A Chiari malformation is a growth abnormality where brain tissue in the lower back of your skull extends into your spinal canal (the base of your skull). It happens because of a structural problem like a smaller-than-expected skull size. If you don’t have enough room in your skull, part of your brain, specifically your cerebellum, will grow downward where there’s extra space in …

Learn about , an irregular heartbeat that can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are sometimes used to mean the same thing. But there’s a difference between the two terms. Arteriosclerosis happens when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body become thick and stiff. These blood vessels are called arteries. Healthy arteries are flexible and elastic. But over time, the walls in …

An arteriovenous fistula is a medical condition where an artery and vein connect directly, causing blood to flow between them. It can happen at virtually any place in your body where an artery and vein are close together, especially inside of your organs and limbs (arms and legs). Depending on where fistulas are, why they happened and their size, they …

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that looks like a bird’s nest. The tangle is made of arteries that would normally provide blood to your brain and veins that would normally drain blood from brain tissue. Blood moves through your body within an organized closed circuit of blood vessels. Your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your brain and to the …

Temporal arteritis (TA), or giant cell arteritis (GCA), is a form of vasculitis (inflammation of your blood vessels) that affects the arteries of your scalp, neck and arms. With this condition, most commonly your temporal arteries (the blood vessels near your temples) become inflamed (swollen) and constricted (narrowed). Your temporal arteries supply blood from your heart to your scalp, jaw muscles and optic (eye) …

Takayasu’s arteritis (also called Takayasu disease, pulseless disease or TAK) is an uncommon form of vasculitis or inflammation in your blood vessels. It affects your biggest arteries, like your aorta (the main blood vessel that leaves your heart) and arteries that branch off of your aorta and bring oxygenated blood from your heart to your body tissues. Affected arteries include the ones that supply …

Arthritis is a disease that causes damage in your joints. Joints are places in your body where two bones meet. Some joints naturally wear down as you age. Lots of people develop arthritis after that normal, lifelong wear and tear. Some types of arthritis happen after injuries that damage a joint. Certain health conditions also cause arthritis. Arthritis can affect any joint, but is …

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (a condition that affects your joints). Healthcare providers sometimes refer to it as degenerative joint disease or OA. It happens when the cartilage that lines your joints is worn down over time and your bones rub against each other when you use your affected joints. Usually, the ends of bones in your joints are …

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in your joints. Gout happens when there’s a buildup of uric acid in your body. Gout most commonly affects your big toe joint. But it can affect other joints, including your: Knees. Ankles. Feet. Hands and wrists. Elbows. Gout symptoms come and go (recur) in episodes called flares or gout attacks. …