NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

a stroke - two types exist (ischemic and hemorrhagic)

Ischemic CVA

a stroke caused by sudden blockage of a blood vessel in the brain

Hemorrhagic CVA

a stroke caused by sudden bleeding in the brain

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)

bleeding within the subarachnoid space, an area between brain and thin tissues that cover the brain; usually caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm or AVM (arteriovenous malformation)

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

stroke-like symptoms that completely resolve in less than 24 hours

Bell's Palsy

paralysis of the facial nerve (cranial nerve 7), causing muscular weakness to one side of the face; can be confused with a stroke

Seizure

uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that may cause physical convulsions

Pseudoseizure

psychogenic nonepileptic seizures that can be either organic or psychogenic (Some people fake seizures for attention, and we can often tell when they are doing this!)

Meningitis

inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord, most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection

Encephalitis

inflammation of brain tissue, usually caused by infection

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Atherosclerosis

a condition in which "plaque" builds up on the walls of the blood vessels; worsened by a diet high in cholesterol

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

a condition caused by atherosclerosis that reduces blood flow through the coronary arteries (and thus oxygen delivery) to the heart muscle

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

a term used to describe sudden reduced blood flow to one or more coronary arteries that can result in cardiac muscle death if left untreated.

Angina

chest pain caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle.

Unstable Angina

a condition in which blood flow and oxygen in one or more of the coronary arteries is partially blocked causing chest pain.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

a condition in which blood flow and oxygen in one or more of the coronary arteries is suddenly completely blocked. This results in heart muscle death. (AKA - "heart attack")

ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

a sudden blockage of a coronary artery with EKG findings significant for ST segment elevation

Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)

a sudden blockage of a coronary artery without EKG findings significant for ST segment elevation

Cardiac Dysrhythmia

an abnormality in the physiological rate or rhythm of the heart

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

an abnormal heart rhythm arising from aberrant electrical activity in the heart; originates at or above the AV node.

Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib)

an irregular and often very fast heart rate originating from abnormal conduction in the atria.

Ventricular Tachycardia

an abnormal heart rhythm that arises from improper electrical conduction in the ventricles.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood well enough to meet the body's needs resulting in build-up of fluid in the extremities and/or lungs

Hypertension (HTN)

high blood pressure

Hyperlipidemia

high lipid levels

Hypercholesterolemia

high cholesterol levels

RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by bacteria or viruses. Also known as the common cold.

Influenza

an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. Also known as the flu.

Bronchitis

an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes

Pneumonia

an inflammation/infection of one or both lungs.

Respiratory & GI

Pleural Effusion

excess fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity and can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs.

Empyema

the presence of pus in a body cavity

Pneumothorax (PTX)

An abnormal collection of air in the pleural space which can cause all or part of the lung to collapse.

Hemothorax (HTX)

An abnormal accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity.

Asthma

chronic inflammatory lung disease in which airways become inflamed, resulting in excess mucous production and airway narrowing.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow in the lungs and is not fully reversible. This is often associated with years of smoking.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

a blood clot in one or more of the pulmonary arteries

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

a blood clot in the deep venous system of the arms or legs which can break off and cause a PE. (Not a respiratory system disease, but related to PE's so included here.)

GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) DISEASES

Appendicitis

inflammation of appendix, generally caused by an infection

Gastritis

inflammation of lining of stomach

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

acid reflux (aka heartburn)

Gastroenteritis

inflammation/infection of the stomach and intestines which causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Biliary Colic

pain in the gallbladder caused by gallstones obstructing bile flow

Cholecystitis

Inflammation/infection of the gallbladder

Cholelithiasis

the presence of stones in the gallbladder

Choledocholithiasis

gallstones that become stuck in the bile ducts

Pancreatitis

inflammation of pancreas

Hepatitis

inflammation of liver

Cirrhosis

liver disease; a chronic degenerative disease in which normal liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue

Ascites

fluid in the peritoneal cavity, most often caused by liver cirrhosis or tumors

Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)

blockage in the intestinal tract

Diverticulosis

Finger-like projections in the large intestine called diverticuli

Diverticulitis

inflammation/infection of diverticuli requiring antibiotic treatment

Gastrointestinal Bleed (GI Bleed)

bleeding in the upper or lower GI tract

Hemorrhoids

swollen veins in lower rectum