Disorders and Diseases
234 Articles & Excerpts
Tourette Syndrome (TS)
by CDC
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by multiple involuntary movements, called motor tics, and uncontrollable vocalizations called vocal or phonic tics.
SARS Facts and FAQ
by CDC
What is SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness that was recognized as a global threat in March 2003, after first appearing in Southern China in November 2002.
West Nile Virus Symptoms and Health Effects
by Health Canada
Canada had its first confirmed cases of West Nile (WN) virus in 2002. For most Canadians, the risk of illness from West Nile virus is low, and the risk of serious health effects is even lower.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
by Health Canada
For most Canadians, the risk of getting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is extremely low. However, it is important to know the symptoms and risk factors of SARS, so you can take steps to minimize your risk.
Salmonella Health Effects and Prevention
by Health Canada
Salmonella are bacteria that cause intestinal illness (salmonellosis) in humans, usually because they have eaten contaminated food. Salmonella are a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tracts of animals and birds.
Reye's Syndrome: Symptoms and Risk
by Health Canada
Reye's Syndrome (RS) is a rare disease that affects mainly children or teenagers during a viral illness, such as chicken pox or influenza. It can be fatal. The use of ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) has been strongly linked with the development of RS.
Meningococcal Vaccine
by Health Canada
A new meningococcal vaccine has been licensed for use in Canada. It is recommended for children under five years of age, adolescents, and young adults. If you or your family members fall into these categories, you may want to talk to your doctor or health
Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever
by Health Canada
A bacterial infection called legionellosis is responsible for two distinct illnesses: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia, which can occur in outbreaks. It varies in severity, and is sometimes fatal.
Infant Botulism: The Cause, Symptoms and Treatment
by Health Canada
Infant botulism is caused by a food poisoning bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. When an infant swallows spores of this bacterium, the spores grow and produce a poison in the baby's intestine.
Hamburger Disease Prevention
by Health Canada
If you eat undercooked ground beef, it may result in a type of food poisoning that is commonly called hamburger disease. You can minimize your risks by handling and cooking raw ground beef properly.
Flesh-Eating Disease
by Health Canada
Flesh-eating disease is rare. When it does occur, it is very serious and can lead to death. It is important to know the symptoms, and how to minimize your risks. Flesh-eating disease is the common name for necrotizing fasciitis
C. difficile (Clostridium difficile)
by Health Canada
Clostridium difficile, commonly called C. difficile, is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and other serious intestinal conditions. It is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitalized patients in the industrialized world.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
by National Institute on Aging
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a lung disease in which the lung is damaged, making it hard to breathe. In COPD, the airways that carry air in and out of your lungs become partially blocked, making it difficult to get air in and out
Understanding Constipation
by National Institute on Aging
Nearly everyone becomes constipated at one time or another. Older people are more likely than younger people to become constipated, but most of the time it is not serious. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) FAQ
by Women's Health Information Center
What is myasthenia gravis (MG)? Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles. The name myasthenia gravis comes from Greek and Latin words meaning 'grave muscle weakness.'
Lupus : FAQ
by Women's Health Information Center
Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus (sis-teh-mik lew-pus er-eh-thee-muh-toh-sis) or SLE, is a disease that affects your immune system. Normally, your immune system fights infections caused by germs.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis : FAQ
by Women's Health Information Center
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy.
Graves' Disease : FAQ
by Women's Health Information Center
Graves' Disease is a type of autoimmune disease that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism. This over-activity is also sometimes called 'toxic diffuse goiter.'
Medical Tips That Can Save Your Life
 Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals
by Neil Shulman, M.D.
Most people do not know when to see a doctor. Aches and pains, lumps and bumps - when are these potentially life-threatening? When is it crucial that you get to a doctor within the next few days, hours, or even minutes?
Epilepsy : Controlling Seizures
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Diagnosing and characterizing epilepsy in people is a multi-step process. A person first must be confirmed to have had at least two or more epileptic seizures. Once the diagnosis of epilepsy is made, the patient's seizure type is characterized.
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