Dural arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that occur within the dura mater, the outer protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. These abnormal connections disrupt normal blood flow, causing high-pressure arterial blood to flow directly into veins. The condition can range from mild and asymptomatic to severe and life-threatening, depending on the location and blood …

Dupuytren contracture is a hand condition in which the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm gradually thickens and tightens. Over time, this can cause one or more fingers, most commonly the ring and little fingers, to bend toward the palm and become difficult to straighten. The condition progresses slowly and is usually painless but can affect hand function. …

Dumping syndrome is a digestive condition that occurs when food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. It is most commonly seen in individuals who have undergone stomach or esophageal surgery. Symptoms can appear shortly after eating or several hours later and may significantly affect quality of life. Symptoms Symptoms of dumping syndrome vary depending …

Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva to keep tissues moist and healthy. Saliva plays an important role in digestion, speech, and oral health. Reduced saliva production can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of dental and oral problems. Dry mouth may be temporary or chronic, depending on …

Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a chronic and complex condition characterized by the compulsive use of drugs despite harmful consequences. It affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and self-control systems, leading to physical and psychological dependence. Substance use disorder can involve legal or illegal drugs, including prescription medications, and often requires long-term management and support. Symptoms Symptoms …

Foot drop is a condition characterized by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, leading to dragging of the toes while walking. It is not a disease itself but a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. People with foot drop often adopt a high-stepping gait to prevent the toes from catching on the ground. The condition …

Dressler syndrome is an inflammatory condition that affects the sac surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. It typically develops weeks to months after injury to the heart muscle, most commonly following a heart attack, heart surgery, or chest trauma. The condition is believed to result from an autoimmune response in which the body’s immune system reacts to damaged heart …

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, a situation known as trisomy 21. This additional genetic material affects physical growth, facial features, and cognitive development. Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal conditions and varies widely in its effects, with individuals showing different abilities, health challenges, and levels …

Double-outlet right ventricle is a rare congenital heart defect in which both major arteries of the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary artery, arise mainly or entirely from the right ventricle instead of one from each ventricle. This condition is present at birth and affects how oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood circulate through the body. The severity and clinical presentation vary …

Double uterus, also known as uterus didelphys, is a rare congenital condition in which a female is born with two separate uterine cavities instead of one. This occurs due to incomplete fusion of the Müllerian ducts during fetal development. In some cases, a person may also have two cervices and, less commonly, a divided or double vagina. Many individuals with …