and muscle wasting over time. These conditions occur due to abnormalities in genes responsible for maintaining healthy muscle structure and function. As muscles weaken, everyday activities such as walking, lifting objects, or breathing may become increasingly difficult. There are several types of muscular dystrophy, each varying in age of onset, muscles affected, and severity. While there is no cure, early …

MCAD deficiency, also known as medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down medium-chain fats into energy. This condition is present from birth and is caused by a genetic mutation passed down from both parents. People with MCAD deficiency usually appear healthy at birth but can develop serious symptoms during …

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. It is one of the most common liver disorders worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ranges from simple fat accumulation in the liver to more severe …

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue, which provides strength and support to organs, blood vessels, bones and other structures. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome can affect multiple systems, including the heart, blood vessels, eyes, bones and joints. The condition is present from birth, though symptoms may not become noticeable …

Mammary duct ectasia is a benign breast condition in which one or more milk ducts beneath the nipple become widened, thickened and filled with fluid. This change can lead to irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Mammary duct ectasia most commonly affects women who are approaching menopause or who have already gone through menopause, but it can occur at …

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare and aggressive soft tissue cancers that develop from the protective lining of the nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord into the rest of the body. These tumors most often arise in the arms, legs or trunk and can grow rapidly, invading nearby tissues. They may occur on their own or …

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain medicines used during general anesthesia or, less commonly, intense physical activity or heat exposure. The condition causes a rapid rise in body temperature and severe muscle contractions due to an abnormal reaction in skeletal muscle. Malignant hyperthermia is usually inherited and occurs in people who carry specific genetic changes affecting …

Malaria is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium group. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Once the parasite enters the body, it travels to the liver and then infects …

Typhoid fever is an illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi). It infects your small intestines (gut) and causes high fever, stomach pain and other symptoms. Typhoid fever is also called enteric fever. You’ll commonly hear paratyphoid fever mentioned along with typhoid. Paratyphoid fever is similar to typhoid with more mild symptoms. It’s caused by Salmonella Paratyphi (S. Paratyphi). S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi are different than …

Turner syndrome (TS) is a congenital condition (present from birth) that only affects people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It happens when one of two of the X chromosomes is missing, either partially or completely. Turner syndrome leads to a variety of features and symptoms and affects each person differently. But short stature and reduced ovary functioning (primary ovarian insufficiency) are the two most common features. How …