Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida, anencephaly)

Specialty: Genetics

Category: Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics

Symptoms:
abnormal spinal cord or brain development; open spinal cord (spina bifida); absence of major portions of the brain (anencephaly); paralysis; difficulty walking; hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain); bowel or bladder dysfunction in spina bifida

Root Cause:
Failure of the neural tube to close completely during embryonic development, typically occurring in the first month of pregnancy.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Prenatal ultrasound, maternal blood tests measuring alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and amniocentesis for diagnostic confirmation.

Treatment:
Prenatal surgery (for spina bifida), postnatal surgery to close defects, management of complications such as hydrocephalus, physical therapy, and assistive devices for mobility.

Medications:
Folic acid supplements are used preventively; for symptom management, antibiotics (to prevent infections) and medications for bladder or bowel dysfunction may be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 1,000 live births worldwide, with variations depending on geographic and socioeconomic factors.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Folic acid deficiency, maternal diabetes, obesity, certain medications (e.g., antiepileptic drugs), and family history of neural tube defects.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Dependent on severity; anencephaly is not compatible with life, while spina bifida outcomes vary from mild impairment to significant disability.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hydrocephalus, infections, mobility limitations, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and lifelong disability in severe cases.

Cerebral Palsy

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neurological Disorders

Sub-category: Pediatric Neurology

Symptoms:
motor impairment; spasticity; difficulty walking; poor coordination; speech or swallowing difficulties; seizures; cognitive impairments in some cases

Root Cause:
Non-progressive brain injury or malformation occurring during fetal development, birth, or early infancy, often due to oxygen deprivation, infection, or trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves clinical observation, motor function assessment, brain imaging (MRI, CT), and developmental evaluations.

Treatment:
Treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive devices, orthopedic surgery, and medications to reduce spasticity.

Medications:
Common medications include baclofen (muscle relaxant), botulinum toxin (muscle spasticity control), and diazepam (anti-spasticity and anxiolytic agent).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1-4 per 1,000 live births worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, low birth weight, maternal infections, difficult labor, and neonatal jaundice.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Non-progressive but varies widely; early intervention and therapy can significantly improve quality of life and functional abilities.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Joint contractures, scoliosis, difficulty with daily activities, communication challenges, and epilepsy.

Muscular Dystrophy

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neurological Disorders

Sub-category: Pediatric Neurology

Symptoms:
progressive muscle weakness; difficulty walking; frequent falls; trouble climbing stairs; enlarged calf muscles; respiratory or cardiac issues in advanced stages

Root Cause:
Genetic mutations leading to abnormal or missing dystrophin protein, essential for muscle function and integrity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves genetic testing, muscle biopsy, creatine kinase (CK) blood levels, and electromyography (EMG).

Treatment:
Treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory support, corticosteroids, and experimental gene therapies.

Medications:
Corticosteroids like prednisone or deflazacort are used to slow muscle degeneration. Emerging therapies like eteplirsen target specific genetic mutations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) affects 1 in 5,000 male births; other forms vary in prevalence.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of muscular dystrophy and carrier status for genetic mutations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive; severity depends on the type of muscular dystrophy. Early treatment can delay complications and improve quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, and loss of mobility.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Symptoms:
weakness starting in the legs; tingling or numbness; difficulty walking; breathing problems in severe cases; loss of reflexes

Root Cause:
Immune-mediated attack on the peripheral nervous system, targeting the myelin sheath or axons.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and lumbar puncture showing elevated protein in cerebrospinal fluid.

Treatment:
Plasmapheresis or IVIG to reduce the autoimmune attack and supportive care, including respiratory support if needed.

Medications:
IVIG (immune-modulating) or corticosteroids in specific subtypes.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting 1-2 per 100,000 annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent respiratory or gastrointestinal infection (e.g., Campylobacter jejuni), vaccination, or surgery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Recovery occurs in most cases over weeks to months; some may have residual weakness.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, autonomic dysfunction, and long-term nerve damage.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Genetic and Rare Disorders

Sub-category: Rare Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
progressive muscle weakness; difficulty walking; frequent falls; muscle cramps; waddling gait; enlarged calves; difficulty with motor skills (such as climbing stairs); respiratory issues; heart problems

Root Cause:
Caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to a deficiency of dystrophin, a protein essential for muscle function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through genetic testing (looking for mutations in the DMD gene), muscle biopsy, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and electromyography (EMG).

Treatment:
No cure, but treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical therapy, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), heart medications (for cardiomyopathy), respiratory support, and surgical interventions to address contractures.

Medications:
Prednisone (a corticosteroid used to slow muscle degeneration), Deflazacort (another corticosteroid), and various heart medications such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers for heart complications. These are classified as corticosteroids and cardiology medications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 live male births worldwide. It is an X-linked disorder, so it predominantly affects males.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, mutations in the DMD gene.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Life expectancy has increased with improved care, but most individuals will experience loss of ambulation by adolescence and face significant respiratory and cardiac issues by their 20s or 30s.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive muscle weakness, scoliosis, joint contractures, respiratory failure, cardiac complications (such as cardiomyopathy), and reduced life expectancy.

Tendon injuries (e.g., Achilles rupture)

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Trauma and Injuries

Sub-category: Soft Tissue Injuries

Symptoms:
sudden sharp pain in the back of the lower leg; difficulty walking; swelling near the heel; visible gap in the tendon; weakness in pushing off during walking or running

Root Cause:
Complete or partial tear of the tendon due to excessive stress, sudden force, or degeneration.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (e.g., Thompson test), MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the extent of the injury.

Treatment:
Conservative management with casting or bracing, surgical repair in active individuals, followed by physical therapy.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , celecoxib ) to control pain and inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in males aged 30–50; frequently occurs in recreational athletes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sports involving jumping or sudden acceleration, poor conditioning, use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, steroid injections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with proper treatment; surgery has a lower risk of re-rupture compared to conservative methods.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Re-rupture, stiffness, chronic weakness, deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Ischemic Stroke

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Symptoms:
sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech; vision problems; difficulty walking; dizziness; severe headache without known cause

Root Cause:
Blockage of blood flow to the brain due to a blood clot or atherosclerosis, leading to reduced oxygen supply and cell death.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Neurological examination, CT scan or MRI of the brain, carotid ultrasound, echocardiography, and blood tests for clotting factors and cholesterol.

Treatment:
Emergency treatment with thrombolytic therapy (e.g., alteplase), mechanical thrombectomy, blood thinners, and management of underlying risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol. Rehabilitation follows.

Medications:
Thrombolytics like alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA) are used in acute cases; antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin , clopidogrel ) and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin , dabigatran ) are prescribed for long-term prevention. Statins (e.g., atorvastatin , rosuvastatin ) may also be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes; incidence increases with age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, atrial fibrillation, and family history of stroke.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment improves outcomes, with recovery dependent on the extent and location of the brain damage. Rehabilitation plays a critical role.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent neurological deficits, recurrent strokes, post-stroke depression, and increased risk of infections like pneumonia.

Spinal Cord Compression from Malignancy

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Emergencies

Sub-category: Oncologic Conditions

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.

Osteomalacia/Rickets

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Bone Disorders

Sub-category: Bone Diseases

Symptoms:
bone pain; muscle weakness; deformities in bones (e.g., bowed legs in children); difficulty walking; fractures

Root Cause:
A deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate leads to poor bone mineralization, causing soft bones. Rickets occurs in children, while osteomalacia is the term used in adults.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through blood tests showing low calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D levels, and X-rays showing softening and deformities in bones.

Treatment:
Treatment involves vitamin D and calcium supplementation, as well as addressing any underlying nutritional deficiencies or malabsorption issues.

Medications:
Vitamin D supplements (e.g., cholecalciferol ), calcium supplements, and phosphate supplementation if needed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common in developed countries but more prevalent in areas with limited sunlight or poor nutritional intake.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inadequate dietary intake, lack of sunlight exposure, malabsorption disorders, and certain medications (e.g., anticonvulsants).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, bone health typically improves, but long-term complications may occur if not addressed early.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bone deformities, fractures, growth retardation in children, and muscle weakness.

Spinal stenosis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Degenerative Conditions

Symptoms:
lower back pain; leg pain or cramping; numbness or tingling in the legs; weakness in the legs; difficulty walking; balance problems

Root Cause:
The spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This is usually caused by age-related changes such as thickening of ligaments and disc degeneration.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, MRI, and CT scans are used to identify the narrowing of the spinal canal and evaluate its impact on the nerves.

Treatment:
Treatment options include physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgery such as laminectomy or spinal fusion to relieve pressure on the nerves.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen , corticosteroid injections (e.g., methylprednisolone ) to reduce inflammation, and opioids for short-term pain relief in severe cases. Antidepressants or anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin ) may be used for nerve pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
It is common in older adults, with prevalence rates increasing with age. Around 8-10% of individuals over 60 experience symptomatic spinal stenosis.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, genetics, prior spinal injuries, arthritis, obesity, and certain genetic conditions like achondroplasia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
While spinal stenosis is a progressive condition, it can often be managed with conservative treatment, though some individuals may eventually require surgery to maintain mobility and quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent nerve damage, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, paralysis.

Spondylolisthesis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Structural Disorders

Symptoms:
lower back pain; muscle tightness; numbness or tingling in the legs; weakness in the legs; difficulty walking

Root Cause:
Forward displacement of one vertebra over another, usually in the lumbar spine. This can occur due to degeneration, injury, or congenital defects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to identify vertebral displacement, MRI or CT scans to assess nerve compression and spinal cord involvement.

Treatment:
Conservative treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain management. In severe cases, surgery (spinal fusion or decompression surgery) may be required.

Medications:
NSAIDs (ibuprofen , naproxen ) for pain relief, muscle relaxants (e.g., methocarbamol ) for muscle spasms, and corticosteroids for inflammation if necessary.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 5-7% of the population, most commonly in older adults, and can also affect younger individuals involved in sports or those with congenital spinal abnormalities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (degenerative spondylolisthesis), genetics (familial history), trauma, sports (repetitive hyperextension of the spine), and osteoporosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many individuals with mild cases may manage symptoms with non-surgical treatments. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, and untreated spondylolisthesis can lead to chronic pain and nerve damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, nerve root compression, spinal stenosis, and in severe cases, permanent nerve damage leading to weakness or loss of function in the legs.

Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
loss of coordination (ataxia); difficulty walking; slurred speech (dysarthria); difficulty with fine motor tasks; tremors; vision problems; muscle stiffness or weakness

Root Cause:
A group of inherited disorders caused by mutations in different genes, leading to progressive degeneration of the cerebellum and other parts of the central nervous system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with genetic testing and clinical evaluation.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically with physical therapy and supportive care, as no cure is available.

Medications:
No specific medications target the disease directly. Symptomatic treatments, such as muscle relaxants for spasticity or antiepileptic drugs for tremors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with prevalence varying by specific subtype; collectively, SCAs affect approximately 2–5 per 100,000 people.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autosomal dominant inheritance of gene mutations (e.g., ATXN1, ATXN2, ATXN3, CACNA1A).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; life expectancy varies depending on subtype, with some forms leading to severe disability or early death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe mobility issues, swallowing difficulties, aspiration pneumonia, and dependency in advanced stages.

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; fatigue; dry mouth; difficulty walking; reduced reflexes; autonomic symptoms such as erectile dysfunction or constipation

Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on voltage-gated calcium channels at the neuromuscular junction, reducing acetylcholine release. Often associated with small cell lung cancer.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Antibody testing (anti-VGCC antibodies), nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), CT or PET scans for cancer screening.

Treatment:
Treat underlying cancer (if present), symptomatic management with potassium channel blockers (e.g., amifampridine), immunosuppressive therapies, IVIG or plasma exchange.

Medications:
Amifampridine (potassium channel blocker), corticosteroids, azathioprine , IVIG for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 2-10 per million people; associated with cancer in 50-60% of cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Small cell lung cancer, other autoimmune conditions, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on cancer presence; improves with cancer treatment and immunotherapy. Without cancer, chronic but manageable.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe muscle weakness, respiratory failure, complications from associated malignancies.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Symptoms:
progressive or relapsing muscle weakness; sensory changes; loss of reflexes; difficulty walking

Root Cause:
Chronic autoimmune attack on the peripheral nervous system, leading to demyelination and axonal damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Nerve conduction studies, EMG, lumbar puncture (elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein), and clinical history.

Treatment:
IVIG, plasmapheresis, corticosteroids, and long-term immunosuppressants for severe cases.

Medications:
IVIG, corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory), and rituximab or azathioprine (immunosuppressants).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 1-9 per 100,000 people.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male gender, older age, and history of immune dysfunction or infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment can prevent progression and improve function, but relapses may occur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, and disability in untreated or severe cases.

Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
progressive muscle weakness; difficulty walking; delayed motor skills; cardiomyopathy in later stages

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation in the dystrophin gene causing partially functional dystrophin protein.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing (dystrophin gene mutation), muscle biopsy, elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels.

Treatment:
Symptomatic management, physical therapy, cardiac care, corticosteroids.

Medications:
Prednisone , deflazacort , cardiac medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers for cardiomyopathy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1 in 18,000 male births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex (X-linked inheritance), family history of BMD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Slower progression than DMD; life expectancy into 40s-60s with proper management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiomyopathy, respiratory insufficiency, muscle atrophy.

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.

Gait instability

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Falls, Mobility, and Frailty

Sub-category: Mobility Disorders

Symptoms:
difficulty walking; unsteady movements; frequent falls; impaired balance; shuffling gait; slow or uneven steps

Root Cause:
Gait instability is often caused by muscle weakness, neurological disorders, or joint problems that affect balance and coordination. It can also result from aging, medication side effects, or chronic diseases like Parkinson's disease, stroke, or arthritis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, gait analysis, and possibly imaging studies such as MRIs or CT scans to identify underlying causes. A detailed medical history and neurological examination may also be performed.

Treatment:
Treatment may include physical therapy to improve strength and balance, occupational therapy, and environmental modifications to reduce fall risks. In some cases, medications to address underlying conditions like Parkinson's disease may be prescribed.

Medications:
No specific medication for gait instability itself; however, medications for underlying conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (e.g., levodopa ) or antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like sertraline ) may help. These drugs are classified as dopaminergic agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), respectively.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Gait instability is common among older adults, with studies suggesting that up to 20-30% of seniors experience mobility difficulties, particularly those over 70 years old.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke), joint problems (e.g., osteoarthritis), medication side effects, sensory deficits, and previous falls.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, including therapy and fall prevention measures, many individuals experience improved mobility. However, severe cases can lead to chronic instability and a high risk of falls, which can cause further complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of falls, fractures (especially hip fractures), reduced independence, and loss of confidence in mobility.

ACL, MCL, or PCL tears

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Knee Injuries

Symptoms:
knee instability; swelling; pain; limited range of motion; popping sound during injury; difficulty walking

Root Cause:
Ligament tears occur due to sudden twisting, hyperextension, or direct impact to the knee.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical tests (e.g., Lachman test, pivot shift test), MRI for detailed imaging of soft tissues, and X-rays to rule out bone injuries.

Treatment:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) initially; physical therapy, bracing, and surgical reconstruction (e.g., ACL graft surgery) for severe tears.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen ) for pain and inflammation. Post-surgical pain managed with acetaminophen or prescription opioids (e.g., oxycodone ) if needed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in athletes, especially in sports requiring rapid changes in direction or jumping; ACL injuries alone affect approximately 200,000 people annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in high-impact sports, previous knee injuries, poor muscle conditioning, or biomechanical imbalances.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; full recovery often takes 6-12 months. Many individuals return to pre-injury levels of activity with proper treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic knee instability, arthritis, re-injury, or incomplete recovery of strength and motion.

Achilles tendon rupture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Leg and Ankle Injuries

Symptoms:
sudden, sharp pain in the back of the lower leg; a popping or snapping sensation; difficulty walking; weakness in pushing off the foot; swelling and bruising near the heel

Root Cause:
A partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon, usually resulting from sudden stress or overstretching.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, positive Thompson test, MRI or ultrasound to confirm and assess severity.

Treatment:
Non-surgical treatment with casting or bracing, surgical repair for active individuals or complete ruptures, followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) to manage discomfort.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common in men aged 30-50 engaged in recreational sports involving jumping or sprinting.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Middle age, participation in high-impact sports, previous tendinopathy, certain antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones), corticosteroid injections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically good with proper treatment; however, recovery can take 6-12 months. Re-rupture is possible without adequate rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic tendon pain, stiffness, weakness, or re-rupture if not adequately treated.

Toe Fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Foot and Toe Injuries

Symptoms:
pain and tenderness in the toe; swelling; bruising; difficulty walking; visible deformity in severe cases

Root Cause:
Break in one or more bones of the toes caused by trauma, such as stubbing or dropping a heavy object on the foot.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to confirm the fracture and assess alignment.

Treatment:
Buddy taping for non-displaced fractures, rest, ice, elevation, and in severe cases, surgery with pinning or screws.

Medications:
Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ) for pain relief. Prescription painkillers may be used in severe fractures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, accounting for approximately 9% of all foot injuries seen in emergency departments.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma, high-impact sports, osteoporosis, improper footwear.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most cases, with healing typically within 4 to 6 weeks. Severe fractures may require longer recovery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion, chronic pain, stiffness, and in rare cases, deformity.

Pernicious Anemia

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Red Blood Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; pale or jaundiced skin; shortness of breath; numbness or tingling in the hands and feet; difficulty walking; memory problems; mood changes; glossitis (sore, red tongue); loss of appetite

Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells leads to a lack of intrinsic factor, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption, resulting in impaired red blood cell production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC), vitamin B12 levels, methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels, intrinsic factor antibody test, and bone marrow biopsy (if needed).

Treatment:
Vitamin B12 supplementation through injections or high-dose oral supplements, along with management of any neurological symptoms or complications.

Medications:
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin ), typically administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. These medications are classified as vitamins and nutritional supplements.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals over 60 years old; higher prevalence in people of Northern European descent and those with autoimmune conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes), family history, vegetarian or vegan diets (due to low dietary B12), and gastrointestinal surgeries or disorders (e.g., gastric bypass, chronic gastritis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely treatment; symptoms and hematologic abnormalities often resolve with B12 replacement therapy. Delayed treatment may lead to irreversible neurological damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological symptoms (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment), increased risk of gastric cancer, and severe anemia.

Niemann-Pick disease

Specialty: Genetics

Category: Metabolic and Storage Disorders

Sub-category: Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Symptoms:
enlarged spleen and liver; difficulty feeding; progressive neurological decline; poor muscle tone; seizures; difficulty walking; developmental delays; lung problems

Root Cause:
Deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase enzyme (Types A and B) or impaired intracellular lipid trafficking (Type C), leading to accumulation of sphingomyelin or cholesterol in tissues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Enzyme activity assay for acid sphingomyelinase (Types A and B), genetic testing (SMPD1 for Types A/B, NPC1/NPC2 for Type C), cholesterol storage studies, and imaging (liver and spleen evaluation).

Treatment:
Symptomatic treatments for neurological symptoms and organ damage; miglustat is used for Niemann-Pick Type C; supportive care includes physical therapy and nutrition management.

Medications:
Miglustat (a substrate reduction therapy) is used for Niemann-Pick Type C. Other treatments include symptom management medications for seizures and lung issues.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 150,000 to 1 in 250,000; higher prevalence in certain populations, such as Ashkenazi Jews (Type A).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of Niemann-Pick disease, inherited mutations in SMPD1 (Types A/B) or NPC1/NPC2 (Type C).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies by type

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe neurological damage, liver failure, lung disease, and premature death in severe forms.

Mercury Poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Heavy Metal Toxicity

Symptoms:
tremors; memory loss; mood changes (irritability, anxiety); numbness or tingling in hands and feet; muscle weakness; vision or hearing disturbances; difficulty walking; cognitive impairments

Root Cause:
Mercury accumulates in the body through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food (e.g., fish), or dermal absorption. It disrupts enzymatic activity, oxidative stress pathways, and nervous system function, particularly in the brain.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves measuring mercury levels in blood, urine, or hair. Clinical history of exposure and neurological symptoms are also critical for assessment.

Treatment:
Treatment includes cessation of exposure, supportive care, and chelation therapy for high mercury levels. Avoiding further intake from dietary or environmental sources is essential.

Medications:
Chelation agents such as dimercaprol, succimer (DMSA), and DMPS (dimercaptopropane sulfonate ) may be used to bind and remove mercury from the body. The specific agent depends on the form of mercury exposure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Mercury poisoning is relatively rare in developed countries but more common in areas with high fish consumption, artisanal gold mining, or industrial pollution.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish (e.g., swordfish, tuna), occupational exposure (e.g., mining, chemical industries), and improper handling of mercury-containing products (e.g., thermometers, fluorescent bulbs).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and removal of exposure, symptoms may improve, but severe neurological damage can be permanent, especially in cases of prenatal exposure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term complications include irreversible neurological damage, kidney dysfunction, developmental delays in children, and cardiovascular issues.

Spinal Epidural Abscess

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: CNS Infections

Symptoms:
fever; localized back pain; neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, numbness, or paralysis); difficulty walking; bowel or bladder dysfunction

Root Cause:
Accumulation of pus in the epidural space of the spine, typically caused by bacterial infection (commonly Staphylococcus aureus).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast; blood cultures; complete blood count (CBC); inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Treatment:
Prompt surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy.

Medications:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as vancomycin (glycopeptide class) combined with ceftriaxone (cephalosporin class) or piperacillin-tazobactam (penicillin/beta-lactamase inhibitor class). Adjusted based on culture and sensitivity results.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; incidence estimated at 2-3 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diabetes, intravenous drug use, spinal trauma or surgery, immunosuppression, bacteremia or sepsis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and treatment; delayed intervention can lead to permanent neurological deficits or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Paralysis, chronic pain, sepsis, spinal instability, recurrent infections.

Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy in HIV

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Central Nervous System Complications in HIV

Symptoms:
progressive muscle weakness; loss of reflexes; tingling or numbness in extremities; difficulty walking; fatigue; autonomic dysfunction in severe cases

Root Cause:
Autoimmune-mediated damage to the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves, likely triggered by HIV-related immune dysregulation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis (elevated protein levels with normal cell counts), and MRI to rule out other conditions.

Treatment:
Immunomodulatory therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis, and corticosteroids; antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control HIV infection.

Medications:
Treatments include corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), intravenous immunoglobulin (immunomodulatory agents), and ART (antiretroviral medications such as integrase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and NNRTIs).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; occurs in a small subset of HIV patients, typically those with advanced immunosuppression.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced HIV infection, lack of adherence to ART, genetic predisposition to autoimmune responses.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early diagnosis and treatment can lead to partial or full recovery, but delayed treatment may result in persistent neurological deficits.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic disability, progression to permanent nerve damage, or secondary infections due to weakened immune system.

HIV-Associated Vacuolar Myelopathy

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: HIV and Neurology

Symptoms:
progressive leg weakness; spasticity; numbness or tingling in the lower limbs; difficulty walking; bladder dysfunction

Root Cause:
Spinal cord degeneration caused by chronic HIV infection and inflammation, leading to vacuolar changes in the white matter.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, spinal MRI, and exclusion of other causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency or syphilis.

Treatment:
ART to control HIV, physical therapy for mobility issues, and symptomatic management of spasticity or bladder dysfunction.

Medications:
Antispasmodics (e.g., baclofen or tizanidine ) for spasticity and antiretrovirals for the underlying condition.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in up to 10% of untreated individuals with advanced HIV.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced HIV, poor ART adherence, and low CD4 count.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive but may stabilize with effective ART; mobility can be significantly impacted.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Paraplegia, incontinence, and reduced quality of life.