Type 6 involves the proliferation of the immature precursors of red blood cells called erythroblasts.
• Acute myeloblastic leukemia type 7: A rare form of malignant bone marrow cancer involving the proliferation of immature precursors of blood cells. Type 7 involves the rapid proliferation of megakaryoblasts (premature form of megakaryocytes) in particular.
• Acute myelocytic leukemia: A malignant cancer of blood-forming tissues resulting in a high number of immature leukocytes. Symptoms include soft bleeding gums, anemia, fatigue, fever, dyspnea, moderate splenomegaly, joint and bone pains and frequent infections. Also called acute granulocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, myeloid leukemia, splenomedullary leukemia, splenomyelogenous leukemia.
• Acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes related to alkylating agent: The use of alkylating agents to treat cancer can result in leukemia in some patients.
• Acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes related to topoisomerase type II inhibitor: The use of topoisomerase type II inhibitors to treat cancer can result in leukemia in some patients.
• Acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, therapy related: Certain cancer therapies can result in the development of leukemia in some patients. These therapies includes topoisomerase type II inhibitors and alkylating agents.
• Acute myeloid leukemia: A form of rapidly progressing blood cancer resulting in the rapid proliferation of granulocytes and monocytes, red blood cells and platelets.
• Acute myeloid leukemia, adult: A form of blood cancer resulting in the rapid proliferation of granulocytes and monocytes, red blood cells and platelets.
• Adducted thumb syndrome recessive form: A rare recessively inherited disorder characterized mainly by a small head, arthrogryposis (joint contractures), cleft palate and various other abnormalities.
• Adducted thumbs - arthrogryposis, Christian type: A rare recessively inherited disorder characterized mainly by a small head, arthrogryposis (joint contractures), cleft palate and various other abnormalities.
• Adhesive abuse: Adhesive abuse is the use of various inhalants for the purpose of achieving a "high". They are often used as a cheap, readily available alternative to street drugs but they can cause serious damage to the body. Adhesives include household glues, rubber cement and model aeroplane glue. These adhesives can be abused by sniffing them, spraying directly into the mouth, heating them and then inhaling them or injecting them directly into the body.
• Adhesive addiction: Adhesive addiction refers to the compulsive need to abuse adhesives (e.g. sniffing them). Sufferers have withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop the habit and feel unable to stop the habit despite knowing the harm it is causing their health. Aerosols are very damaging to the body and can readily result permanent brain damage and even death. Death can occur through chronic use and in rare cases can occur after one session of use. Children and teenagers are particular at risk for this type of addiction - it is readily available and users feel it gains them greater acceptance from their peers. Adhesives includes household glue, rubber cement and model airplane glue.
• Adrenal Cancer: A malignant cancer that develops in the adrenal gland. The tumor may be nonfunctioning (does not produce hormones) or functioning in which case excessive levels of hormones can cause a variety of symptoms depending on which hormone is involved. Adrenal hormones made in the cortex (outer part of the gland) are aldosterone, corticosteroids and androgenic steroids. Adrenalin and noradrenalin are the hormones made in the medulla (central part of the adrenal gland).
• Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms: A tumor that develops in the adrenal gland. The tumor may be nonfunctioning (does not produce hormones) or functioning in which case excessive levels of hormones can cause a variety of symptoms depending on which hormone is involved. Adrenal hormones made in the cortex (outer part of the gland) are aldosterone, corticosteroids and androgenic steroids.
• Adrenal adenoma, familial: A benign tumor that develops in the adrenal gland and tends to run in families. The tumor may be nonfunctioning (does not produce hormones) or functioning in which case excessive levels of hormones can cause a variety of symptoms depending on which hormone is involved. Adrenal hormones made in the cortex (outer part of the gland) are aldosterone, corticosteroids and androgenic steroids . Adrenalin and noradrenalin are the hormones made in the medulla (central part of the adrenal gland).
• Adrenal gland hyperfunction: Excessive activity of the adrenal gland which causes excessive production of one or more adrenal hormones (aldosterone, corticosteroids, androgenic steroids, epinephrine and norepinephrine). The increased adrenal gland activity may be caused by an adrenal gland tumor or by excessive stimulation of the gland. Pituitary hormones stimulate adrenal gland activity.
• Adrenal incidentaloma: A tumor of the adrenal gland that is discovered incidentally while performing an imaging examination for reasons other than an adrenal tumor. The tumor may be asymptomatic or can causes excessive secretion of adrenal hormones and resulting symptoms. The tumor may also be malignant or benign.
• Adrenocortical carcinoma: A condition which is characterized by malignancy which affects the adrenocortex.
• Adrenoleukodystrophy: A rare hereditary metabolic disease that only occurs in male children and is characterized by adrenal atrophy and extensive cerebral demyelination causing progressive loss of mental functioning, aphasia, apraxia and sometimes blindness. The patient usually dies within 5 years.
• Adult ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a mental disorder with symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, poor concentration, and other similar symptoms. The disorder is called "ADHD" in modern times; see more details about Adult ADHD.

  ADD can be undiagnosed into adulthood and the adult will have varying levels of dysfunction in their work, home and social lives. Affected adults have issues with as difficulting focusing on work tasks, boredom, distractedness, and so on. See symptoms of Adult ADHD.

• Adult ADHD: Adult ADHD, (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurobehavioral developmental disorder with an onset in childhood that continues into adulthood. Children do not simply grow out of ADHD, as is often believed. Just the opposite is commonly true - the symptoms of ADHD often get worse as a child grows into adulthood. The predominant behaviors of adult ADHD are the same as in children and include:
  • Inattentiveness
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity

  These behaviors result in difficulties with:

  • Concentration
  • Remaining focused on a task or activity
  • Controlling behavior
  • Hyperactivity or over-activity

  The symptoms of adult ADHD can be treated, but there currently is no cure for the disorder. Most people with ADHD can be successfully treated and lead normal, productive lives at home, work, school and with friends and family. The cause or causes of ADHD are not yet known, although researchers believe that genes may be one factor in the development of the disease. It is most likely that the disorder is the result of a combination of elements, including environmental factors, traumatic head injuries, nutrition, and social influences.

• Aerosol abuse: Aerosol abuse is the use of various inhalants for the purpose of achieving a "high". They are often used as a cheap, readily available alternative to street drugs but they can cause serious damage to the body. Aerosols include air fresheners, hair spray, spray pain and deodorants. These aerosols can be abused by sniffing them, spraying directly into the mouth, heating them and then inhaling them or injecting them directly into the body.
• Aerosol addiction: Aerosol addiction refers to the compulsive need to abuse aerosol (e.g. sniffing them). Sufferers have withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop the habit and feel unable to stop the habit despite knowing the harm it is causing their health. Aerosols are very damaging to the body and can readily result permanent brain damage and even death. Death can occur through chronic use and in rare cases can occur after one session of use. Children and teenagers are particular at risk for this type of addiction - it is readily available and users feel it gains them greater acceptance from their peers. Aerosols includes spray pain, air freshener, deodorants and hair sprays.
• Agenesis of the corpus callosum: Congenital absence of connective part of the brain.
• Aging: The medical conditions from getting older.
• Agnosia: is a loss of ability to recognize objects, persons, sounds, shapes, or smells while the specific sense is not defective nor is there any significant memory loss
• Alagille syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the liver and characterized by the absence of some or all of the liver bile ducts that transport bile within the liver.
• Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol as a symptom of other conditions
• Alcohol use: Use of alcohol (as a symptom)
• Alcoholism: High dependence on excessive amounts of alcohol.
• Allergic encephalomyelitis: An autoimmune brain and spinal cord disease that can be induced in laboratory animals in experimental settings. The disease involves inflammation and degeneration of nerve myelin sheaths and it may be acute or chronic.
• Alopecia, mental retardation and neurological problems: A rare, newly described syndrome characterized by baldness, mental retardation and neurological problems.
• Alternating Hemiplegia: Episodes of one-sided paralysis.
• Alzheimer disease 10: An inherited form of Alzheimer's. Type 10 is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 10p13.
• Alzheimer disease 12: An inherited form of Alzheimer's. Type 12 is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 8p12-q22.
• Alzheimer disease 13: An inherited form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 1q21. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease 14: An inherited form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 1q25. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease 15: An inherited form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 3q22-q24. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease 16: Alzheimer disease 16 (late-onset) is a form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome Xq21.3. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease 2, late-onset: Alzheimer disease 2 (late-onset) is a form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 19q13.2. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease 3, (early-onset Alzheimer disease): Alzheimer disease 3 is an early-onset form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 14q24.3. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease 5: An inherited form of Alzheimer's. Type 5 has a late onset and is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 12p11.
• Alzheimer disease 6: A genetic form of Alzheimer's. Type 6 has a late onset and is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 10q24.
• Alzheimer disease 7: An inherited form of Alzheimer's. Type 7 is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 10p13.
• Alzheimer disease 8: An inherited form of Alzheimer's. Type 8 is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 20p.
• Alzheimer disease 9: A genetic form of Alzheimer's. Type 9 has a late onset and is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 19p13.2.
• Alzheimer disease, early-onset, with cerebral amyloid angiopathy: An early-onset form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 21q21. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease, familial, 1: An inherited form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 21q. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease, familial, 11: An inherited form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 9p22.1. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease, familial, 3, with spastic paraparesis and apraxia: This form of Alzheimer's is an early-onset form of Alzheimer's that is linked to a defect on chromosome 14q24.3. It is characterized by features which are atypical for Alzheimer's - spastic paraparesis which occurs before the dementia symptoms and apraxia. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease, familial, 3, with spastic paraparesis and unusual plaques: This form of Alzheimer's is an early-onset form of Alzheimer's that is linked to a defect on chromosome 14q24.3. It is characterized by features which are atypical for Alzheimer's - spastic paraparesis which occurs before the dementia symptoms and unusual plaques in the brain. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer disease, familial, 4: An inherited form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to a defect on chromosome 1q31-q42. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Alzheimer's disease: A progressive degenerative disease of the brain of unknown cause
• Amelo-cerebro-hypohidrotic syndrome: A rare syndrome involving degeneration of the central nervous system, seizures and abnormal tooth development.
• Amish brittle hair syndrome: A rare inherited condition characterized by brittle hair, mental and physical impairment, decreased fertility and short stature.
• Amphetamine abuse: Use of the stimulant drugs known as amphetamines or "speed"
• Aneurysm: Swelling or ballooning of part of an artery
• Anti-Social Personality Disorder: A psychiatric condition characterized by chronic behavioral and social problems which often involves criminal behaviour.
• Anton-Vogt syndrome: A congenital disorder where a brain anomaly results in involuntary purposeless movements (choreathetosis). Excitement and activity can make symptoms worse.
• Apert syndrome: A rare condition characterized by abnormalities in the appearance of the face and head as well as finger and toe abnormalities. The bones of the skull fuse together too early which prevents it from growing normally. Various toes and fingers may be fused together.
• Aphasia: inability to produce and comprehend language
• Arachnoid Cysts: A rare disorder involving a fluid-filled cysts on the arachnoid membrane which is one of the thin layers of tissue that form a membrane which covers the spinal cord and brain. The type and severity of symptoms is determined by the size and location of the cyst.
• Arachnoiditis: A progressive disorder where the arachnoid membrane becomes inflamed and the brain and spinal cord may also become inflamed.
• Arteriovenous Malformation: Birth defect of a tangle of veins and arteries.
• Ataxia Telangiectasia: A rare inherited childhood disorder involving progressive degeneration of the nervous system.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Behavioral disorder with hyperactivity and/or inattention.
• Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: A rare condition characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and kidney failure that has no obvious cause.
• Auditory Processing Disorder: Failure of the brain to correctly process sound.
• BIDS syndrome: A rare inherited condition characterized by brittle hair (B), mental and physical impairment (I), decreased fertility (D) and short stature (S).
• Balo disease: A rare neurological disorder where the protective sheath around brain nerve fibres are progressively destroyed. Symptoms are determined by the size and location of the affected brain area.
• Balo's concentric sclerosis: Demyelination of the brain producing a variety of symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected.
• Baló disease: A very rare, rapidly progressive form of multiple sclerosis (inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord). The type, severity and rate of progression of symptoms depends on the area of the brain affected.
• Barbiturate abuse: Abuse of barbiturate medications
• Batten Disease: Rare childhood genetic degenerative nerve system disease.
• Behavioral symptoms: Symptoms of personal behavior.
• Behcet's Disease: Recurring inflammation of small blood vessels affecting various areas.
• Benign astrocytoma: Benign tumors that occur in the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms and severity depends on the location and size of the tumors.
• Benzodiazepine - Teratogenic Agent: There is strong evidence to indicate that exposure to Benzodiazepine during pregnancy may have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. A teratogen is a substance that can cause birth defects. The likelihood and severity of defects may be affected by the level of exposure and the stage of pregnancy that the exposure occurred at.
• Benzodiazepine abuse: Abuse of benzodiazepine tranquiliser medications
• Bessman-Baldwin syndrome: A rare disorder characterized by degeneration of the brain and the macula of the eye.
• Bing-Neel syndrome: A rare disorder involving infiltration of the central nervous system by abnormal leukemia-like cells (lymphoplasmocytoid cells) that occur in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. The abnormality increases blood viscosity which impairs its circulation through small brain and eye blood vessels.
• Binswanger's Disease: A type of senile dementia characterized by chronic cerebrovascular disease.
• Bipolar VI: Bipolar VI type is defined as having no depressive symptoms, only manic or hypomanic moods.
• Bipolar disorder: Cycles of mania and depression; commonly called "manic-depression".
• Birth control pill poisoning: Birth control pill contain hormones such as estrogen and progestin and excessive ingestion of the pills can result in relatively minor symptoms - usually there are no serious problems associated with the ingested of many birth control pills at one time. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Mental condition with behavioral and emotional problems.
• Borna disease: An infectious neurological disease that affects warm-blooded animals. There is disagreement as to whether the virus may be the underlying cause of some cases of mental illness in humans.
• Bosley-Salih-Alorainy syndrome: A rare recessively inherited disorder involving inner and outer ear deformity, eye movement disorder, deafness, cardiovascular malformations and other anomalies. The range and severity of symptoms is variable.
• Brachmann-De Lange Syndrome: A rare congenital disorder characterized by very small stature, synophrys, thin downturning upper lip and micromelia.
• Braddock Jones Superneau syndrome: A very rare disorder characterized primarily by the premature fusion of skull bones (sagittal), the Dandy-Walker malformation and a buildup of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus). The Dandy-Walker malformation is where a cyst develops in the back of the brain and interferes with the movement of fluid through the brain resulting in an accumulation of fluid.
• Brain abscess: abscess in the brain may involve any of the lobes of the brain
• Brain conditions: Medical conditions that affect the brain
• Brain damage: A condition which is characterized by damage to the brain resulting in a decrease in function
• Brain symptoms: Symptoms affecting the brain
• Brain tumor, adult: A growth or tumor that develops in the tissues of the brain in adults. The tumor can be benign or malignant.
• Brain tumour: various extrinsic and intrinsic factors add up to to cause tumour in the brain
• Bristowe's syndrome: Symptoms caused by a brain tumor that develops in the corpus callosum which connects the two brain hemispheres.
• Brittle hair - mental deficiency: A rare inherited disease characterized by brittle hair, mental retardation and fragile nails.
• Bulimia nervosa: Eating disorder with binging (overeating) and purging (vomiting).
• CACH syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized mainly by childhood ataxia and reduced myelination of the cerebral nerves. Motor and mental development in the first few years of life is normal with progressive neurodegeneration occurring between 2 and 5 years of age. Fever and trauma to the head can speed up disease progression.
• Cerebral Palsy: Any brain disorder causing movement disability
• Cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis, hereditary, Dutch type: An inherited condition characterized mainly by brain hemorrhage and amyloid deposits in the brain blood vessels. The size and location of the hemorrhage determines the severity of symptoms. The condition was first described in a Dutch family.
• Cerebral sarcoma: A type of brain tumor that can be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The tumor arises from blood vessels in the brain. Symptoms may vary depending on the size and exact location of the tumor.
• Ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal 3, Juvenile: A progressive genetic disorder where defective lipid metabolism that causes blindness, neurological deterioration, dementia leading to total incapication within years and death within 10-15 years.
• Ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal 8: A rare metabolic disorder that affects the nerve cells of the body and is characterized by the deposits of lipopigments (lipofuscin). Type 8 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect.
• Changes in intellectual functioning: decreased mental acuity
• Chemical poisoning - Acrylonitrile: Acrylonitrile is a chemical used mainly in the production of acrylic and modacrylic fibers but also in the production of certain plastics, nylon dyes, drugs and pesticides. Ingestion and other exposures to the chemical can cause various symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
• Chemical poisoning - Chlorfenvinphos: Chlorfenvinphos is a chemical pesticide used as an insecticide and acaricide. The chemical is an organophosphorus compound and ingestion and other exposures to the chemical can cause various symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure. The chemical may be absorbed through the skin.
• Chemical poisoning - Ethylbenzene: Ethylbenzene is a chemical used mainly in paint thinners, fuels, asphalt, degreasers, manufacture of various as products and as a solvent. Ingestion and other exposures to the chemical can cause various symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
• Chemical poisoning - Lead-containing Paint: Lead pain contains lead as well as other harmful chemicals. The lead in the pain is toxic (especially to young children) and ingesting fresh or old paint can cause serious symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
• Chiari Malformation: Protrusion of the brain down the spinal column.
• Childhood-onset cerebral X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: A rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of the protective sheath around nerves resulting in increasing difficulty. The childhood cerebral form of the condition is the most severe.
• Chromosome 14 deletion: A rare genetic disorder where deletion genetic material from chromosome 14 causes various abnormalities. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the size and location of the genetic material that is deleted.
• Chromosome 17 deletion: A rare genetic disorder where deletion genetic material from chromosome 17 causes various abnormalities. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the size and location of the genetic material that is deleted.
• Chromosome 17 trisomy: A rare genetic disorder where duplication of genetic material from chromosome 17 causes various abnormalities. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the size and location of the genetic material that is duplicated.
• Chromosome 17, trisomy 17p11.2: A rare chromosomal disorder where a portion of the short arm of chromosome 17 is duplicated.
• Chromosome 22q deletion: A rare genetic disorder where a portion of the genetic material from the long arm of chromosome 22 is missing. The symptoms or severity may vary somewhat between patients.
• Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A rare genetic disorder caused by the absence of a small portion of genetic material. A small section of chromosome 22 is missing at a location called q11.2. Chromosome 22 is one of 23 pairs of chromosomes that exist in humans.
• Chromosome 22q11.2 microduplication: A rare chromosomal disorder where a part of the chromosome 22 genetic material at the q11.2 location is duplicated resulting in various anomalies ranging from mild to severe amongst different patients.
• Chronic Bokhoror: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The chronic form tends not to have acute symptoms but present with symptoms similar to a milder, less progressive form of the later stages of the slowly progressive form.
• Chronic Viliuisk Encephaliti: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The chronic form tends not to have acute symptoms but present with symptoms similar to a milder, less progressive form of the later stages of the slowly progressive form.
• Chronic Viliuisk Encephalomyelitis: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The chronic form tends not to have acute symptoms but present with symptoms similar to a milder, less progressive form of the later stages of the slowly progressive form.
• Chronic Vilyisk Encephalomyelitis: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The chronic form tends not to have acute symptoms but present with symptoms similar to a milder, less progressive form of the later stages of the slowly progressive form.
• Chronic Vilyuisk Encephalitis: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The chronic form tends not to have acute symptoms but present with symptoms similar to a milder, less progressive form of the later stages of the slowly progressive form.
• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: A rare form of malignant bone marrow cancer involving the proliferation of immature precursors of certain blood cells - myelocytes and monocytes. The proliferation is slower than in acute forms of the disease.
• Ciguatera poisoning: Rare toxic food poisoning from eating contaminated fish
• Cocaine abuse: Stimulant drug with various effects
• Common migraine: Migraine headaches are recurrent headaches that may be unilateral or bilateral. Migraine headaches may occur with or without a prodrome. The aura of a migraine may consist of neurologic symptoms, such as dizziness, tinnitus, scotomas, photophobia, or visual scintillations (eg, bright zigzag lines).
• Concentration difficulty: Reduced concentration ability or lack of concentration
• Confusion: Mental confusion and impaired thinking.
• Corticobasal Degeneration: A rare progressive neurological disorder where parts of the brain deteriorate.
• Crack addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use crack on a regular basis. Chronic crack use can lead to dependency in as little as two weeks. Crack is a form of cocaine - powdered cocaine is heated with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate to make rocks of crack. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Craniosynostosis - Dandy-Walker - Hydrocephalus: A very rare disorder characterized primarily by the premature fusion of skull bones (sagittal), the Dandy-Walker malformation and a buildup of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus). The Dandy-Walker malformation is where a cyst develops in the back of the brain and interferes with the movement of fluid through the brain resulting in an accumulation of fluid.
• Craniosynostosis Maroteaux Fonfria type: A rare disorder which is similar to a condition called Apert syndrome but also involves extra fingers and toes. Apert syndrome is characterized by abnormalities in the appearance of the face and head as well as finger and toe abnormalities. The bones of the skull fuse together too early which prevents it from growing normally
• Craniosynostosis, sagittal, with Dandy-Walker malformation and hydrocephalus: A very rare disorder characterized primarily by the premature fusion of skull bones (sagittal), the Dandy-Walker malformation and a buildup of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus). The Dandy-Walker malformation is where a cyst develops in the back of the brain and interferes with the movement of fluid through the brain resulting in an accumulation of fluid.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A very rare degenerative brain disease that can be inherited, transmitted (eg in surgical transplants using infected tissue) or as a result of genetic mutations. The condition is fatal.
• Cryptococcosis: A fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans which primarily affects the central nervous system and the lungs. People with weakened immune systems such as AIDS sufferers are generally more susceptible to this type of infection.
• Cushing-like symptoms: Symptoms similar to those of Cushing's disease
• Dandy Walker syndrome recessive form: A rare recessively inherited brain malformation where a cyst develops in the brain which can interfere with the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to hydrocephalus. The severity of the condition is variable and symptoms tend to only occur if the fluid builds up inside the skull.
• De Sanctis-Cacchione syndrome: A rare genetic ectodermal disorder characterized by sunlight sensitivity, skin atrophy and pigmentation and skin tumors as well asneurologic involvement.
• Deafness - lymphoedema - leukemia: A rare syndrome characterized by deafness, early-onset leukemia and lymphoedema in the lower legs.
• Deletion 22q11: A rare chromosomal disorder where a small piece of genetic material is missing from chromosome 22 at the q11 location.
• Delirium: Severe mental deterioration
• Delusions: Inappropriate or irrational beliefs.
• Dementia: Mental confusion and impaired thought.
• Dementia With Lewy Bodies: Second most frequent cause of dementia in elderly adults.
• Dementia, familial British: A rare, early-onset inherited form of dementia caused by deposits of amyoid substances (amyloid) and degenerative nerve changes in the brain.
• Depressive disorders: Depression or its various related conditions.
• Depressive symptoms: Inappropriate depressed mood.
• DiGeorge syndrome: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder which can result in a vast array of symptoms. Various names have been used to describe different manifestations of the syndrome. Di George Syndrome primarily involves an underdeveloped thymus and parathyroid glands which results in lowered immunity low blood calcium levels respectively. Another primary feature is heart defects. Various other variable features are also present. It is not uncommon for patients to have more than one of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome subtypes which can make diagnosis confusing - other subtypes include Sphrintzen syndrome, Caylor cardiofacial syndrome and CATCH 22.
• Diabetic hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar attack from insulin or diabetes medications
• Disorganization: Difficulty staying organized in society as a symptom
• Disorientation: Forgetting your location or other mental confusion
• Down Syndrome: A chromosome syndrome causing physical effects and mental retardation.
• Down's Syndrome associated Alzheimer's disease: Early-onset Alzheimer's is more prevalent in Down's Syndrome sufferers than in the general population. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Dravet syndrome: A rare, severe form of generalized infant epilepsy that starts after a fever. Initial infant development is normal but once the seizures start, psychomotor development slows and mental decline occurs. The seizures usually occur every month or two to start with.
• Drug abuse: Drug use as a symptom of other conditions
• Drug-resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae Disease: Streptococcal respiratory infection resistant to antibiotics
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An inherited degenerative disease of the muscles which progresses rapidly compared to other muscle wasting diseases.
• Dwarfism: An abnormally short individual
• Dyslexia: Learning disorder from perception disorders rather than reduced brain function
• Dysphasic dementia, hereditary: An inherited form of dementia caused by nerve degeneration.
• Dysthymia: Chronic depression usually associated with elderly people suffering stress from a variety of causes.
• Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A rare inherited skin blistering condition which can vary in severity depending on how it is inherited. Recessively inherited are more severe than dominantly inherited cases and can cause the loss of patches of skin and scarring which can impair limb function.
• Early-onset Alzheimer's: Early-onset Alzheimer's is a form of Alzheimer's disease that is linked to genetic defects or occurs in a familial pattern. It is not as common as the non-inherited form of Alzheimer's - occurs in up to 90% of Alzheimer sufferers. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Ecstasy addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use ecstasy on a regular basis. Chronic ecstasy use can lead to dependency in as little as two weeks. Ecstasy is a synthetic psychoactive drug often used as a recreational drug. Street names for the drug includes: XTC, Adam, Clarity, Lover's Speed, Hug, Beans and Love Drug. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Electrical burns: Burns caused when an electric current pass through the body or part of it. The symptoms and severity of the burn depends on the strength of the electrical current, the duration of the exposure and the part of the body involved. Prompt treatment in more severe cases can improve the prognosis.
• Embolism: Blockage of an artery or blood vessel
• Encephalitis: Infection of the brain (as a symptom)
• Encephaloceles: Improper protrusions of parts of the meninges and brain.
• Ependymoma: A tumor that occurs in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Symptoms vary according to the aggressiveness, size and exact location of the tumor.
• Epilepsy: Paroxysmal transient disturbances of brain function that may manifest as loss of consciousness, abnormal motor phenomena
• Epilepsy with myoclonic-astatic crisis: A form of childhood epilepsy which is associated with a sudden loss of muscle tone which often results in the sufferer falling over and possibly injuring themselves.
• Extradural hematoma: Bleeding in the skull outside the brain
• Facial clefting corpus callosum agenesis: A rare syndrome characterized by the association of facial clefts with a brain defect where the structure between the two halves of the brain (corpus callosum) fails to develop. Symptoms may vary somewhat depending on how much of the corpus callosum is missing and the extent of the facial clefting.
• Fahr's Syndrome: A rare neurologic disorder where calcium is deposited in various parts of the brain resulting in progressive loss of motor and mental function.
• Familial Forms of Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour. Familial forms of the disease tend to run in families and are linked to mutations on various genes. Chromosome 1, 14 19 and 21 are the main chromosomes where mutations resulting in Alzheimer's are located..
• Fetal alcohol syndrome: A condition which occurs in a new born fetus and is caused by the mother consuming excess alcohol during her pregnancy
• Fever: Raised body temperature usually with other symptoms.
• Fochs-LADD: A rare familial disorder characterized by brain disease, calcification in the brain, bleeding in the brain and dementia.
• Forgetfulness: Forgetting things or loss of memory ability
• Fronto-temporal dementia and Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17): A rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by a genetic anomaly and characterized by dementia and parkinsonism.
• Frontotemporal dementia: A degenerative brain disease involving frontal and temporal brain lobes resulting in dementia. Degeneration of the frontal lobe causes behavioral and personality changes degeneration of the temporal lobe causes semantic dementia.
• Functioning pancreatic endocrine tumor: Tumors that develop in the pancreas and cause excessive secretion of one or more pancreatic hormones such as insulin, somatostatin, glucagons, gastrin, ACTH (corticosteroids) and vasoactive intestinal peptidase.
• Ganglioglioma: A type of tumor that develops in the central nervous system. The tumor originates from glial and nerve cells. The tumor may grow rapidly and symptom will vary depending on the exact location and size of the tumor.
• Gaucher disease type 2: A rare inherited biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of the enzyme called glucocerebrosidase and accumulation of glycosylceramide (glucocerebroside). There are three forms of this disease: type 1, 2 and 3. Type 2 is acute neurological form apparent in infancy.
• Generalized lipodystrophy with mental retardation, deafness, short stature and slender bones: A recessively inherited disorder characterized by short stature, mental retardation, deafness, slender bones and degeneration of the body's fat tissue.
• Gerstmann's Syndrome: Brain defect causing various cognitive problems.
• Gliomatosis cerebri: A rare, aggressive type of malignant brain tumor. Cancerous glial cells infiltrate various parts of the brain and can result in a variety of symptoms.
• Gliosarcoma: A type of brain tumor that originates from glial cells. The tumor may grow rapidly and symptom will vary depending on the exact location and size of the tumor.
• Glutamate decarboxylase deficiency: A rare disorder of amino acid metabolism characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme called glutamate decarboxylase which causes seizures that will only respond to pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
• Goldberg syndrome: A rare lysosomal storage disorder characterized by an enzyme deficiency (neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase) which results in a build-up of glycoproteins in the urine. There are three main subtypes: infantile, juvenile and adult forms. The early infantile form is the most severe and often results in death during infancy.
• Gulf War syndrome: Syndrome in military veterans of the Gulf war
• HIV/AIDS: HIV is a sexually transmitted virus and AIDS is the progressive immune failure that HIV causes.
• Hallucination: Seeing, hearing or sensing something that does not exist.
• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing or sensing something that does not exist.
• Hand-Schüller-Christian Syndrome: A group of blood disorder involving excess production of histiocytes (type of immune cell) throughout the body. Accumulation of histiocytes results in non-cancerous growths which can damage organs and other body tissues such as bones. Symptom vary hugely and depend on location and size of tumor growths.
• Hangover: Condition following excessive alcohol consumption.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A progressive disease of the thyroid which leads to degeneration and hypothyroidism
• Head injury: Any injury that occurs to the head
• Helminthiasis: Infection of the human body with a parasitic worm such as roundworms and pinworms. The worms usually only involve the intestinal tract but sometimes they may invade other organs. The type and severity of symptoms is determined by the type of worm and the part of the body infected.
• Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies: A rare disorder where the peripheral nerves are more sensitive to pressure than normal which results in recurring periods of numbness, tingling and sometimes loss of muscle function. The condition can affect one or more nerves such as the carpal tunnel nerve. Permanent damage to peripheral nerves can result from recurring episodes. The severity of symptoms are greatly variable from virtually asymptomatic to disability.
• High Blood Iron: Where a patient has an elevated iron content of their blood
• High sodium: High blood sodium levels (hypernatremia)
• Homen syndrome: Lesion on a part of the brain called the lenticular nucleus which is involved in movement.
• Human HOXA1 Syndromes: Human HOXA1 syndromes are very rare conditions caused by genetic defects involving the HOXA1 gene. The severity of the condition is highly variable depending on the extent of the defect and inheritance pattern. The most severe form is Bosley-Salih-Alorainy syndrome which involves a homozygous mutation. Other manifestations of the genetic defect are Athabaskan Brainstem Dysgenesis syndrome and Navajo Brainstem syndrome. The gene is involved in the development of the cardiovascular system, inner ear and the hindbrain so defects tend to involve mainly these parts of the body.
• Human T-lymphotropic virus type 3: A former name used for HIV which is an infectious viral disease. The infection usually has an initial symptom-free period which is followed by various stages of increasing severity.
• Huntington's disease: Inherited disease causing progressive mental deterioration.
• Hydranencephaly: A very rare condition where fluid replaces a portion of the brain.
• Hydrocephalus: A condition which is characterized by marked dilatation of the cerebral ventricles
• Hyperadrenalism: Excessive levels of adrenal hormones in the body. Symptoms depend on which hormone is involved and the degree of involvement. Adrenal hormones are aldosterone, corticosteroids, androgenic steroids, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome: A rare condition where too many eosinophils are produced over an extended period of time for no apparent reason. The eosinophils can infiltrate various organs and tissues and cause dysfunction or damage
• Hyperglycinemia: Increased blood levels of glycine. There are two types of hyperglycinemia (ketotic and nonketotic) with different symptoms.
• Hyperostosis frontalis interna: A disorder where the front bone of the skull becomes thicker than normal.
• Hyperparathyroidism: Increased secretion of parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels
• Hypomelanosis of Ito: A rare genetic neurocutaneous disorder characterized by unusual patterns of depigmented skin and associated disorders such as seizures, psychomotor retardation and eye abnormalities.
• Hypothalamic hamartomas: A benign congenital tumor that develops on or near the hypothalamus.
• Hypoxia: This is where there is a reduction of oxygen supply to parts of the body below what is required for adequate perfusion
• Idiopathic Parkinson's disease: Idiopathic Parkinson's disease is Parkinson's disease for which no particular cause can be determined - it is the most prevalent form of the condition. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Impaired thinking: The impairment of ones ability to think clearly
• Inhalant abuse: Inhalant abuse is the use of various inhalants for the purpose of achieving a "high". They are often used as a cheap, readily available alternative to street drugs but they can cause serious damage to the body. Inhalants include gasoline, adhesives, solvents, and aerosols. These inhalants can be abused by sniffing them, spraying directly into the mouth, heating them and then inhaling them or injecting them directly into the body.
• Inhalant addiction: Inhalant addiction refers to the compulsive need to abuse inhalants (e.g. inhaling them). Sufferers have withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop the habit and feel unable to stop the habit despite knowing the harm it is causing their health. Inhalants are very damaging to the body and can readily result permanent brain damage and even death. Death can occur through chronic use and in rare cases can occur after one session of use. Children and teenagers are particular at risk for this type of addiction - it is readily available and users feel it gains them greater acceptance from their peers. Inhalants includes glues, shoe polish, household cleaners, room deodorizers and nail polish removers.
• Intellectual impairment: The impairment of ones cognition
• Intracranial Embolism: Blockage of a blood vessel inside the skull and affects blood flow to parts of the brain. The severity of the condition is variable depending on the size, location and duration of the blockage.
• Intrauterine infections: Infection of the fetus while still inside the womb. The type and severity of symptoms is determined by the type of infection and at what stage of pregnancy it occurs. Some cases are mild enough to be asymptomatic and others are severe enough to cause a miscarriage.
• Jacobsen syndrome: A very rare chromosomal disorder involving the absence of a portion of chromosome 11q. The range and severity of symptoms is determined by the size of the portion that is deleted.
• Jet lag: Jet lag is a physiological condition which is a consequence of alterations to circadian rhythms; it is classified as one of the circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Jet lag results from rapid long-distance transmeridian (east-west or west-east) travel, as on a jet plane.
• Johanson-Blizzard Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder involving a range of abnormalities including a characteristic beak-like small nose, hypothyroidism and deafness.
• Kabuki syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive facial features.
• Kearns-Sayre Syndrome: A rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by pigmented deposits on the retina, heart disease and progressive paralysis of some eye muscles.
• Kidney disease: Reduced kidney function from various causes.
• Kidney symptoms: Symptoms affecting one or both kidneys.
• Klinefelter syndrome: A genetic condition where males have at least one extra X chromosome or extra copies of both the X and Y chromosomes in each cell. Normally male cells contain one X and one Y chromosome in each cell. The condition is not inherited but is a result of problems during cell division. Klinefelter syndrome variants is a more severe form of the condition as it involves more than one extra X or X and Y chromosome in each cell.
• Klinefelter syndrome, variants: A genetic condition where males have at least one extra X chromosome or extra copies of both the X and Y chromosomes in each cell. Normally male cells contain one X and one Y chromosome in each cell. The condition is not inherited but is a result of problems during cell division.
• Kluver-Bucy Syndrome: A condition where damage to the temporal brain lobes from any of a variety of causes (accident, hypoglycemia, Alzheimer's and others) results in symptoms such as memory loss and abnormal behavior.
• Kohlschutter-Tonz syndrome: A rare syndrome involving degeneration of the central nervous system, seizures and abnormal tooth development.
• Korsakoff's psychosis: A form of amnesia involving the loss of short-term memory and inability to learn new skills. The patient may also be disorientated and delirious. The condition is often observed in chronic alcoholics.
• Krabbe leukodystrophy: A rare inherited biochemical disorder involving the deficiency of an enzyme called galactocerebrosidase. It is a leukodystrophy which refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect the growth of the protective coating around the brain nerves.
• LSD addiction: LSD addiction is the uncontrollable craving for LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) which is a hallucinogenic drug which is derived from a type of fungus. Although the drug is not technically classified as addictive as it doesn't cause drug-seeking behaviours but increasing tolerance to the drug means that increasing doses of the drug are required to achieve the desired effects. It causes a psychological addiction rather than a physical addiction.
• Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A condition which is characterized by proliferation of Langerhans cells
• Late-onset Alzheimer's: Late-onset Alzheimer's is a form of Alzheimer's disease that doesn't appear to be linked to any genetic defects or familial pattern. It is by far the most common form of Alzheimer's - occurs in up to 90% of Alzheimer sufferers. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Lead encephalopathy:
• Lead poisoning: A type of heavy metal poisoning caused by excessive exposure to lead.
• Learning disabilities: Difficulty with learning or schooling.
• Learning disability: A disorder that is characterized by a difficulty in learning and applying knowledge
• Legionnaires' disease: A severe respiratory disease which is caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria. The condition can result in pneumonia and can be life-threatening.
• Leucinosis: A term used to describe high levels of leucine in the body. It is associated with a metabolic disorder called maple syrup urine disease where there is a deficiency of an enzyme needed to break down leucine so it builds up within the body.
• Leukemia, Myeloid: A form of blood cancer that causes a proliferation of the precursors or immature red blood cells, platelets and certain white blood cells such as granulocytes and monocytes.
• Leukemia, Myeloid, Aggressive-Phase: Myeloid leukemia is a form of cancer where the bone marrow makes too many myeloid cells (granulocytes and their precursors) in the bone marrow which accumulates in the blood and eventually invades various parts of the body. The aggressive phase of myeloid leukemia follows the chronic form and is a sign that the condition is progressing more rapidly to a blast crisis which is the final stage of leukemia.
• Leukomalacia: Softening or destruction of the white matter of the brain. Brain tissue that surrounds fluid-filled parts of the brain (ventricles) is destroyed. It tends to occur mainly in premature or newborn babies who have been deprived of oxygen or have poor blood flow to parts of the brain. Intrauterine infections and premature membrane rupture tend to predispose infants to this condition. This type of brain destruction can cause cerebral palsy. Severity of symptoms varies according to the degree of injury to the brain.
• Lhermitte-McAlpine syndrome: A type of neurodegenerative disorder that involves pyramidal and extrapyramidal symptoms. It can occur in middle-aged or old people and usually results in death within a year of onset.
• Lissencephaly with cerebellar hypoplasia, recessive: Abnormal brain development where the brain is abnormally smooth and the cerebellum is underdeveloped.
• Liver conditions: Any condition that affects the liver
• Liver symptoms: Symptoms affecting the liver
• Lupus: Autoimmune disease with numerous effects on various organs and linings.
• Lyme disease: Lyme disease is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia.
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis: Rodent-borne viral disease often causing meningitis or encephalitis
• MN1: A rare genetic defect that can cause meningiomas to develop. A meningioma is a tumor of the meninges which is a membrane that encloses the brain and spinal cord The genetic defect occurs on chromosome 22. The tumor is usually slow-growing and benign.
• MPS 3 C: A rare inherited biochemical disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) due to deficiency of an enzyme called acetyl-CoA:alpha-glucosamide N-acetyltransferase. Mucopolysaccharide levels build up and are then deposited in various tissues.
• MPS 3 D: A rare inherited biochemical disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) due to deficiency of an enzyme called N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase. Mucopolysaccharide levels build up and are then deposited in various tissues.
• Mal de debarquement: Imbalance that occurs after being exposed to motion such as on a boat. It differs to normal motion sickness in that symptoms can last months or even years and may be quite debilitating.
• Malformations in neuronal migration: A rare disorder where the brain fails to develop normally - usually the cerebral cortex is involved. Various parts of the brain can be affected to various degrees depending on what stage of development the defect occurs. Mental retardation is one of the most common symptoms associated with brain malformations.
• Malignant astrocytoma: A very malignant primary brain tumor consisting of astrocytes. The tumor spreads throughout the brain and a third of patients dying in the first year.
• Manganese toxicity: Excessive exposure to manganese (usually in mines or certain industrial plants) can cause toxicity.
• Maple syrup urine disease: An inherited metabolic disorder involving amino acid metabolism and characterized by a sweet smelling urine, similar to maple syrup.
• Maple syrup urine disease, type 1A: A very rare inherited metabolic disorder involving abnormal metabolism of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and resulting in severe illness which generally leads to death if not treated. Even mild form can result in mental and physical retardation if untreated. Various types of maple syrup urine disease involve different genetic defects - type 1A specifically involves a defect in the E1-alpha subunit gene.
• Maple syrup urine disease, type 1B: A very rare inherited metabolic disorder involving abnormal metabolism of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and resulting in severe illness which generally leads to death if not treated. Even mild form can result in mental and physical retardation if untreated. Various types of maple syrup urine disease involve different genetic defects - type 1B specifically involves a defect in the E1-beta subunit gene.
• Maple syrup urine disease, type II: A very rare inherited metabolic disorder involving abnormal metabolism of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and resulting in severe illness which generally leads to death if not treated. Even mild form can result in mental and physical retardation if untreated. Various types of maple syrup urine disease involve different genetic defects - type 2 specifically involves a defect in the E2 subunit gene.
• Maple syrup urine disease, type III: A very rare inherited metabolic disorder involving abnormal metabolism of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and resulting in severe illness which generally leads to death if not treated. Even mild form can result in mental and physical retardation if untreated. Various types of maple syrup urine disease involve different genetic defects - type 3 specifically involves a defect in the E3 subunit gene.
• Marchiafava-Bignami disease: A progressive syndrome associated with alcohol abuse and/or nutritional disorder. It is characterized by fits, stupor, dementia and coma.
• Marijuana abuse: Illicit depressant/hallucinogenic drug
• Marijuana addiction: Marijuana addiction is the uncontrollable desire to use marijuana on a regular basis. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Mc Leod neuroacanthocytosis syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized by neuromuscular, blood and central nervous system symptoms. The disease is slowly progressive.
• Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A rare disorder where the body lacks enzymes needed to convert some fats (medium-chain fatty acids) into energy and hence these fats build up in the body and cause damage.
• Mefloquine - Teratogenic Agent: There is evidence to indicate that exposure to Mefenamic Acid during pregnancy may have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. A teratogen is a substance that can cause birth defects. The likelihood and severity of defects may be affected by the level of exposure and the stage of pregnancy that the exposure occurred at.
• Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by a progressive brain destruction that causes mental retardation and incoordination that starts early in life.
• Megalencephaly - cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by an enlarged brain, neurological abnormalities and a blood vessel abnormality that gives the skin a marbled appearance.
• Memory symptoms: Symptoms related to memory ability such as forgetfulness.
• Meningioma: A slow-growing tumor of the meninges that is not cancerous. Symptoms are determined by the size and location of the tumor.
• Meningitis: Infection of the membrane around the brain (as a symptom)
• Mental changes: Any change to ones personality due to mental illness
• Mental problems: Symptoms affecting judgement, thought or intelligence.
• Mental retardation: Reduced mental ability or intelligence.
• Mental retardation - dysmorphism - hypogonadism - diabetes: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by mental retardation, hypogonadism, diabetes and facial and skull abnormalities.
• Metabolic disorder: occurs when abnormal chemical reactions occur in the body
• Metachromatic Leukodystrophy: An inherited biochemical deficiency involving a deficiency of the enzyme called arylsulfatase A which leads to a harmful buildup of fatty material in the body.
• Metastatic cancer: Any cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Microcephaly: A smaller than average brain
• Microcephaly - facial clefting - preaxial polydactyly: A very rare condition characterized by the presence of an abnormally small head, facial clefts and extra digits.
• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Mild brain injury caused by trauma, accident or injury
• Mitochondrial Parkinson's disease: A form of Parkinson's disease that seems to be linked to mitochondrial defects - mitochondria are the energy-producing components of body cells. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy - aminoacidopathy: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by muscle and brain disease and an amino acid disorder.
• Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by nerve degeneration. Deafness usually occurs early in life.
• Morgellons Disease: A rare disorder involving a variety of skin symptoms such as unusual sensations, skin lesions and the presence of fiber-like particles in or on the skin. There is still dissension over whether this is an actual disorder or whether it is a psychotic disorder or a skin disorder. Further research is being planned.
• Morquio syndrome, type B: A rare inherited biochemical disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) in various body tissues due to insufficient amounts of the enzyme (? galactosidase) needed to break it down.
• Moyamoya disease: Brain blood vessel disorder.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis I: Disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism in infants.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis II: Disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism in juveniles.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis III: Disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism in children.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis IV: Disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism in infants.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III: A rare inherited biochemical disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans). This occurs due to there being not enough of the enzyme called N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase (B) which is needed to break down the mucopolysacharides. The mucopolysaccharides are then deposited in various tissues.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis VII: Disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis type 3: A rare inherited biochemical disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans). This occurs due to there being not enough of the enzyme called N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase (B) which is needed to break down the mucopolysacharides. The mucopolysaccharides are then deposited in various tissues.
• Multiinfarct dementia: also known as vascular dementia
• Multiple Sclerosis: Autoimmune attack on spinal nerves causing diverse and varying neural problems.
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Bacterial respiratory infection
• N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase sulfamidase deficiency: A rare inherited biochemical disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans). This occurs due to there being not enough of the enzyme called N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase sulfamidase which is needed to break down the mucopolysacharides. The mucopolysaccharides are then deposited in various tissues.
• Neurofibromatosis syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by areas of increased and decreased skin pigmentation and the development of many non-cancerous nerve and skin tumors some of which may eventually become malignant.
• Neurofibromatosis syndrome Type II: A rare genetic disorder characterized by areas of increased and decreased skin pigmentation, acoustic neuromas and the development of many noncancerous nerve and skin tumors some of which may eventually become malignant - it is a more severe form of type I neurofibromatosis.
• Neurologic disorders: disease of the brain and spinal cord
• Neurological problems: Any neurological condition
• Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by muscle and nerve degeneration.
• Neurosyphilis - general paresis: A complication of untreated syphilis where the infection invades the brain cells and causes a range of neurological symptoms. The condition is progressive and life-threatening.
• Niemann-Pick disease: A rare inherited biochemical disorder involving the deficiency of an enzyme (acid sphingomyelinase) needed to break down certain lipids which results in an accumulation of these lipids in the body.
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Hearing loss from loud noise exposure.
• Non-diarrheal (D-) HUS syndrome: A rare condition characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and kidney failure that is not associated with diarrhea which means that it is not a result of bacterial gastroenteritis. This form of hemolytic uremic syndrome may be caused by kidney transplants, certain drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cytotoxic drugs), pregnancy, malignancy, HIV, non-diarrheal bacterial infections, immunological conditions or it may be inherited or in some cases there is no obvious cause (idiopathic).
• Nyssen-Van Bogaert syndrome: An adult form of an inherited biochemical disorder involving a deficiency of an enzyme called cerebroside sulfatase. The enzyme deficiency causes cerebroside sulfate to build up within the body and causes damage to the nervous system including the brain.
• Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy: A group of diseases progressive degeneration occurs in a particular area of the brain (olivopontocerebellar area) which results in various neurological symptoms.
• Olivopontocerebellar atrophy I: A disorder where degeneration of certain parts of the brain and spinal cord and results in symptoms such as muscle problems, chorea and speech disturbance.
• Olivopontocerebellar atrophy, type V: A disorder where degeneration of certain parts of the brain results in symptoms such as tremor, ataxia and mental deterioration.
• Organic personality syndrome: Persistant personality changes due to physical causes such as a chemical imbalance rather than psychiatric causes. The duration and severity of the condition is determined by the nature and location of the cause.
• PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome: PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome is a group of conditions caused by a mutation in the PTEN gene. The primary characteristic of the condition is the development of multiple hamartomas (tumor-like growth) in virtually any part of the body. The growths are generally not cancerous but patients often have an increased risk of developing various cancers. Specific conditions covered by this term are Cowden syndrome, BAnnayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome and Proteus syndrome.
• Panic disorder: is a severe medical condition characterized by extremely elevated mood
• Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: A rare, inherited, progressive neurological movement disorder where accumulation of iron in the brain causes degeneration of the nervous system.
• Paralysis symptoms: Loss of body control and/or feeling.
• Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis: Limbic encephalitis is an inflammation of the limbic system which is the part of the brain responsible for basic autonomic functions. In the paraneoplastic type, the inflammation is caused by cancers such as small cell lung cancer.
• Paraneoplastic syndromes:
• Paranoia: Delusion that people or events conspire against you.
• Parkinson disease 10 (PARK10): Type 10 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 1p32. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 11 (PARK11): Type 11 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 2q21.2. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 12 (PARK12): Type 12 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome Xq21-q25. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 13 (PARK13): Type 13 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 2p12. This form of the condition tends to progress slowly. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 2, autosomal recessive juvenile (PARK2): Type 2 Parkinson disease is juvenile form of the condition and is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 6q25.2-q27. The condition may be inherited in a recessive manner and symptoms tend to be milder following sleep. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 3, autosomal dominant Lewy body (PARK3): Type 3 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 2p13. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 4, autosomal dominant Lewy body (PARK4): Type 4 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 4q21. This form of the condition tends to start around the age of 45 years and progresses rapidly. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 5 (PARK5): Type 5 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 4p14. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 6, autosomal recessive early-onset (PARK6): Type 6 Parkinson disease is an early-onset form of the condition and is linked to a genetic mutation on the PINK1 gene on chromosome 1p36. The condition may be inherited in a recessive manner and symptoms tend to fluctuate during the day. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 7, autosomal recessive early-onset (PARK7): Type 7 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation in the DJ1 gene on chromosome 1p36. This form of the condition tends to start before the age of 40 years and progresses slowly. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 8 (PARK8): Type 8 Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 1p32. This form of the condition tends to progress slowly. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease 9 (PARK9): Type 9 Parkinson disease is linked to a mutation in the ATP13A2 gene on chromosome 1p36. This condition progresses rapidly and usually starts during the second decade of life. Dementia, eye movement problems and wasting of the brain tissue occur in addition to the typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson disease, familial, type 1 (PARK1): Type 1 familial Parkinson disease is linked to a genetic mutation on chromosome 4q21. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slowed movements.
• Parkinson's Disease: Degenerative brain condition characterised by tremor.
• Parkinson's disease dementia, familial: A condition characterized by the association of parkinsonism with dementia. Eye muscle weakness and pyramidal signs also develop in the early stage of the disease.
• Partial agenesis of corpus callosum: A rare birth defect where part of the corpus callosum is absent. The corpus callosum is the area that connects the two main halves of the brain (cerebral hemispheres). Severity of symptoms is determined by how much of the structure is missing. Mild cases tend to involve headaches, seizures and speech problems which don't appear for years.
• Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease: Rare brain myelin disorder.
• Pernicious anemia: A megaloblastic anaemia due to malabsorption of the vitamin B12
• Peroxisomal defects: A group of metabolic disorders caused by genetic anomalies resulting in dysfunctional peroxisomes. Peroxisomes are found in cells in the body and are involved in functions such as metabolizing certain fatty acids and producing bile acid. Examples of condition involving peroxisomal defects includes Zellweger syndrome and adrenoleukodystrophy. The range and severity of symptoms vary greatly depending on the particular condition involved.
• Personality symptoms: Symptoms or changes to the personality.
• Pfeiffer Syndrome Type I: A rare genetic disorder where some of the skull bones fuse too early which affects the size and shape of the skull and face. Thumb and toe abnormalities are also present. There are three types of Pfeiffer syndrome with varying degrees of severity. Type I is the mildest of the three Pfeiffer Syndrome subtypes.
• Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 deficiency: An inherited genetic muscle disease where an enzyme deficiency (phosphoglycerate kinase) affects the normal processes that convert carbohydrates from food into energy.
• Physical conditions: Any condition that physically affects an individual
• Pick's Disease: Degenerative dementia condition.
• Pick's disease of the brain: A degenerative brain disease involving the frontal and temporal brain lobes resulting primarily in progressive dementia and loss of motor and language functions. It is characterized by the presence of proteins called Pick bodies in damaged nerve cells.
• Pituitary cancer, childhood: Cancer (malignant) of the pituitary gland in children. The pituitary gland produces various hormones and some pituitary tumors (functioning tumors) can affect the secretion of one or more of these hormones resulting in a range of symptoms depending on the exact location of the tumor. Some pituitary tumors do not affect hormone production (nonfunctioning tumors).
• Pituitary tumors, adult: A benign or cancer tumor that develops in the tissue of the pituitary gland in adults. The pituitary gland produces various hormones and some pituitary tumors (functioning tumors) can affect the secretion of one or more of these hormones resulting in a range of symptoms depending on the exact location of the tumor. Some pituitary tumors do not affect hormone production (nonfunctioning tumors).
• Plague: Any epidemic disease with a high death rate.
• Polyarteritis nodosa: A serious blood vessel disease where small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged and are unable to adequately supply oxygenated blood to various tissues in the body. The disease can occur in a mild form or a serious, rapidly fatal form.
• Potocki-Lupski syndrome: A rare chromosomal disorder where a portion of the short arm of chromosome 17 is duplicated.
• Pregnancy symptoms: Symptoms related to pregnancy.
• Primary lipodystrophies: A group of rare diseases which involve loss of body fat. The body fat loss may be localized to certain parts of the body or may be generalized depending on the particular subtype.
• Prion diseases: Various diseases caused by abnormal proteins (prions) in the brain.
• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: Progressive degenerative condition of the brain.
• Progressive Rubella Panencephalitis: A very rare complication of rubella infection where neurological symptoms develop following a congenital rubella infection and very rarely with childhood rubella. It is believed that the condition is the result of persistent rubella virus infection.
• Progressive mental deterioration: decreasing mental acuity
• Psittacosis: An infectious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci and transmitted mainly by infected birds but also by some mammals.
• Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency, Group B: A rare inherited disorder characterized by a deficiency of pyruvate carboxylase which leads to accumulation of lactic acid and other compounds which can have a toxic effect on the nervous system and body organs. Type B has severe, life-threatening symptoms that can be noticed soon after birth.
• Rajab-Spranger syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized mainly by a skin fat disorder, mental retardation and deafnes.
• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type 2: A syndrome characterized by facial paralysis with italgia and a vesicular eruption
• Rasmussen's Encephalitis: Rare possibly-autoimmune brain condition.
• Retinopathy - aplastic anemia - neurological abnormalities: A very rare syndrome characterized by retinal disease, aplastic anemia and neurological problems.
• Rett's syndrome: Autism-like behavioral syndrome in infant girls
• Reye's syndrome: is a potentially fatal disease that causes numerous detrimental effects to many organs, especially the brain and liver
• Right parietal lobe syndrome related Alzheimer's disease: Right parietal lobe syndrome related Alzheimer's disease is a variant of Alzheimer's disease that involves abnormalities in a particular part of the brain. It is characterized by Alzheimer's symptoms as well as problems with such things as construction (making things) and drawing as well as denial of their disabilities. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder involving degeneration of the brain. The disease mainly affects brain functions involving thinking, memory, personality and behaviour.
• Rubella panencephalitis: A very rare complication of rubella infection where neurological symptoms develop following a congenital rubella infection and very rarely with childhood rubella. It is believed that the condition is the result of persistent rubella virus infection.
• Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: A rare congenital disorder characterized by very small stature, broad thumbs and toes, slanted palpebral fissures and hypoplastic maxilla.
• Sabinas brittle hair syndrome: A rare inherited disease characterized by brittle hair, mental retardation and fragile nails.
• Sandhoff Disease: An inherited biochemical disorder involving a deficiency of the enzyme called hexosaminidase A&B which results in the harmful accumulation of chemicals in the central nervous system and other body tissues.
• Schizencephaly: A very rare disorder where the brain fails to develop normally and slits or clefts form in the brain. They type and severity of symptoms is determined by the degree of abnormality.
• Schizophrenia: Psychiatric disorder with delusional beliefs and hallucinations.
• Sclerosteosis: A rare genetic disorder characterized by syndactyly and thickening and overgrowth of bone.
• Septo-Optic Dysplasia: A rare birth defect characterized by impaired vision and pituitary deficiency.
• Shaken Baby Syndrome: A condition caused by violent shaking of a baby.
• Shprintzen syndorme: An inherited syndrome of cardiac defects and craniofacial anomalies and various other abnormalities.
• Sjogren-Larsson syndrome: A rare inherited neurological and skin disorder characterized by mental retardation, spastic paraplegia and thickened scaly skin (ichthyosis). The condition involves a deficiency of fatty alcohol oxidoreductase which causes an accumulation of long-chain fatty alcohols.
• Sjögren-Larsson syndrome: A rare inherited neurological and skin disorder characterized by mental retardation, spastic paraplegia and thickened scaly skin (ichthyosis). The condition involves a deficiency of fatty alcohol oxidoreductase which causes an accumulation of long-chain fatty alcohols.
• Skeletal dysplasia - mental retardation: A rare recessively inherited disorder characterized mainly by mental retardation, a small head, arthrogryposis (joint contractures), cleft palate and various other abnormalities.
• Sleep dept: Sleep debt is a term used to describe the cumulative effects of insufficient sleep. It refers to the time difference between the recommended amount of sleep to the amount of sleep actually achieved.
• Slowly Progressive Bokhoror: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The slowly progressive form is the most common form and it has four phases: acute, recurrent-exacerbative, fully developed and terminal. Initial acute symptoms last for about 2 to 6 weeks.
• Slowly Progressive VE: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. . Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The slowly progressive form is the most common form and it has four phases: acute, recurrent-exacerbative, fully developed and terminal. Initial acute symptoms last for about 2 to 6 weeks.
• Slowly Progressive Viliuisk Encephalitis: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The slowly progressive form is the most common form and it has four phases: acute, recurrent-exacerbative, fully developed and terminal. Initial acute symptoms last for about 2 to 6 weeks.
• Slowly Progressive Viliuisk Encephalomyelitis: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The slowly progressive form is the most common form and it has four phases: acute, recurrent-exacerbative, fully developed and terminal. Initial acute symptoms last for about 2 to 6 weeks.
• Slowly Progressive Vilyuisk Encephalitis: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The slowly progressive form is the most common form and it has four phases: acute, recurrent-exacerbative, fully developed and terminal. Initial acute symptoms last for about 2 to 6 weeks.
• Slowly Progressive Vilyuisk Encephalomyelitis: A brain disease caused by an unknown pathogen which is probably from the Picornavirus family of viruses. Mode of transmission is uncertain but genetic susceptibility may be involved. The incubation period appears to be an average of 15 years. The disease can be classified according to rate of progression: acute or subacute, slowly progressive and chronic. The slowly progressive form is the most common form and it has four phases: acute, recurrent-exacerbative, fully developed and terminal. Initial acute symptoms last for about 2 to 6 weeks.
• Solvent abuse: Solvent abuse is the use of various inhalants for the purpose of achieving a "high". They are often used as a cheap, readily available alternative to street drugs but they can cause serious damage to the body. Solvents include nail polish removers, paint thinners, gasoline, typing correction fluid and toxic markers. These solvents can be abused by sniffing them, spraying directly into the mouth, heating them and then inhaling them or injecting them directly into the body.
• Solvent addiction: Solvent addiction refers to the compulsive need to abuse solvents (e.g. sniffing them). Sufferers have withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop the habit and feel unable to stop the habit despite knowing the harm it is causing their health. Solvents are very damaging to the body and can readily result permanent brain damage and even death. Death can occur through chronic use and in rare cases can occur after one session of use. Children and teenagers are particular at risk for this type of addiction - it is readily available and users feel it gains them greater acceptance from their peers. Solvents includes paint thinner, toxic markers, gasoline, cigarette lighter fluid, typing correction fluid and nail polish removers.
• Soto's Syndrome: A rare hereditary disorder characterized by excessive growth during the first few years of life as well as various other mental and physical anomalies.
• Spastic disorders: Brain disorders leading to sustained spasms, stiffness and rigidity
• Spastic paraplegia 11, autosomal recessive: A rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness of the lower legs as well as mental retardation.
• Spastic paraplegia 4, autosomal dominant: A rare syndrome characterized mainly by progressive stiffness and increased reflexes in the leg muscles. The severity of the condition is very variable as is the age of onset.
• Spinocerebellar ataxia 13: A rare genetic disorder (chromosome 19 defect) characterized by progressive mental retardation. Gait ataxia and dysarthria (speech disorder) also occur and are symptoms common to all the spinocerebellar ataxia types.
• Spinocerebellar ataxia 19: A rare genetic disorder (chromosome 1p21-q21 defect) characterized by mild cognitive impairment and myoclonus. Gait ataxia and dysarthria (speech disorder) also occur and are symptoms common to all the spinocerebellar ataxia types.
• Spinocerebellar ataxia 2: A disorder involving degeneration of the brain and spinal cord and causing progressive coordination difficulty and other symptoms. Symptom generally become more severe earlier than in spinocerebellar ataxia 1.
• Spinocerebellar ataxia 21: A rare genetic disorder (chromosome 7p21.3-p15.1 defect) characterized by extrapyramidal features and cognitive impairment. The condition progresses slowly over decades. Gait ataxia and dysarthria (speech disorder) also occur and are symptoms common to all the spinocerebellar ataxia types.
• Spinocerebellar ataxia 27: A rare genetic disorder (chromosome FGF14; 13q34 defect) characterized by tremors, dyskinesia and psychiatric episodes. Gait ataxia and dysarthria (speech disorder) also occur and are symptoms common to all the spinocerebellar ataxia types.
• Spinocerebellar ataxia 29: A form of ataxia which starts from birth but is nonprogressive. The severity of symptoms may vary amongst patients.
• Spinocerebellar ataxia, X-linked, 5: A rare, X-linked neurological disorder which is not progressive and mainly involves ataxia, nystagmus and dysarthria.
• Steroid abuse: Steroids are man-made chemicals that can be used to promote muscle development and increase male sexual characteristics. Steroids are a prescription drug usually used to treat disorders such as delayed puberty and body wasting in AIDS patients. Excessive or improper use of steroids usually occurs in athletes and can result in a range of unwanted symptoms.
• Stroke: Brain-related symptoms of bleeding or blockage.
• Stroke symptoms: Brain-related symptoms of bleeding or blockage.
• Sturge-Weber Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive blood vessel growth, calcium accumulation inside the brain and seizures.
• Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A progressive neurological disorder involving inflammation of the brain caused by a complication of the measles virus. It can occur up to 10 years after the initial measles virus and may be due to a defective immune response to the virus or a reactivation of the virus.
• Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis: A rare chronic form of brain inflammation that is associated with the measles virus. The patient usually appears to have a full recovery after the measles infection with symptoms developing usually between two and eight years after the infection. The condition tends to affect children and young adults mainly. The disease process involves the degeneration of the protective nerve sheaths (myelin) in the brain. Measles immunization is the most effective way of preventing the development of this complication of measles.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain. This area is called the subarachnoid space
• Subdural hematoma: A condition which is characterized by a blood clot beneath the dura mater
• Sundown syndrome: Various symptoms such as confusion and restlessness that is observed mainly in elderly institutionalized patients with dementia. Symptoms tend to occur mainly at sunset.
• Susac syndrome: A very rare characterized by poor blood supply resulting in damage to chochlear, retinal and brain tissue. It is results form inflammation of small blood vessels. Recurring attacks occur over a couple a couple of years and are months apart. The condition resolves itself eventually and the severity of persisting symptoms is variable.
• Syncope: Loss or interruption of consciousness.
• Syphilis: A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria (Treponema pallidum). The condition is often asymptomatic in the early stages but one or more sores may be present in the early stages. Untreated syphilis usually results in remission of visible symptoms but further severe damage may occur to internal organs and other body tissues which can result in death.
• Syphilitic aseptic meningitis: A chronic syphilis infection which affects the nervous system.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus: chronic autoimmune disease that can be fatal, though with recent medical advances, fatalities are becoming increasingly rare.
• Tay Sachs Disease: A condition which is causes GM2 gangliosidosis
• Tay-Sachs disease - adult onset: A rare inherited biochemical disorder involving the deficiency of an enzyme called Hexosaminidase A. There are two forms of the disease - juvenile and adult onset.
• Temporal lobectomy behavior syndrome: Changes in behavior that can occur following removal of a portion of the temporal lobe of the brain. The number of symptoms experienced is variable. A similar condition may be observed in some cases of brain trauma or other damage.
• Tertiary syphilis: A condition which is characterized by late generalized syphilis with involvement of many organs and tissues
• Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies: A rare genetic disorder where insufficient levels of tetrahydropterin leads to a build up of phenylalanine in the blood which can cause toxic side effects such as nerve damage or even brain damage. The condition does not usually cause any significant symptoms.
• Thallium poisoning: The poisoning of a person with the element thallium
• Timme syndrome: A syndrome involving insufficiency of the thymus, adrenal and pituitary glands. The disorder has involves three phases, each of which has varying symptoms: phase 1 is before puberty, phase 2 occurs after puberty and phase 3 tends to occur in the third decade.
• Timothy syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized by webbed fingers and a heart defect. Most affected individuals die during early childhood or infancy.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome: Severe immune reaction causing shock
• Toxoplasmosis: Infection often caught from cats and their feces.
• Transient ischemic attack: temporary disturbance of blood supply to a restricted area of the brain, resulting in brief neurologic dysfunction that persists, by definition, for less than 24 hours.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Brain injury from trauma or accident.
• Triple-X syndrome: A condition that is characterised by the occurrence of three X chromosomes
• Tuberculosis: Bacterial infection causing nodules forming, most commonly in the lung.
• Tuberculous meningitis: Tuberculous meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by Koch's bacillus.
• Turner Syndrome: Rare chromosome syndrome with one X but no second X or Y chromosome.
• Typhus fever: A general name for various arthropod-borne rickettsial infections
• Van Bogaert disease: A rare inherited condition where cholesterol is deposited in the brain and other parts of the body. The disease is classified as a lipid storage disorder due to the abnormal deposition of cholesterol and cholestanol in various parts of the body - especially the brain, lungs and Achilles tendon. The condition is possibly highly underdiagnosed.
• Van Bogaert's disease: A rare inherited condition where cholesterol is deposited in the brain and other parts of the body. The disease is classified as a lipid storage disorder due to the abnormal deposition of cholesterol and cholestanol in various parts of the body - especially the brain, lungs and Achilles tendon. The condition is possibly highly underdiagnosed.
• Van Bogaert-Scherer-Epstein Disease: A rare inherited condition where cholesterol is deposited in the brain and other parts of the body. The disease is classified as a lipid storage disorder due to the abnormal deposition of cholesterol and cholestanol in various parts of the body - especially the brain, lungs and Achilles tendon. The condition is possibly highly underdiagnosed.
• Vanishing white matter leukodystrophy: Degeneration of the brain white matter. The condition tends to progress relatively slowly but a sudden deterioration of symptoms can occur after a head trauma or an illness involving fever. Some degree of recovery can occur after the sudden deterioration but other cases can result in coma and death. Survival is possible into the third decade.
• Variegate porphyria: A rare metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of a certain enzyme which results in a build-up in the body of porphyrins or their precursors. This form of hepatic porphyria causes the sufferer to have acute attacks as well as skin sensitivity.
• Velocardiofacial syndrome: A genetic disorder which can present with a wide range of phenotypic manifestations which has lead to a number of different names being assigned to the various presentations e.g. DiGeorge Syndrome and Cayler Anomaly Face Syndrome. There are nearly 200 different symptoms that can occur and the severity of the condition is also highly variable depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms that are present.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency of Vitamin B12 primarily causes anemias the body is unable to make sufficient quantities of normal red blood cells. Severe cases can lead to permanent nervous system problems. The vitamin B12 deficiency can result from absorption problems, insufficient dietary intake, certain medications (e.g. metformin), inherited conditions (e.g. transcobalamin deficiency) and certain chronic parasitic intestinal infestations.
• Wernicke's encephalopathy: Brain condition with various effects
• Westphal disease: A condition that is closely associated with Huntington's disease and is a clinical variant of it
• Williams Syndrome: A syndrome characterised by mental retardation, facial abnormalities and emotional instability
• Wilson's disease: Wilson disease, or hepatolenticular degeneration, is a neurodegenerative disease of copper metabolism.
• Wolman disease: A rare inherited lipid storage disease. The condition usually results in death early in life.
• Xanthomatosis cerebrotendinous: A rare inherited condition where cholesterol is deposited in the brain and other parts of the body. The disease is classified as a lipid storage disorder due to the abnormal deposition of cholesterol and cholestanol in various parts of the body - especially the brain, lungs and Achilles tendon. The condition is possibly highly underdiagnosed.
• Xeroderma pigmentosum: A rare pigmentary disease that is caused by an enzyme deficiency
• Xeroderma pigmentosum, type 1: A rare genetic disorder where the enzyme that repairs DNA damage done by UV radiation is defective. It is characterized by sensitivity to sunlight, skin pigmentation and atrophy and actinic skin tumors. The different types of xeroderma pigmentosum vary in the body's ability to repair the damage to DNA done by UV radiation - type 1 has the lowest level of repair and the most neurological complications.
• Xeroderma pigmentosum, type 2: A rare genetic disorder where the enzyme that repairs DNA damage done by UV radiation is defective. It is characterized by sensitivity to sunlight, skin pigmentation and atrophy and actinic skin tumors. The different types of xeroderma pigmentosum vary in the body's ability to repair the damage to DNA done by UV radiation. Type B is often associated with signs of Cockayne syndrome.

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