Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Spinal Cord Compression from Malignancy

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Emergencies

Symptoms:
back pain; numbness; weakness in the limbs; loss of bowel or bladder control; difficulty walking

Root Cause:
Direct tumor invasion or vertebral metastases compressing the spinal cord or cauda equina.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI of the spine is the gold standard; clinical examination and sometimes CT scans.

Treatment:
High-dose corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone) to reduce inflammation, urgent radiation therapy, surgical decompression if indicated.

Medications:
Dexamethasone (corticosteroid to reduce swelling), analgesics (for pain control), bisphosphonates (e.g., zoledronic acid for bone metastases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in 5-10% of cancer patients, particularly those with lung, breast, prostate cancers, or lymphoma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced cancer with metastases, history of vertebral fractures, rapidly progressing malignancies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment can preserve neurologic function; delayed intervention increases risk of permanent paralysis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent paralysis, intractable pain, loss of bowel/bladder function, decreased quality of life.

Placental Abruption

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies

Sub-category: Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Symptoms:
sudden abdominal pain; vaginal bleeding; back pain; uterine tenderness; decreased fetal movement

Root Cause:
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, impairing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus and risking maternal hemorrhage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical symptoms, ultrasound imaging, and monitoring of fetal heart rate patterns.

Treatment:
Immediate delivery (typically by cesarean section if the condition is severe), stabilization of the mother's vital signs, and blood transfusion if needed.

Medications:
No direct medications to treat the condition, but corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone ) may be used to accelerate fetal lung maturity in preterm cases if time allows.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1% of pregnancies worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, preeclampsia, previous placental abruption, trauma, smoking, and drug use (e.g., cocaine).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies based on severity and gestational age; good with timely intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe hemorrhage, preterm birth, fetal distress or death, and maternal morbidity.

Scoliosis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Structural Disorders

Symptoms:
uneven shoulders; one shoulder blade more prominent; uneven hips; back pain; in severe cases, breathing difficulties

Root Cause:
Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, typically in an "S" or "C" shape.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to determine the degree of curvature, MRI or CT scans if underlying neurological issues are suspected.

Treatment:
Observation, physical therapy, bracing for moderate curvature, and surgery (spinal fusion) for severe cases.

Medications:
Pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen , acetaminophen ) may be prescribed to manage discomfort. Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine can be used for muscle spasms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-3% of the general population, with a higher prevalence among females. Most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, age (typically onset occurs between ages 10-15), sex (more common in girls), and certain genetic conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is generally good if caught early. Mild scoliosis may not require treatment, while severe cases may lead to complications such as respiratory issues and chronic pain if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic back pain, restricted lung function, nerve compression, and in severe cases, heart problems due to compromised lung function.

Kyphosis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Structural Disorders

Symptoms:
rounded back; back pain; stiffness; fatigue; in severe cases, difficulty breathing

Root Cause:
Excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunchback or rounded appearance.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to assess the degree of spinal curvature, MRI or CT scans to evaluate any associated spinal issues.

Treatment:
Posture correction exercises, physical therapy, braces for growing children, pain management, and surgery (spinal fusion or corrective surgery) in severe cases.

Medications:
Pain relief (NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen ), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ), and corticosteroids for inflammation if necessary.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects around 1 in 10 people over the age of 50 due to age-related degeneration, but can also occur in adolescents (Scheuermann's kyphosis) and those with certain conditions (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age-related bone loss (osteoporosis), degenerative disc disease, congenital spinal deformities, and certain medical conditions like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience symptom relief and improved posture. Severe kyphosis can lead to chronic pain and respiratory issues if left untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, nerve damage, difficulty breathing, decreased mobility, and spinal fractures (especially in older adults with osteoporosis).

Tuberculosis of the Spine (Pott’s Disease)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Conditions with Overlap

Sub-category: Infections

Symptoms:
back pain; fever; night sweats; weight loss; fatigue; difficulty moving or bending; neurological symptoms if nerves are affected

Root Cause:
A form of tuberculosis that affects the spine, typically caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It often spreads from the lungs via the bloodstream to the vertebrae, leading to bone destruction and abscess formation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), positive tuberculosis skin test (TST), blood tests (e.g., TB-PCR, culture), and biopsy of the infected vertebrae.

Treatment:
Treatment includes long-term antibiotic therapy (often a combination of anti-TB drugs) and sometimes surgical intervention to stabilize the spine and drain abscesses if necessary.

Medications:
First-line anti-TB drugs include isoniazid , rifampin , pyrazinamide , and ethambutol . In some cases, corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Tuberculosis of the spine is a rare complication, with Pott's disease occurring in less than 1% of all TB cases. It is more common in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Active pulmonary tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, weakened immune system, and living in or traveling to areas with high rates of TB.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate and prolonged treatment, the prognosis is generally good, but delayed treatment can lead to deformities, neurological impairment, or even paraplegia.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spinal deformities (e.g., kyphosis), neurological damage, paraplegia, chronic pain, and recurrent infections.

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Bone and Mineral Metabolism Disorders

Sub-category: Osteoporosis

Symptoms:
fractures from minor trauma (e.g., hip, wrist, vertebral); back pain; loss of height; stooped posture

Root Cause:
Decreased estrogen levels after menopause lead to accelerated bone resorption, reducing bone density and increasing fracture risk.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), clinical assessment of risk factors, and evaluation for fragility fractures.

Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications (calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercises), anti-resorptive medications (e.g., bisphosphonates), and anabolic therapies (e.g., teriparatide).

Medications:
Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate , risedronate ) to inhibit bone resorption; selective estrogen receptor modulators (e.g., raloxifene ) for estrogen mimicry; denosumab (RANK ligand inhibitor); teriparatide (parathyroid hormone analog for bone building); and calcitonin .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 20% of postmenopausal women globally, with higher prevalence in individuals of European and Asian descent.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, early menopause, low body weight, family history of osteoporosis, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and inadequate calcium/vitamin D intake.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and treatment, fracture risk can be significantly reduced, and quality of life preserved. Without treatment, progressive bone loss may lead to frequent fractures and disability.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Fractures, particularly of the hip and spine, which can lead to chronic pain, loss of independence, and increased mortality.

Spinal Cord Tumors

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Symptoms:
back pain; weakness; numbness or tingling; difficulty walking; loss of bladder or bowel control

Root Cause:
Benign or malignant growths within or near the spinal cord, compressing the cord and nerves.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, CT myelogram, and biopsy.

Treatment:
Surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy for malignant cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids for symptom relief (e.g., dexamethasone ); chemotherapy agents like cisplatin and etoposide for malignant tumors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; account for about 15% of central nervous system tumors.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by tumor type; benign tumors have good outcomes with complete resection, while malignant tumors carry a worse prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent neurological deficits, paralysis, and recurrence.

Retroperitoneal Hematoma

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; flank pain; back pain; bruising around the flank (grey-turner's sign); hemodynamic instability (e.g., low blood pressure); nausea and vomiting; abdominal distension

Root Cause:
Blood accumulation in the retroperitoneal space due to trauma or injury to retroperitoneal structures (e.g., kidneys, adrenal glands, aorta, or major vessels). Causes may include blunt force trauma, pelvic fractures, or ruptured aneurysms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves clinical examination and imaging studies. CT scan with contrast is the gold standard for visualizing retroperitoneal bleeding and identifying the source. Ultrasound (FAST) may provide initial clues in trauma settings. Blood tests may reveal anemia or coagulopathy.

Treatment:
Management depends on the severity and cause. Mild cases may involve monitoring and supportive care, while severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as exploratory laparotomy or angiographic embolization to control bleeding.

Medications:
Medications are supportive and may include - Blood transfusions (if anemia or severe blood loss occurs). IV fluids to maintain blood pressure. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or opioids for severe pain. Antibiotics if infection is suspected due to tissue necrosis or open injuries. Anticoagulant reversal agents (e.g., vitamin K, protamine sulfate) if bleeding is associated with anticoagulant use.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Exact prevalence is unknown but occurs most commonly in patients with blunt trauma, accounting for approximately 15% of abdominal injuries requiring imaging or intervention.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Blunt abdominal trauma; pelvic fractures; anticoagulant use; advanced age; vascular abnormalities (e.g., aneurysms); bleeding disorders; previous abdominal surgery

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the severity of bleeding and the speed of intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment result in a good prognosis, but severe cases with delayed management can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hemorrhagic shock; organ ischemia or failure; infection or abscess formation; compartment syndrome; death (in severe untreated cases)

Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Solid Tumors

Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; back pain; weight loss; hypertension; fatigue; excessive hair growth (in women)

Root Cause:
Rare and aggressive cancer of the adrenal cortex; often associated with mutations in the TP53 gene or familial syndromes like Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT, MRI), blood tests for hormone levels (cortisol, aldosterone, etc.), biopsy, and genetic testing for mutations.

Treatment:
Surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy (etoposide, doxorubicin), and mitotane (a drug used to treat adrenal cancer).

Medications:
Mitotane (adrenal cytotoxic drug), etoposide (chemotherapy), doxorubicin (chemotherapy).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of all cancers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is poor with a 5-year survival rate of 15–40% for localized disease; survival rates drop significantly for advanced cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to liver, lungs, and lymph nodes; recurrence after treatment; and hormonal imbalances leading to Cushing's syndrome, Conn's syndrome, or virilization.

Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria (PCH)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Hemolytic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemias

Symptoms:
dark urine after cold exposure; fatigue; pallor; jaundice; fever; abdominal pain; back pain

Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of red blood cells triggered by cold exposure; mediated by Donath-Landsteiner antibodies.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Donath-Landsteiner test (for biphasic hemolysis), CBC with evidence of hemolysis (low hemoglobin, high reticulocytes), and urine tests for hemoglobinuria.

Treatment:
Avoidance of cold exposure, supportive care (e.g., transfusions), and immunosuppressive therapy in severe cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), immunosuppressants (e.g., rituximab for refractory cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; primarily affects children following viral infections.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent viral infection, cold exposure, autoimmune predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good; self-limited in post-infectious cases, but may require treatment in chronic or severe cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe anemia, kidney damage due to hemoglobinuria.

Transfusion Reactions

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Transfusion Medicine

Symptoms:
fever; chills; rash; shortness of breath; hypotension; dark urine; back pain

Root Cause:
Adverse reactions caused by incompatibility, contamination, or immune response to transfused blood products.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation of symptoms during or after transfusion; direct antiglobulin test (DAT), blood culture (if bacterial contamination is suspected), and laboratory markers of hemolysis (e.g., LDH, bilirubin, and haptoglobin levels).

Treatment:
Immediate discontinuation of the transfusion, supportive care (e.g., fluids, oxygen), antihistamines for mild reactions, corticosteroids for severe allergic responses, and antibiotics if infection is suspected.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine ), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), epinephrine for anaphylaxis, and antibiotics for bacterial contamination.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 1-2% of transfusions; severity ranges from mild allergic reactions to severe hemolytic reactions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Non-matching blood types, immune disorders, or pre-existing antibodies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mild reactions resolve with appropriate treatment; severe reactions can be life-threatening but are preventable with careful crossmatching and screening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hemolysis, organ failure, sepsis, anaphylaxis, or death in severe cases.

Spinal Infections

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: CNS Infections

Symptoms:
back pain; fever; neurological deficits; localized tenderness; malaise

Root Cause:
Infections of spinal tissues caused by bacteria, fungi, or, rarely, viruses.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, blood cultures, biopsy of infected tissue, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR).

Treatment:
Antibiotics or antifungal agents; sometimes surgical intervention for abscess drainage or decompression.

Medications:
Antibiotics such as vancomycin (glycopeptide) for gram-positive organisms; ceftriaxone (cephalosporin) or piperacillin-tazobactam for gram-negative bacteria. For fungal infections, amphotericin B or fluconazole (antifungal agents).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; incidence depends on the specific condition within spinal infections.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, diabetes, intravenous drug use, recent surgery, systemic infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment; delays can lead to permanent neurological damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological deficits, chronic infection, sepsis, spinal deformities.

Progressive Polyradiculopathy in HIV

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Neurological Complications of HIV

Sub-category: Peripheral Neuropathies

Symptoms:
progressive weakness in lower limbs; loss of reflexes; urinary retention; paresthesia; back pain

Root Cause:
Inflammation and damage to nerve roots, often due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in severely immunosuppressed HIV patients.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI or CT myelography of the spinal cord, CSF analysis showing CMV DNA, and electrophysiological studies.

Treatment:
Initiation or optimization of ART and specific antiviral therapy for CMV (e.g., ganciclovir or foscarnet).

Medications:
Ganciclovir (antiviral) or foscarnet (antiviral) for CMV, combined with ART to address HIV.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs in advanced HIV/AIDS with severe immunosuppression.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
CD4 count < 50 cells/mm³, untreated HIV, and co-infections with CMV or other opportunistic pathogens.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on timely diagnosis and treatment; significant neurological recovery is possible with early intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic neurological deficits, bladder dysfunction, and reduced mobility.

Epidural Infections (Spinal Epidural Abscess) and Subdural Infections (Subdural Empyema)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections

Symptoms:
fever; back pain; neurological deficits; headache; altered mental status; seizures; weakness or numbness

Root Cause:
Bacterial or fungal infection causing pus accumulation in the epidural or subdural space, often stemming from hematogenous spread, direct trauma, or nearby infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with gadolinium contrast, CT scan, blood cultures, lumbar puncture (caution due to potential complications).

Treatment:
Surgical drainage or decompression, intravenous antibiotics or antifungals, supportive care for any neurological impairments.

Medications:
Empirical antibiotic therapy typically includes vancomycin (a glycopeptide) combined with ceftriaxone (a third-generation cephalosporin). Antifungal agents like amphotericin B or fluconazole may be used for fungal infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; exact incidence is unclear but occurs more commonly in immunocompromised individuals or those with recent spinal procedures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diabetes, intravenous drug use, recent spinal surgery or trauma, immunosuppression, localized infections (e.g., abscess or osteomyelitis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with early detection and intervention; delayed treatment can result in permanent neurological deficits or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Paralysis, septicemia, chronic pain, recurrent infections, and death if untreated.