Pinworms, also called threadworms, are parasitic worms that live in the intestines and rectums of infected people — most commonly children. Pinworms are small and thin (about ¼ inch to ½ inch long), and white or light gray. Pinworms are called Enterobius vermicularis. A pinworm infection is called enterobiasis. Your child will need treatment if they have a pinworm infection. Luckily, pinworms don’t usually cause …
Pineoblastoma is a cancerous (malignant) brain tumor in your pineal gland. This type of cancer grows quickly and can spread to tissue and fluid around your brain. What is the pineal gland? The pineal gland is a tiny, pinecone-shaped gland in the middle of your brain. This gland secrets the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are changes that your …
A pinched nerve is a broad term for a compressed peripheral nerve (the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord). Tissues that surround your nerves — like bones, ligaments and muscles — can put pressure on them and “squeeze” them. This typically causes symptoms like numbness, tingling and pain. “Pinched nerve” isn’t a technical medical diagnosis. Healthcare providers diagnose more specific causes and consequences of pinched nerves, like spinal stenosis and radiculopathy, for example. …
A sacral dimple is a small bump in your newborn’s lower back near the crease of their buttocks. Sacral refers to the sacrum, which is the bone at the bottom of your baby’s spine. A sacral dimple is a congenital condition, which means your baby was born with it. A sacral dimple won’t go away. But as your child grows, it …
A pheochromocytoma (pronounced FEE-oh-KROH-moh-sy-TOH-muh) is a rare tumor that forms in the center of one or both of your adrenal glands (adrenal medulla). The tumor is made of a certain type of cell called a chromaffin cell, which produce and release the hormones that cause the “fight or flight” response. Usually, pheochromocytoma affects only one adrenal gland, but it can affect both …
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that causes elevated levels of a substance called phenylalanine to build up in your body. Phenylalanine is found in the body as part of normal biochemical pathways, but problems arise when levels are persistently higher than normal. Phenylalanine is an amino acid. Amino acids are molecules that form proteins. Many of the foods you eat …
A sore throat, or “pharyngitis,” is a scratchy, painful feeling in the back of your throat (pharynx). It happens when the tissue lining your throat (mucosa) becomes inflamed. If you have a sore throat, it may hurt to swallow or talk. Many things cause pharyngitis, from viral and bacterial infections to allergies and sleeping with your mouth open. Most sore throat symptoms go away …
A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-lasting, all-encompassing, disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood and relating to others. These patterns cause a person significant distress and/or impair their ability to function. There are 10 types of personality disorders, each with different characteristics and symptoms. Personality is vital to defining who we are as individuals. It involves …
Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental health condition marked by a consistent pattern of intense discomfort with close relationships and social interactions. If you have STPD, you may have distorted views of reality, superstitions and unusual behaviors. Your relationships are likely hindered by these symptoms. Schizotypal personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster A” personality disorders, …
Schizoid personality disorder (ScPD) is a mental health condition marked by a consistent pattern of detachment from and general disinterest in social relationships. People with schizoid personality disorder also have a limited range of emotions when interacting with other people. Schizoid personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster A” personality disorders, which involve unusual and eccentric thinking …