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Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a rare genetic disorder that is primarily seen in some ethnic populations. It is also sometimes called familial paroxysmal polyserositis or recurrent polyserositis. It is characterized by recurrent bouts of fever, appendicitis-like stomach pain, lung inflammation, and swollen, painful joints. As a chronic, recurrent disorder, FMF can cause short-term disability and significantly impair a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, newer anti-inflammatory drugs have all but eliminated many of the more severe manifestations of the disease....

The femoral nerve is the major nerve in your thigh. It’s one of the largest leg nerves and runs from your pelvis down the front of your leg. The nerve signals carried by the femoral nerve are a critical part of the ability to stand, walk, and maintain balance. Anatomy Nerves are complex structures that branch out like a tree. Their many “limbs,” called dendrites, connect from single cells to networks throughout your body, including skin, muscles, and connective tissues....

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable viral disease that involves inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) usually leads to a short-term infection known as acute hepatitis B. If their infection is left untreated, some people develop chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B is a serious, permanent condition that can cause organ damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, liver failure, and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people should be vaccinated against hepatitis B starting at birth....

Hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as healthcare-acquired MRSA or HA-MRSA, is a potentially deadly strain of staph bacteria. This superbug, resistant to many antibiotics, has long been a public health concern, with no less than 60% of hospitals in the United States reporting one or more incidents of HA-MRSA in 2013. Despite inordinately high rates of infection in the latter part of the 20th century, there has been a slow decline of MRSA diagnoses since then due to increased awareness and a rigorous adherence to universal precautions in healthcare settings....

A fever is a common symptom related to many conditions, most of which are benign. An increase in body temperature is most often a biological response to a viral or bacterial infection (like the flu or strep throat). Occasionally, something other than infection can cause your fever. A person is generally considered to have a fever when they have a temperature of 100.4°F or greater. Most experts define a low-grade fever as a temperature that falls between 99....

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a disorder in which mast cells, a normal type of cell found in your immune system, release excessive amounts of histamines and other chemicals that lead to allergy-like symptoms in your body. People living with MCAS may experience common allergic symptoms like itching and sneezing, but they also may have thyroid changes, heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations, fatigue, and nausea.The underlying cause isn’t always clear and MCAS can be difficult to diagnose....

Migraines are severe headaches that occur with throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head. Separating one from a mere “bad headache” involves understanding the distinctive symptoms that a migraine can trigger. In fact, you can experience up to four stages during a migraine episode, each of which can be identified by its own set of symptoms. Understanding the range of symptoms can alert you to whether you’re experiencing a migraine and which stage you happen to be in at the moment....

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a mental health condition that is estimated to affect about 2–8% of the general population. People with OCPD are preoccupied with rules, orderliness, and control. They tend to exhibit perfectionism, rigidity, and a high focus on details. Though there are some similarities between OCPD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), they are separate and distinct conditions. People with OCPD have strong, inflexible beliefs surrounding rules and order and believe only their thoughts are correct....

An organ system is a group of organs that work together in the body to perform a complex function, such as pumping blood or processing and utilizing nutrients. There are 11 major organ systems in the human body: The circulatory systemThe lymphatic systemThe respiratory systemThe integumentary systemThe endocrine systemThe gastrointestinal (digestive) systemThe urinary (excretory) systemThe musculoskeletal systemThe nervous systemThe reproductive systemThe immune system Organ systems work together with other organ systems to keep the body in good health....

Wrist fractures, also known as distal radius fractures, account for 18% of all fractures in people age 65 and older. The wrist is a complex joint connecting the forearm’s two bones—the radius and the ulna—to the hand. Bone fractures are a common complication of osteoporosis, particularly in the wrists, hips, and spine. This article discusses the connection between osteoporosis and wrist fractures, including symptoms, treatments, wrist-strengthening exercises, and ways to prevent wrist fractures....

There’s new hope that paralyzed people may soon walk again. Researchers from Switzerland were successful in sending electrical signals to the spine of three men who were completely paralyzed after spinal cord injuries. Within days, all three men could move their torso and legs performing activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling. Key Takeaways Researchers restored three paralyzed patients’ ability to walk within a day.They implanted a device into the spine that uses electrical stimulation to direct nerves involved in moving the legs....

Photophobia can have just about anyone reaching for their sunglasses. The word “photophobia” comes from the Greek words for “light” (photo) and “fear” (phobia). The fear of or desire to avoid light comes from a particular sensitivity that makes it difficult to be in bright surroundings. Photophobia can be associated with anything from neurological disorders such as migraines to eye conditions such as uveitis, which involves inflammation of the middle part of the eye....

Prinzmetal angina, now more commonly called vasospastic angina or variant angina, differs from typical (classic) angina in several important respects. Its cause is different, and both a diagnosis and variant angina treatment tend to differ from classic angina. Many vasospastic angina symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, are similar to those of classic angina. This is one reason for why people should see a healthcare provider in order to determine the cause....

Face coverings can protect you from getting or spreading airborne diseases like COVID-19. For some people, this protective measure may result in some skin irritation. This can be a real problem, especially for people who must wear face masks all day. Face coverings don’t let air flow around the face. This is one reason why irritation occurs. When you breathe, moisture becomes trapped on your face. The dark, warm environment can contribute to skin problems like acne....

Sleep disorders are medical conditions that can affect the quality and duration of your sleep. These can include sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. Symptoms of a sleeping disorder can involve snoring and trouble falling asleep, leading to sleep deprivation and impacts on quality of life and overall health. There are many types of sleeping disorders, which can contribute to serious health issues like heart failure and diabetes. Knowing the symptoms of each can help you and your healthcare provider figure out the cause, diagnose it, and—most importantly—know what to do about it....

A stigma is a negative attitude or idea about a mental, physical, or social feature of a person or group of people. This implies that there is social disapproval. Stigmas are a major concern because they can lead to negative effects such as discrimination. While there are many different kinds of social stigmas, mental health stigma tends to be very common. It can be strong, and it can impact both mental and physical health outcomes in serious ways....

Depending upon the stage of prostate cancer, different treatment options are available. These treatment options include: Watchful waiting Surgery Radiation Hormone therapy Chemotherapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy This article will review how surgery and radiation treat prostate cancer. Both can be very effective forms of treatment in men with the disease. Although they may have the same goals of therapy, there are differences between these treatments. Be sure to see your healthcare provider for the diagnosis to receive the best treatment for yourself....

Pregnancy is a time of many changes while waiting for your new baby to arrive. One change many people experience is swollen ankles and feet. Feet swelling during pregnancy is common because your body is undergoing hormonal changes and is producing extra blood. The amount of swelling you experience will depend on different factors such as the seasons in which you’re pregnant (for example, in the hot weather of summer) and the time of day....

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a nonprofit organization, is the highest-rated breast cancer organization in the United States, with an A rating from CharityWatch and four out of four stars from Charity Navigator. The organization has been a leader in breast cancer research ever since its founding in 1993. Over the years, BCRF has raised more than half a billion dollars in support of research on tumor biology, heredity and ethnicity, lifestyle, and more, which has made a major impact on how breast cancer is viewed and treated....

A healthy immune system protects you from harmful substances entering your body and causing infection or disease. In multiple sclerosis (MS), your immune system malfunctions and starts attacking your central nervous system (CNS). Your CNS consists of your brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves of your eyes. Immune system attacks on your CNS may cause a variety of symptoms, including blurry vision, numbness and tingling, muscle weakness, and many more....