Common Medical Conditions Flashcards

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

• A condition caused by HIV infection.

• Patients with AIDS are at serious risk for contracting life-threatening diseases.

• This increased risk is due to the destruction of portions of their immune system by the HIV infection.

Aneurysm

• A ballooning or distention of the artery wall.

• Caused by a weakened area in the vessel wall.

Atherosclerosis

• A narrowing of the artery.

• Due to a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the vessel.

Autoimmune Disease

• The body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells.

• The immune system fails to recognize healthy cells as its own.

• Examples:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Lupus

  • Celiac Disease

  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Cerebrovascular Accident

• Also known as "stroke".

• Blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

• Brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.

• Can be caused by:

  • A clot blocking blood flow.

  • A rupture in or near the brain causing hemorrhage.

Decubitus Ulcer

• Also known as "bed sore, pressure sore, pressure ulcer".

• An open wound on the skin.

• Typically occurs around bony areas due to prolonged pressure.

Diabetes Mellitus

• A group of diseases in which the body cannot properly process sugar in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.

• Examples:

  • Type 1:

    • Chronic condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin.

  • Type 2:

    • Chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood sugar.

Hematoma

• A mass of blood trapped in soft tissue or a cavity of the body.

• Results from internal bleeding.

Herpes

• A contagious viral infection.

• Causes blisters to form:

  • On or around the mouth (oral herpes, also known as "cold sores or fever blisters").

  • On the genitalia (genital herpes).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• A virus that can destroy parts of the body's immune system.

• The cause of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Osteoarthritis

• Also known as "degenerative joint disease (DJD)".

• Occurs when the protective, flexible tissue (cartilage) around the ends of bones begins to deteriorate.

• Results in restricted joint movement, pain, and stiffness.

Hyperkyphosis

• Also known as "hunchback".

• An exaggerated outward curve of the thoracic spine.

Hyperlordosis

• Also known as "swayback".

• An exaggerated inward curve of the lumbar spine.

Scoliosis

• Any lateral (sideways) curve in the spine.

Osteoporosis

• A condition in which bones become weak and brittle.

• Caused by a loss in bone density.

Lupus

• A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder.

• Causes redness, pain, inflammation, and tissue damage.

• Can affect many different body systems.

Psoriasis

• An autoimmune disorder.

• Skin cells are produced too quickly.

• Older skin cells haven't fallen off yet.

• Results in red, scaly patches of skin on the surface, which can be dry and itchy.

Eczema

• Also known as "atopic dermatitis".

• A skin inflammation.

• Presents as red, dry, and itchy patches.

Raynaud's Syndrome

• Excessive constriction of small arteries in the skin in specific areas of the body.

• Causes a numbing and cold sensation.

Morton's Neuroma

• Tissue around nerve endings leading to the toes becomes thickened.

• Can happen as a result of excess pressure on one part of the foot.

Meniere's Disease

• A disorder of the inner ear.

• Causes symptoms of vertigo, intermittent hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), pressure, and pain.

Varicose Veins

• Enlarged, swollen veins, typically in the legs.

• May be caused by damaged valves within the veins.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

• A group of conditions.

• Blood vessels and nerves are compressed between the clavicle (collarbone) and the first rib.

• Can cause numbness, pain, weakness, and cold sensations in the shoulder and arm.

Spondylosis

• A general term used to describe degenerative joint disease in the spine.

Sprain

• An injury to the soft tissue ligaments of a joint.

• Caused by overstretching or tearing.

Strain

• An injury to the tissue (tendon) which connects a muscle to a bone.

Stress Fracture

• A small crack in the bone.

• From overuse and repetitive stress.

Whiplash

• Also known as "neck strain/sprain".

• A collection of symptoms including pain, numbness, and lack of range of motion following a neck injury (i.e., a car accident).

Trigger Finger

• Can occur when a tendon in the hand becomes inflamed.

• Causes contracture, pain, and a popping sensation when trying to extend the affected finger(s).

Necrosis

• Tissue death.

• Due to disease, injury, or lack of blood flow (ischemia).

Compartment Syndrome

• A condition resulting in increased pressure within a space in the body.

• Commonly occurs in the lower leg and forearm.

Plantar Fasciitis

• An inflammation of the plantar fascia.

• Causes sharp, stabbing pain in the plantar surface of the foot.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• An autoimmune condition.

• Causes chronic inflammation in the joints which leads to pain, redness, swelling, and in some cases, loss of range of motion.

Muscular Dystrophy

• A group of diseases.

• Cause muscle degeneration and subsequent loss of muscle mass and strength.

Multiple Sclerosis

• An autoimmune disease.

• The protective coverings of nerves in the central nervous system are damaged.

• Causes pain, numbness, and lack of function.

Subluxation

• An incomplete dislocation of a joint or organ.

Gout

• A type of arthritis in a joint which can come and go.

• Causes sharp, severe pain, redness, and swelling.

• Caused by the development of uric acid crystals in the joint.

Migraine Headache

• Is caused by specific changes in the brain, and the exact cause is unknown.

• Symptoms can include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, visual and auditory disturbances.

Impetigo

• A highly contagious skin condition.

• Forms around the mouth.

• Develops from staph or strep bacterial infections.

Hematoma (Repeated Definition)

• An abnormal pooling of blood in the body outside of the blood vessel.

• Occurs when a blood vessel has weakened or is damaged to cause a leakage of blood into a cavity or tissues.

Tinea Corporis

• Also known as "Ringworm of the skin".

• A superficial fungal infection appearing on the body.

Lymphedema

• A collection of lymphatic fluid causing swelling.

• Due to a blockage or damage to the structures of the lymphatic system.

Congestive Heart Failure

• Also known as "heart failure".

• Condition in which the heart does not pump blood as efficiently and effectively as it should.

• Can cause symptoms of shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, and swelling in the lower extremities.

Celiac Disease

• An autoimmune disorder.

• The ingestion of wheat gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine.

Adhesive Capsulitis

• Also known as "frozen shoulder".

• Characterized by painful, stiff shoulder with progressive increase in pain and decrease in range of motion.

Bell's Palsy

• Also called "idiopathic facial paralysis".

• A temporary unilateral condition which affects the facial muscles.

• Causes weakness and possible paralysis.

Bunion

• A joint disorder of the great toe.

• The toe moves laterally, pressing on the second toe.

• Causes the 1st MCP joint to become enlarged, deformed, inflamed, and potentially painful.

Crohn's Disease

• A chronic inflammatory condition of the lining of the digestive tract.

• Causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.

• This can become a life-threatening condition.

Shingles

• A highly contagious viral skin rash.

• Caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus as chicken pox).

• Appears unilaterally as a painful, blistering rash.

MRSA

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

• A bacterial infection which is resistant to many types of antibiotic treatment.

• Symptoms can vary depending upon where the infection presents in the body.