A to Z

Articles In This Section

• A to Z: Zika Virus

  Learn about the Zika virus.

• A to Z: Myopia

  Myopia is nearsightedness, a common condition in which someone can see things that are close clearly, but things that are farther away appear blurry.

• A to Z: Hypoxemia

  Hypoxemia is a condition in which there is a lower than normal level of oxygen in the blood.

• A to Z: Hyperopia

  Hyperopia is farsightedness, a common condition in which someone can see things in the distance clearly, but things that are closer appear blurry.

• A to Z: Postoperative Pain

  Postoperative pain is pain or discomfort after surgery.

• A to Z: Optic Nerve Glioma

  An optic nerve glioma is a type of brain tumor that forms in or around the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.

• A to Z: Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET)

  Primitive neuroectodermal tumors, or PNETs, are tumors that can happen anywhere in the brain or spine.

• A to Z: Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

  Von Hippel-Lindau disease, or VHL, is a genetic disorder that causes blood vessels to grow abnormally.

• A to Z: Pneumonitis

  Pneumonitis is a general term for inflammation of the lungs.

• A to Z: Dislocation, Hip

  A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A hip dislocation is an injury that occurs when the ball of the thighbone moves out of the socket of the hipbone.

• A to Z: Dislocation, Elbow

  A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A dislocated elbow happesn when the upper and lower parts of the arm to slip out of position.

• A to Z: Resonance Disorder

  In this speech problem, problems in the structure, nerves, and muscles of the mouth and throat can change the quality of the voice. Read more.

• A to Z: Meningitis, Viral

  Sometimes viruses can spread to the meninges, the membrane around the brain and spinal cord, and cause more severe illness. Learn about it here.

• A to Z: Meningitis, Bacterial

  Learn about this rare but serious condition in which bacteria invade the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.

• A to Z: Migraine, Without Aura

  A migraine without aura is a migraine headache that happens without previous warning signs (auras).

• A to Z: Dysphagia

  Swallowing difficulties can affect many aspects of a child's health, including feeding, breathing, and overall growth.

• A to Z: Cardiomegaly

  Diseases can put added strain on the heart. As it enlarges to pump more blood to the body, the heart muscle weakens and does not work well in this condition. Read more here.

• A to Z: Compression of the Brain

  It is important to carefully monitor and treat this potential complication of head injuries and diseases affecting the brain. Read about it here.

• A to Z: Wound Dehiscence

  Wound dehiscence is a condition where a cut made during a surgical procedure separates or ruptures after it has been stitched back together.

• A to Z: Ureteropelvic (UP) Junction Obstruction

  Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a partial or total blockage of the flow of urine in the area where a ureter attaches to a kidney.

• A to Z: Complete Transposition of the Great Vessels

  In this condition that starts in the womb, reversed connections of the aorta and pulmonary artery prevent the blood from getting oxygen. Learn more here.

• A to Z: Slipped Disc

  Activities and sports that put stress on the back can lead to a slipped disc, which can cause pain in the back, arms, and legs.

• A to Z: Joint Effusion

  Learn more about this type of joint swelling that can caused by infections, injuries, and arthritis.

• A to Z: Drug Withdrawal, Newborn

  Newborn babies who were exposed to drugs or alcohol while in the womb can develop this syndrome after birth. Learn about it here.

• A to Z: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

  In this condition, dislocation of the hip joint around the time of birth can affect a child's growth, development, and movement.

• A to Z: Cardiac Arrest

  With this medical emergency, the heart suddenly stops beating and prevents oxygen from getting to the body. Read more about it here.

• A to Z: Blisters

  After a burn or excessive pressure to the skin, a fluid-filled pocket in the skin can form and cause pain and irritation. Learn more here.

• A to Z: Cyst, Cerebral

  A cerebral cyst is a sac filled with fluid, and sometimes other materials, that develops in or around the brain.

• A to Z: Fracture, Skull

  A skull fracture is a break or crack in one of the bones of the skull, also called the cranium.

• A to Z: Galactosemia

  Galactosemia is an inherited disorder in which the body can't break down a type of sugar called galactose.

• A to Z: Fracture, Nasal (Broken Nose)

  Sports injuries or blows to the face can often cause this common type of facial injury. Learn about it here.

• A to Z: Aortic Stenosis

  In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve is narrower than it's supposed to be and can't open all the way.

• A to Z: Interrupted Aortic Arch

  Read about this condition in which the aorta has developed in a way that divides it into two parts and interrupts the proper flow of blood.

• A to Z: Truncus Arteriosus

  In the womb, a child's heart may develop a single large artery rather than separate aortic and pulmonary arteries. Learn about the condition here.

• A to Z: Contracture of Tendon Sheath

  Contracture of tendon sheath is a rare condition where the protective sheath surrounding a tendon tightens and grows thicker, which can limit movement in an affected joint.

• A to Z: Mitochondrial Disorder

  Mitochondrial disorders affect the function of mitochondria, tiny structures within the body's cells that turn sugar and oxygen into the energy the cells need to do their jobs.

• A to Z: Enterovirus

  Enterovirus infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and respiratory and central nervous systems.

• A to Z: Annular Ligament Displacement

  Nursemaid's elbow is a partial dislocation of the elbow joint that happens when a ligament slips out of place near the elbow.

• A to Z: Graft Versus Host Disease

  When a person receives a stem cell transplant, this treatable complication can make it tougher for the immune system to heal.

• A to Z: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)

  Learn about this common disorder that lowers the amount of antibodies a person's body can make and limits the ability to fight infections.

• A to Z: Pulmonic Valvular Stenosis

  Learn about this congenital heart defect that alters blood flow through the heart and lungs and can affect a child's growth and circulation.

• A to Z: Respiratory Failure

  Learn what happens when the lungs cannot properly bring oxygen into or remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

• A to Z: Kidney Failure

  When the kidneys stop working, they can't help the body remove waste. Learn more about this condition and how doctors treat it.

• A to Z: Enteritis

  Learn more about this common complication of infections and conditions that can affect the small intestine and digestive system.

• A to Z: Alcohol Abuse

  Learn about alcohol abuse and consequences of excessive drinking.

• A to Z: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome

  Learn about Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a congenital heart condition that can cause an abnormally fast heart rhythm known as supraventricular tachycardia.

• A to Z: Craniopharyngioma

  Learn about craniopharyngioma, a treatable type of brain tumor that can affect a person's vision, growth, and development.

• A to Z: Pseudotumor Cerebri

  Learn about pseudotumor cerebri, a disorder in which the pressure is too high in the fluid that surrounds the brain.

• A to Z: Sanfilippo Syndrome

  Sanfilippo syndrome makes the body unable to break down certain carbohydrates (sugars) in the blood, leading to serious problems in the brain and nervous system.

• A to Z: Atrioventricular Septal Defect

  Learn about congenital heart defects and conditions that affect newborn babies.

• A to Z: Omphalitis

  Learn about bacterial infections and conditions that affect newborn babies.

• A to Z: Endometritis

  Learn about complications of infections and conditions that affect the female reproductive system.

• A to Z: MSSA

  Learn about causes and complications of skin infections.

• A to Z: MRSA

  Learn about causes and complications of skin infections.

• A to Z: Pericarditis

  Learn about complications of infections and conditions that affect the heart.

• A to Z: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

  Learn about neurological disorders and conditions that affect the arms and legs.

• A to Z: Beriberi

  Learn about complications of poor nutrition and conditions that can affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

• A to Z: Beta Thalassemia

  Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

• A to Z: Alpha Thalassemia

  Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

• A to Z: Myelomeningocele

  Learn about birth defects and conditions that affect the spinal cord and spinal column.

• A to Z: Ectopic Ureter

  The kidneys and urinary tract (which includes the ureters) filter and eliminate wastes from the blood. But sometimes a ureter doesn't connect to the bladder in the usual place, a condition known as an ectopic ureter.

• A to Z: Eating Disorder

  Eating disorders involve self-critical, negative thoughts and feelings about body weight and food, and eating habits that disrupt normal body function and daily activities.

• A to Z: Bulimia

  Learn about eating disorders and complications of negative thoughts about eating, food, and body image.

• A to Z: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

  Learn about mental health disorders and causes of low self-esteem and negative thoughts about body image.

• A to Z: Dislocation, Toe

  A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A dislocated toe may happen from a blow or jamming the toe, such as bumping the toe into furniture or during sports.

• A to Z: Dislocation, Thumb

  A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A dislocated thumb may happen from a fall, blow, or sports injury, especially if the thumb is bent back or jammed.

• A to Z: Dislocation, Shoulder

  A shoulder dislocation causes the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) to slip out of its normal position in the shoulder socket.

• A to Z: Dislocation, Finger

  A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A finger dislocation may happen from a fall, blow, or sports injury, especially if the finger is bent back or jammed.

• A to Z: Diabetes Insipidus, Nephrogenic

  In nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, the body loses too much water because of a problem with the kidneys.

• A to Z: Diabetes Insipidus, Central

  In central diabetes insipidus, the kidneys make large amounts of urine, causing the body to lose too much water.

• A to Z: Diabetes, Type 2

  Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose. In type 2 diabetes, the body can't respond normally to insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter the cells.

• A to Z: Diabetes, Type 1

  Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin, a chemical in the body that helps glucose enter the cells.

• A to Z: Depression

  Depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer.

• A to Z: Dental Cavities

  A dental cavity is a hole in the tooth that can grow bigger and deeper over time.

• A to Z: Abscess, Dental

  See: Abscess, Periapical.

• A to Z: Anaphylaxis

  Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening reaction that is usually caused by an allergy.

• A to Z: Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

  In slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), the very top of the thighbone (called the femoral head) slips out of line with the rest of the thighbone, causing a weakened hip joint.

• A to Z: Sprain, Knee

  A knee sprain happens when a ligament is stretched or torn because the knee gets twisted, bent, or hit.

• A to Z: Sprain, Wrist

  A sprain is the stretch or partial tear of ligaments (which connect two bones). A wrist sprain happens when the ligaments that support the wrist bend or twist too far.

• A to Z: Strabismus

  Strabismus is when the eyes are not lined up correctly.

• A to Z: Subconjuctival Hemorrhage

  A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a harmless red spot on the white of the eye.

• A to Z: Subungual Hematoma

  A subungual hematoma is blood trapped under a fingernail or toenail, often due to an injury such as a stubbed toe or a finger slammed in a door.

• A to Z: Hernia, Epigastric

  Learn about hernias and conditions that affect the abdomen and abdominal muscles.

• A to Z: Hernia, Inguinal

  Learn about hernias and conditions that affect the lower abdomen and reproductive organs.

• A to Z: Hernia, Incisional

  Learn about hernias and potential complications of abdominal surgery.

• A to Z: Pityriasis Rosea

  Learn about rashes and other conditions that affect the skin.

• A to Z: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

  Learn about personality disorders and complications of mental illness.

• A to Z: Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis

  See: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

• A to Z: Tethered Cord

  A tethered cord is when part of the spinal cord is attached inside the spinal canal, and the spinal cord is not able to move freely.

• A to Z: Thyroid Nodule

  A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid gland.

• A to Z: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

  Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic (ongoing) condition where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid, a gland in the neck that makes thyroid hormone.

• A to Z: Enlarged Tonsils

  See: Hypertrophy, Tonsillar.

• A to Z: Hypertrophy, Tonsillar (Enlarged Tonsils)

  Tonsillar hypertrophy, or enlarged tonsils, can happen due to an ongoing (chronic) condition or a temporary effect of an infection.

• A to Z: Vitamin D Deficiency

  Vitamin D deficiency is a condition that happens when a person isn't getting enough vitamin D, which is needed for strong bones and overall health.

• A to Z: Vitiligo

  Vitiligo is a loss of skin pigment that causes white spots or patches to appear on the skin.

• A to Z: Gallstones

  See: Cholelithiasis.

• A to Z: Fracture, Patella (Kneecap)

  A fractured patella is a broken kneecap (the flat, round bone that protects the knee joint).

• A to Z: Fracture, Scaphoid (Wrist)

  A fractured scaphoid is a broken small bone in the wrist.

• A to Z: Hernia, Umbilical

  Learn about hernias and conditions that affect the abdomen and bellybutton.

• A to Z: Arthrogryposis

  Learn about congenital conditions and conditions that affect the muscles and joints in newborn babies.

• A to Z: Sickle Cell Trait

  Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

• A to Z: Bronchiectasis, Acquired

  See: Bronchiectasis.

• A to Z: Bronchiectasis, Congenital

  See: Bronchiectasis.

• A to Z: Bronchiectasis

  Learn about causes of breathing difficulties and conditions that can affect the lungs and bronchi.

• A to Z: Kohler’s Disease

  Kohler's disease is a rare cause of foot pain that develops from temporary changes in bones in the feet as kids grow.

• A to Z: Cat Scratch Disease

  Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. It comes from a scratch or bite of an infected cat, usually a kitten.

• A to Z: Bruxism

  Bruxism is the medical term for grinding the teeth or clenching the jaws.

• A to Z: Anal Fissure

  An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the lining of the anus.

• A to Z: Arrhythmia

  An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart.

• A to Z: Acne, Infant

  Infant acne is common in babies, and usually goes away on its own without treatment or scarring.

• A to Z: Norovirus

  Learn about viral infections and conditions that affect the stomach and digestive system.

• A to Z: Colitis

  Learn about inflammatory disorders and conditions that affect the intestines and digestive system.

• A to Z: Hernia, Hiatal

  Learn about hernias and conditions that affect the stomach, esophagus, and upper gastrointestinal tract.

• A to Z: Hay Fever

  See: Rhinitis, Allergic.

• A to Z: Amenorrhea, Secondary

  Secondary amenorrhea is when a girl who had been getting her period stops menstruating for more than 6 months or for more than three of her usual cycles.

• A to Z: Amenorrhea, Primary

  Primary amenorrhea is when a girl does not start her period by age 15 or 3 years after she begins puberty.

• A to Z: Amenorrhea

  Amenorrhea is when a girl is not getting her period.

• A to Z: Sinus, Coccygeal or Pilonidal

  See: Pilonidal Cyst.

• A to Z: Fistula, Coccygeal or Pilonidal

  See: Pilonidal Cyst.

• A to Z: Calcaneal Apophysitis

  See: Sever Disease.

• A to Z: Sever Disease

  Sever disease is a painful bone disorder due to inflammation (swelling) of the growth plate in the heel.

• A to Z: Seizure, Absence

  See: Seizure, Petit Mal.

• A to Z: Seizure, Tonic-Clonic

  See: Seizure, Grand Mal.

• A to Z: Tetanus

  Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious but preventable disease that affects the body's muscles and nerves.

• A to Z: Asthma

  Asthma is a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing.

• A to Z: Concussion

  A concussion is a temporary loss of normal brain function, due to the brain shifting inside the skull from a blow to the head.

• A to Z: Coarctation of the Aorta (COA)

  Learn about coarctation of the aorta, a treatable congenital heart defect in which a person's aorta is narrowed at some point.

• A to Z: Enchondromatosis

  See: Chondrodystrophy.

• A to Z: Ollier Disease

  See: Chondrodystrophy.

• A to Z: Necrotizing Respiratory Granulomatosis

  See: Wegener's Granulomatosis.

• A to Z: Botulism, Wound

  Learn about bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, and conditions that affect the nervous system.

• A to Z: Botulism, Infant

  Learn about bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, and conditions that affect the nervous system.

• A to Z: Botulism, Foodborne

  Learn about bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, and conditions that affect the nervous system.

• A to Z: Pseudotumor Cerebri

  See: Hypertension, Intracranial.

• A to Z: Neurosis

  See: Mental Disorder, Non-psychotic.

• A to Z: Obesity, Severe

  See: Obesity, Morbid.

• A to Z: Hearing Loss, Perceptive

  See: Hearing Loss, Sensorineural.

• A to Z: Sickle Cell Anemia

  See: Sickle Cell Disease.

• A to Z: Sickle Cell Disease

  Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

• A to Z: Barrett’s Esophagus

  Learn about complications of acid reflux and conditions that affect the esophagus and upper gastrointestinal tract.

• A to Z: Esophagitis

  Learn about conditions that affect the esophagus and upper gastrointestinal tract.

• A to Z: Obesity, Morbid

  Learn about causes and complications of obesity and morbid obesity.

• A to Z: Precocious Puberty

  Learn about hormonal disorders and conditions that can affect childhood sexual development.

• A to Z: Hearing Loss, Sensorineural

  Learn about causes of hearing loss and conditions that can affect the inner ear and auditory nerve.

• A to Z: Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia (SED)

  Learn about genetic disorders and conditions that affect growth and development.

• A to Z: Chondrodystrophy

  Learn about genetic disorders and conditions that affect growth and development.

• A to Z: Diastrophic Dysplasia

  Learn about genetic disorders and conditions that affect growth and development.

• A to Z: Achondroplasia

  Learn about genetic disorders and conditions that affect growth and development.

• A to Z: Mononeuritis Multiplex

  Learn about complications of neurologic disorders and conditions that can affect the peripheral nerves.

• A to Z: Babesiosis

  Learn about parasitic infections, tickborne illnesses, and conditions that affect the bloodstream and red blood cells.