A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as movement, sensation, or both, below the level of the injury. It can be caused by trauma or non-traumatic conditions and may be partial or complete. Spinal cord injuries can lead to temporary or permanent disability, depending on the severity and location …

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can cause a range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional difficulties, often making it challenging to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Schizophrenia typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and requires long-term management. This condition is not …

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often causing disruptions in daily functioning, relationships, and work life. This disorder is characterized by episodes of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, along with periods of mood …

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that usually develops in people who have strep throat. It is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, the same bacteria responsible for strep throat. Scarlet fever is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, but it can affect people of any age. The condition is characterized by a distinctive red …

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare but serious heart condition in which a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery. This tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the artery wall, creating a blockage that reduces or stops blood flow to the heart muscle. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection can cause a heart attack and often …

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they live and lay eggs. This leads to intense itching and a characteristic skin rash. Scabies can affect people of all ages and backgrounds and spreads easily through close physical contact. Although scabies is …

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a digestive condition in which excessive amounts of bacteria grow in the small intestine. Normally, the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria compared to the large intestine. When bacterial balance is disrupted, digestion and nutrient absorption can be impaired. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can cause persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and may lead to nutritional deficiencies if …

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body’s connective tissues. These tissues include bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, cartilage, and tendons. Unlike more common cancers that start in organs such as the lungs or breast, sarcomas arise from supporting and structural tissues. There are two main types of sarcoma: soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma. …

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of small clusters of inflammatory cells called granulomas in various organs of the body. It most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes but can involve the skin, eyes, heart, liver, and other organs. The exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown, and its severity can range from mild to life-threatening. In …

Seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as SAD, is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often occurring during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It affects mood, energy levels, and daily functioning and typically improves during spring and summer. SAD is believed to be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight, which can disrupt …