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Undifferentiated schizophrenia is an outdated term for a type of schizophrenia in which a person meets the criteria for the disorder but cannot be classified into just one of its four subtypes. While undifferentiated schizophrenia is no longer listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), some healthcare providers still use the term. Under the older definition, people with undifferentiated schizophrenia exhibit symptoms of more than one type of schizophrenia....

Vasospasm is the abrupt narrowing of one or more blood vessels. Cerebral vasospasm, the narrowing of arteries in the brain, is typically triggered by a serious event, such as a ruptured brain aneurysm. The effects of cerebral vasospasm can include seizures and loss of consciousness. The condition requires urgent treatment. Vasospasm can also affect the blood vessels of the heart or the systemic circulation. Types of Vasospasm Vasospasm can affect any blood vessel in the body, but it is most common in the arteries....

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many of the foods we eat. It’s important for a strong immune system, healthy vision, and reproduction. Vitamin A also helps the lungs, heart, and kidneys to function properly. The two types of vitamin A found in our foods are preformed vitamin A and provitamin A: Preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters) is found in foods from animal sources, including meat and dairy....

Holidays can be tough for children with autism. They may also be tough their parents, guardians, or siblings. But the good news is that for every problem you might encounter, there are real-world solutions you can put in place to make the season bright! Sensory Issues Many people with autism have strong negative reactions to bright lights, loud noises, strong flavors and smells. The holidays can sometimes feel like a sensory assault!...

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic condition that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your liver. The liver is a major organ located on the right side of your abdomen. It helps you digest food and filter waste from the body. When the immune system attacks the liver cells, the liver becomes inflamed and liver damage can occur. The term hepatitis refers to inflammation and swelling of the liver. When left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, chronic liver damage leading to scarring of the liver and liver failure....

Bedbugs have resurged worldwide and these blood-sucking insects (both the Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) are a problem in many homes and hotels. Fortunately, bedbugs aren’t known to spread contagious diseases. However, it is difficult to eradicate an infestation and you will want to take steps to prevent bringing bedbugs home. Learn how to identify and treat these pests. Bedbug Symptoms Bedbug bites often appear as small, itchy, raised red areas on exposed skin, usually a few days after the actual bite....

A C3 complement test is a blood test that can tell your healthcare provider how your immune system is functioning. The test measures the amount of a protein called C3 that enhances the action of antibodies and other disease-fighting immune cells. C3 is part of the complementary immune system. The complementary immune system is part of the larger innate immune system that serves as the body’s frontline defense against disease, attacking anything that the body considers abnormal....

What Is Clotrimazole- Oral? Oral clotrimazole is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent a yeast infection in the mouth and/or throat called oral thrush in adults and children aged 3 years and older. It is in a class of drugs called antifungals. Clotrimazole works by limiting the growth of yeasts. It used to be marketed under the brand name Mycelex, which has since been discontinued. However, it is still available in generic form in a 10-milligram (mg) large, slowly dissolving tablet (lozenge)....

The common cold is caused by any of a number of respiratory viruses and produces familiar symptoms including stuffiness, runny nose, cough, and sore throat. People often confuse the common cold and the flu. It’s understandable since both are primarily respiratory viruses and many of their symptoms are so similar. In general, though, cold symptoms tend to be milder than those of the flu, and influenza is a much more serious illness....

Epilepsy triggers are what set off seizures. Triggers can be anything, from flashing lights to weather to something you’ve eaten. Once you know your seizure triggers, you can avoid them or be prepared for when you do encounter them. This can make a big difference in how well you control your epilepsy. This article examines what causes epilepsy, common seizure and epilepsy triggers, and how to avoid them. Epilepsy Causes Epilepsy has many causes, including:...

Corydalis is an herbal supplement claimed to help with pain and relaxation (sedation). Its scientific name is Corydalis yanhusuo, and it is a species of flowering herbal plant in the Papaveraceae family (commonly known as poppies). Corydalis yanhusuo grows in the Northern Hemisphere but is most often found in the high-altitude grasslands in China’s province of Zhejiang. The corydalis plant has five to 15 purple-blue-hued flowers clustered together that curve outward....

A hernia occurs when organs push through weak areas of the surrounding muscle. An inguinal hernia occurs in the abdomen, through the inguinal canal. These are passages that run down the lower abdomen on either side of the groin. This type of hernia usually appears as a bulge in the groin area. Inguinal hernias may be direct or indirect. The difference is in the anatomical location. Direct hernias protrude through the posterior (back) wall of the inguinal canal....

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, representing 80% to 90% of learning disabilities in children. As many as 1 in 5 children has dyslexia. Dyslexia is neurologically-based and unrelated to intelligence. It affects the way the brain processes information, making it harder to read fluently and accurately. People with dyslexia are often fast and creative thinkers and have strong reasoning skills. Read on to learn more about what it means to live with dyslexia....

Dyspnea is shortness of breath that is often described as a feeling of being “hungry for air.” Anyone can become dyspneic with strenuous exercise, and it can also occur as a result of medical problems like lung or heart disease, obesity, or anxiety. Dyspnea is uncomfortable and it can even be painful. If you experience recurrent, sudden, or severe shortness of breath, you should see a healthcare provider. You may need urgent medical intervention, and long-term management will depend on the cause of your dyspnea....

Uterine fibroids, also referred to as leiomyomas or myomas, are growths in the uterus or on the uterine wall. They vary in size from smaller than a pinhead to the size of a watermelon or bigger. The vast majority of uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous). Fibroids are fairly common, affecting up to 80% of people with uteruses by 50 years of age. While fibroids are often asymptomatic and do not require attention, symptoms are present in 20%–50% of cases and may require treatment....

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common, affecting an estimated 18%–28% of people who live in North America. GERD is a condition that occurs when bile or stomach acid causes irritation in the esophagus, the hollow, muscular tube leading from the throat to the stomach. People who have symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn more than twice a week may be living with GERD. Treating GERD often includes changes to diet and lifestyle, but medications are also sometimes needed....

Gestational diabetes and diabetes are conditions in which the body can’t use insulin effectively. This allows sugar to build up in the bloodstream. One key difference is that gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. Most of the time, blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery. Learn more about the differences between gestational diabetes and diabetes. Symptoms Gestational diabetes and diabetes share some common symptoms. However, you may not have symptoms of gestational diabetes unless your blood sugar is very high....

Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, and headaches are common medical issues that can happen at the same time or separately. The causes can be minor, like allergies or weather changes. Or for some people, they can be caused by a severe injury or medical condition. This article will discuss the causes of headaches and nosebleeds, common causes, serious causes, and causes during pregnancy. It will also describe when to see a healthcare provider, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention....

If you’ve noticed that you squint when you read, you might be wondering if it’s time to buy a pair of reading glasses (a.k.a. readers). The process seems easy enough. While prescription options are recommended for some people, over-the-counter reading glasses seem to be available just about everywhere. That doesn’t mean you should just use any old pair, however. Aside from different colors and styles, reading glasses come in different strengths....

Summertime is time to think about preventing dehydration and heat-related illness. Did you know that about 618 Americans die every year of heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control? The sad fact is that most of these deaths could have been prevented, had the victims understood the realities of dehydration and heat-related illness more clearly. Regularly exercising, which is often done outdoors, is just as important during the hot months of summer as it is during the cooler seasons....