Disorders and Diseases

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.

Epilepsy : Types of Seizures
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
With epilepsy, people experience different types of seizures. Some people have just one type, while others have more than one. The kind of seizure a person has depends on which part and how much of the brain is affected by the electrical disturbance

Epilepsy and Seizures Can Occur at Any Age
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Few events compare to the drama of an epileptic seizure. Ancient people once thought that those with epilepsy were being attacked by evil spirits that had to be driven from the body with magic or prayer.

Urinary Incontinence : Prostate, Treatment
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
As a man ages, the prostate typically becomes enlarged. This enlarged gland may squeeze the urethra and irritate the bladder, causing urinary problems. 'Men with an enlarged prostate may have many of the same symptoms of an overactive bladder'

Urinary Incontinence : Implanted Devices, Surgical Treatments
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
When other treatments have failed, implanted devices or surgery may be effective. In a 30-minute outpatient procedure, a thick substance - made of collagen, carbon-coated beads, or other particles suspended in a solution - can be injected into the area

Urinary Incontinence : Diagnosis and Treatment
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Successful treatment starts with a doctor's evaluation to determine the type of incontinence and the cause. The patient may be referred to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in treating problems of the urinary tract and bladder in both women and men

Urinary Incontinence
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Certain organs, muscles, nerves, and the brain all work together to control the process of urination. The kidneys filter the blood to remove waste and water, producing urine. From the kidneys, urine travels down tubes called ureters to the bladder.

Lupus : Treatment - Part 2, New Therapies
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Some people who experience severe flares also may need immunosuppressive or chemotherapy drugs, which are given by mouth or infusion. Examples are Imuran (azathioprine), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), and Sandimmune and Neoral (both cyclosporines).

Lupus : Multiple Factors, Typical Treatment
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
How and why lupus develops is not understood. Experts say the illness probably results from a complex mix of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors. The hormone estrogen likely plays some role, which may explain why more women than men have

Lupus : Symptoms and Diagnosis
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The most common symptoms of lupus are skin rashes, extreme fatigue, arthritis, unexplained fevers, and kidney problems. According to the LFA, about 40 percent of people with lupus have a rash that spreads across the nose and over the cheeks in the shape

Lupus
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Lupus experts recommend that people with lupus have regular medical appointments and take their medication as prescribed. Other recommendations include sunscreen use and limiting sun exposure to prevent flares, regular exercise to improve joint

Pertussis : Cough Prevention
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Different age groups - not just children - need to be protected against this highly infectious disease. Commonly thought of as a childhood illness, pertussis actually affects people of all ages.

Psoriasis Treatment Risks, Emotional Impact, Sea, Salt, and Sun
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Biologics, other systemic drugs, and phototherapy are powerful treatments with increased risks, says Lindstrom. Biologics may raise the risk for developing cancer and serious bacterial or fungal infections that spread throughout the body (sepsis).

Psoriasis Systemic Treatments
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Systemic drugs that may be prescribed for psoriasis include acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics, which are drugs made from proteins of living cells. Methotrexate, cyclosporine, and the biologic drugs are immunosuppressants

Psoriasis Diagnosis,Topical Treatments, Light Therapy
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
No single test exists to diagnose psoriasis, but a dermatologist can usually determine it by the appearance of the skin and by looking at an individual's personal and family medical history. In some cases, a specialist will confirm the diagnosis