Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are permanent damage to the teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They occur when tooth enamel is eroded by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems and can affect people of all ages. If left untreated, cavities can progress to …

Cavernous malformations, also known as cavernous angiomas or cavernomas, are abnormal clusters of small blood vessels with thin walls that form in the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the body. These vessels are enlarged and irregular, creating blood-filled spaces that can leak or bleed slowly over time. Cavernous malformations may be present at birth or develop later in …

Cataracts are a common eye condition in which the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or reduced vision. They typically develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts are most often related to aging, but they can also occur due to injury, medical conditions, or certain medications. If left untreated, cataracts can significantly …

Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder in which a child has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. The brain knows what it wants to say, but the muscles of the lips, tongue, and jaw do not move correctly to produce clear sounds and words. This condition is not caused by muscle weakness but by …

Carotid artery disease is a condition in which the carotid arteries, the major blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain, become narrowed or blocked. This narrowing is usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits known as plaque, a process called atherosclerosis. Carotid artery disease is a major risk factor for stroke, as reduced or blocked blood flow …

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. The thickening most often affects the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively and may block blood flow out of the heart. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually inherited and can …

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disorder in which the heart’s main pumping chamber becomes enlarged and weakened. This reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body. The condition can develop at any age and may progress gradually or appear suddenly. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common cause of heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. …

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle in which the heart becomes enlarged, thickened, or rigid, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively. Over time, cardiomyopathy can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, or other serious complications. The condition may develop gradually or appear suddenly and can affect people of all ages. There are …

An enlarged heart, medically referred to as cardiomegaly, is a condition in which the heart becomes larger than normal. This enlargement usually occurs because the heart muscle has to work harder to pump blood effectively. An enlarged heart is not a disease itself but a sign of an underlying heart or systemic condition. Depending on the cause and severity, it …

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This leads to severe reduction in blood flow to vital organs, causing organ failure if not treated immediately. Cardiogenic shock most commonly occurs as a complication of a severe heart attack but can also result from other serious heart conditions. …