Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Hyperthyroidism

Category: Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions

Symptoms:
unexplained weight loss; rapid heartbeat; anxiety; sweating; heat intolerance; tremors; increased appetite; bulging eyes (in graves' disease)

Root Cause:
Overproduction of thyroid hormones, often due to Graves' disease (autoimmune) or toxic multinodular goiter.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Low TSH and high free T4/T3 levels in blood tests, thyroid scan or ultrasound.

Treatment:
Antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, thyroidectomy.

Medications:
Methimazole , propylthiouracil (antithyroid drugs); beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ) for symptom management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1–2% of the population; more common in women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, autoimmune conditions, excessive iodine intake.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable; complications are preventable with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Thyroid storm (acute, life-threatening hyperthyroidism), atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis.

Hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves’ disease)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Endocrine Disorders

Sub-category: Thyroid Disorders

Symptoms:
weight loss despite normal or increased appetite; rapid heartbeat (tachycardia); heat intolerance; tremors; irritability; exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyes); goiter; sweating; diarrhea; sleep disturbances; fatigue

Root Cause:
Overproduction of thyroid hormones due to autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by low TSH, elevated T4/T3 levels, and thyroid receptor antibodies.

Treatment:
Treated with antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole), radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery, with beta-blockers to control symptoms.

Medications:
Antithyroid medications - Methimazole (first-line treatment) and propylthiouracil (used in certain cases, such as during the first trimester of pregnancy). Beta-blockers - Propranolol or atenolol to control symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and tremors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in children; more common in adolescent females. Estimated prevalence is about 1 in 10,000 children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, family history of autoimmune thyroid disease, other autoimmune conditions, exposure to iodine excess or deficiency.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; remission is possible with antithyroid medication, but relapses can occur. Severe or untreated cases may lead to thyroid storm, a life-threatening complication.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Thyroid storm, heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy), osteoporosis, vision problems, or permanent eye damage in severe exophthalmos.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Alcohol-Related Toxicity

Symptoms:
tremors; sweating; anxiety; nausea; vomiting; seizures; hallucinations; delirium tremens

Root Cause:
Sudden cessation or reduction of chronic alcohol consumption leading to central nervous system hyperactivity due to downregulated GABA and upregulated glutamate pathways.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, assessment using tools like the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) scale, and ruling out other causes of symptoms.

Treatment:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam), thiamine to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy, and supportive care.

Medications:
Diazepam or lorazepam (benzodiazepines) are first-line treatments to control withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures. Thiamine (vitamin B1) is used to prevent neurological complications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 50% of individuals with chronic alcohol use disorder who suddenly stop drinking. Severe forms (delirium tremens) occur in about 5%.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic alcohol use, history of withdrawal seizures, concurrent illness, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, symptoms resolve within a few days; untreated severe withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, delirium tremens, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, arrhythmias, death.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Symptoms:
severe, burning pain; swelling; changes in skin temperature or color; sensitivity to touch; stiffness; muscle atrophy; tremors

Root Cause:
Abnormal response of the peripheral and central nervous systems to injury, leading to excessive pain signaling and inflammatory responses.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, imaging (e.g., MRI, bone scan), and exclusion of other conditions.

Treatment:
Physical therapy, desensitization therapy, pain management (e.g., nerve blocks), psychological support, and lifestyle modifications.

Medications:
Includes NSAIDs, anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin ), antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline ), corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and in some cases, opioids for severe pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to occur in 5-26 cases per 100,000 annually; more common in women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma (e.g., fractures, surgery), immobilization, and genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment improves outcomes, but some may experience chronic symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, disability, depression, and loss of function in the affected limb.

Graves' Disease

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Thyroid Disorders

Sub-category: Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms:
unintentional weight loss; rapid heartbeat (tachycardia); nervousness or irritability; sweating; tremors; heat intolerance; enlarged thyroid gland (goiter); protruding eyes (exophthalmos); fatigue; muscle weakness

Root Cause:
Autoimmune disorder where the immune system produces antibodies (TSI) that stimulate the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical symptoms, blood tests measuring thyroid hormones (T3, T4), TSH levels, and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI); thyroid uptake scan.

Treatment:
Antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland).

Medications:
Antithyroid drugs such as methimazole (thionamide class) or propylthiouracil (PTU). Beta-blockers like propranolol are prescribed to control symptoms like tachycardia and tremors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1.2% of the U.S. population, with a higher prevalence in women and individuals aged 20–40 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, family history of autoimmune conditions, stress, smoking, and recent pregnancy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, symptoms can be well-controlled. Relapses can occur, and permanent solutions like radioactive iodine or surgery may be needed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Thyroid storm (life-threatening hyperthyroidism crisis), heart problems (atrial fibrillation, heart failure), brittle bones (osteoporosis), and eye problems (Graves’ ophthalmopathy).

Toxic Adenoma

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Thyroid Disorders

Sub-category: Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms:
palpitations; weight loss; tremors; heat intolerance; nervousness; enlarged nodule in the neck; mild difficulty swallowing or breathing in large adenomas

Root Cause:
A single, benign thyroid nodule autonomously secretes excessive thyroid hormones due to somatic mutations in TSH receptors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, blood tests showing elevated T3 and T4 with suppressed TSH, thyroid ultrasound, and radioactive iodine uptake scan showing focal uptake.

Treatment:
Radioactive iodine therapy to ablate the adenoma or surgical removal of the affected thyroid lobe (lobectomy). Antithyroid drugs may be used temporarily.

Medications:
Methimazole (antithyroid drug) may be used to manage hyperthyroidism symptoms pre-surgery or pre-radioactive iodine therapy. Beta-blockers such as propranolol to control symptoms like tachycardia.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than Graves' Disease; typically occurs in middle-aged adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of thyroid nodules, iodine deficiency, and exposure to radiation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment. Definitive therapy like surgery or radioactive iodine typically resolves the condition.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent hyperthyroidism, arrhythmias, or compressive symptoms if the adenoma enlarges significantly.

Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Thyroid Disorders

Sub-category: Other Thyroid Disorders

Symptoms:
high fever; rapid heart rate (tachycardia); nervousness or anxiety; tremors; confusion; diarrhea; vomiting; extreme fatigue; shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Severe, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, often triggered by infection, surgery, trauma, or untreated Graves' disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation (severe hyperthyroid symptoms), lab tests showing suppressed TSH and elevated T3/T4 levels, alongside exclusion of other conditions (e.g., sepsis).

Treatment:
Immediate hospitalization, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) for symptom control, antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole or propylthiouracil), iodine to inhibit thyroid hormone release, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Medications:
Methimazole or propylthiouracil (antithyroid drugs); propranolol (beta-blocker); potassium iodide (iodine preparation ); hydrocortisone (corticosteroid).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in approximately 1–2% of patients with untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, recent surgery, infection, pregnancy, or iodine exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality if untreated (up to 30%); prognosis improves significantly with prompt treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, multiple organ failure, death.

Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Adrenal Disorders

Sub-category: Adrenal Hyperfunction

Symptoms:
episodic high blood pressure; headaches; palpitations; excessive sweating; anxiety or panic attacks; tremors; pale skin; weight loss

Root Cause:
Tumors in the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma) or extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue (paraganglioma) causing excessive secretion of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using plasma or urine metanephrines and imaging (CT/MRI).

Treatment:
Treated with surgical resection after preoperative alpha- and beta-blockade.

Medications:
Preoperative medications include phenoxybenzamine or doxazosin (alpha-blockers) and propranolol (beta-blocker) to manage symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1% in hypertensive patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., MEN2, VHL, NF1), family history, and age (most common in adults aged 30–50).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early surgical treatment, but undiagnosed cases can be fatal due to hypertensive crises.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular complications (stroke, arrhythmias), multi-organ damage, and malignant transformation in rare cases.

Hypomagnesemia

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle cramps; tremors; weakness; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; irritability; confusion; seizures; cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., prolonged qt interval)

Root Cause:
Low magnesium levels in the blood due to inadequate dietary intake, increased excretion via kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, or certain medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring serum magnesium levels; additional evaluations may include kidney function tests and assessment of other electrolytes (e.g., calcium and potassium).

Treatment:
Address underlying causes, magnesium supplementation (oral or intravenous), and correction of associated electrolyte imbalances.

Medications:
Magnesium supplements, such as magnesium oxide (oral) or magnesium sulfate (IV for severe cases). These are electrolyte supplements.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in hospitalized patients (up to 10%–20%) and in individuals with chronic illnesses.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., Crohn’s disease), diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, and diabetes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with timely diagnosis and treatment, but prolonged or severe cases can lead to significant complications if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, muscle paralysis, and refractory hypocalcemia or hypokalemia.

Wilson’s Disease

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Genetic/Metabolic Neurological Disorders

Symptoms:
tremors; difficulty speaking; psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety); liver dysfunction (jaundice, abdominal pain); kayser-fleischer rings in the eyes

Root Cause:
Genetic disorder causing copper accumulation in the liver, brain, and other organs due to defective copper excretion.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood and urine tests for copper levels, liver function tests, slit-lamp examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings, and genetic testing.

Treatment:
Lifelong copper-chelation therapy, dietary copper restriction, and liver transplantation in advanced liver failure cases.

Medications:
Penicillamine or trientine (copper-chelating agents) to remove excess copper; zinc acetate to block copper absorption in the intestines.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 30,000 people worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autosomal recessive inheritance; family history of Wilson’s disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early diagnosis and adherence to treatment; untreated cases can result in liver failure, severe neurological damage, or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver cirrhosis, neurological impairment, psychiatric disorders, and fatal organ damage.

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.

Respiratory Acidosis (secondary to renal issues)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Acid-Base Disorders

Symptoms:
confusion; fatigue; shortness of breath; headache; cyanosis; drowsiness; tremors

Root Cause:
Impaired CO2 elimination by the lungs, with kidneys unable to adequately compensate by increasing bicarbonate reabsorption.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood gas analysis (low pH, elevated pCO2), kidney function tests, and imaging of the lungs.

Treatment:
Improve ventilation (mechanical ventilation if needed), treat underlying renal dysfunction, and correct any electrolyte imbalances.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol for reversible airway obstruction), bicarbonate therapy (in severe cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in patients with chronic lung disease and renal dysfunction.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), renal failure, and neuromuscular disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Dependent on the reversibility of the underlying causes; timely intervention improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Coma, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory failure.

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.

Hyperammonemia (e.g., from liver failure)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Endogenous Toxins

Sub-category: Hepatic Disorders

Symptoms:
confusion; lethargy; vomiting; irritability; tremors; seizures; coma

Root Cause:
Excess ammonia in the bloodstream due to impaired liver function or inherited metabolic disorders, leading to neurotoxicity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing elevated ammonia levels; clinical symptoms; imaging (e.g., CT or MRI) to rule out other causes of neurological dysfunction; genetic testing for inherited disorders.

Treatment:
Lactulose (a non-absorbable sugar) to trap ammonia in the gut, rifaximin to reduce ammonia-producing bacteria, supportive care, and addressing the underlying cause such as liver transplantation in severe cases.

Medications:
Lactulose (osmotic laxative), rifaximin (intestinal antibiotic), sodium benzoate , and sodium phenylbutyrate (ammonia-scavenging agents).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with cirrhosis or acute liver failure; also occurs in certain inherited urea cycle disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Liver cirrhosis, acute liver failure, high-protein diet in susceptible individuals, inherited metabolic disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable if addressed early; severe cases can lead to permanent neurological damage or death if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hepatic encephalopathy, cerebral edema, coma, death.

Withdrawal syndromes

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Miscellaneous Toxicological Conditions

Sub-category: Substance Use and Abuse

Symptoms:
anxiety; restlessness; insomnia; nausea; vomiting; sweating; seizures; hallucinations; cravings; muscle pain; tremors

Root Cause:
Withdrawal occurs due to abrupt cessation or reduction in the use of a substance, disrupting the brain's adaptive changes to the drug.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of history, substance use patterns, and physical/psychological symptoms; sometimes aided by withdrawal severity scales.

Treatment:
Gradual tapering of the substance, medications to manage symptoms, supportive care, and behavioral therapy.

Medications:
Alcohol withdrawal - Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam , lorazepam ) to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Opioid withdrawal - Methadone , buprenorphine , or clonidine to manage symptoms and cravings. Nicotine withdrawal - Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum), varenicline , or bupropion .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Withdrawal syndromes are common among individuals with substance dependence, with prevalence varying based on substance use patterns.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged or heavy substance use, abrupt cessation, lack of medical supervision during detoxification.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the substance, duration of use, and treatment adherence; most symptoms resolve with treatment, though cravings and relapse risk may persist.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe complications include seizures, delirium tremens (in alcohol withdrawal), dehydration, cardiac arrhythmias, and suicide risk.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Toxicity

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Emergency

Sub-category: Medication Toxicity

Symptoms:
agitation; confusion; tremors; hyperreflexia; tachycardia; sweating; nausea; diarrhea; seizures; hyperthermia

Root Cause:
Excessive serotonin activity in the central nervous system due to overdose or interaction with other serotonergic drugs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical diagnosis based on history of SSRI use and presentation of symptoms consistent with serotonin syndrome. Rule out other causes like infection or withdrawal.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the SSRI, supportive care (hydration, cooling measures for hyperthermia), benzodiazepines for agitation, and administration of cyproheptadine (a serotonin antagonist) in severe cases.

Medications:
Cyproheptadine (antihistamine with serotonin antagonist properties), benzodiazepines for sedation, and IV fluids for stabilization.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is relatively rare but can occur in up to 15% of SSRI overdoses.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Polypharmacy involving serotonergic drugs, overdose, or genetic susceptibility to altered serotonin metabolism.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly; untreated severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications like seizures or organ failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and cardiovascular collapse in severe cases.

Tardive Dystonia

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Neurological Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
sustained or intermittent muscle contractions; abnormal postures; tremors; spasms

Root Cause:
Long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking agents (antipsychotics) leading to altered basal ganglia function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical history and examination, focusing on medication use and ruling out other causes of dystonia.

Treatment:
Discontinuing or switching offending medications, use of muscle relaxants, or botulinum toxin injections.

Medications:
Anticholinergics (e.g., trihexyphenidyl ), GABA agonists (e.g., clonazepam ), or VMAT2 inhibitors (e.g., tetrabenazine ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-4% of individuals on long-term antipsychotics.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged antipsychotic use, older age, and female gender.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may persist even after discontinuation of the causative medication; treatment focuses on symptom management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent motor impairment, social stigma, and reduced quality of life.

St. Louis Encephalitis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: CNS Infections

Symptoms:
fever; headache; stiff neck; disorientation; tremors; seizures; coma in severe cases

Root Cause:
Viral infection caused by the St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), transmitted by mosquitoes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detection of SLEV-specific IgM antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via ELISA; polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Treatment:
Supportive care; no specific antiviral treatment.

Medications:
Symptomatic treatments, including antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen ), anticonvulsants for seizures, and corticosteroids for severe inflammation (if indicated).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sporadic outbreaks in North America, particularly in the summer and early fall.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Mosquito exposure, older age, immunosuppression, residing in endemic areas.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; mild cases recover fully, while severe cases may have residual neurological deficits or mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent neurological issues, cognitive deficits, mortality in severe cases.

Kuru

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

Symptoms:
ataxia; tremors; muscle stiffness; emotional lability; dementia-like symptoms; difficulty swallowing

Root Cause:
Prion disease caused by the transmission of misfolded prion proteins through cannibalistic practices.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation, genetic testing for prion protein gene mutations, and post-mortem brain biopsy showing spongiform degeneration.

Treatment:
No cure; supportive care focuses on managing symptoms and providing comfort.

Medications:
None; experimental treatments have been attempted but remain ineffective.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; primarily observed in the Fore tribe of Papua New Guinea, where the disease originated.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in cannibalistic rituals, exposure to infected neural tissue.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Fatal; typically leads to death within 1–2 years of symptom onset.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive neurological decline, complete loss of motor and cognitive functions, death.