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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 119 entries starting with "M" of type "Conditions"
Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella are viral diseases that can have serious consequences. Before vaccines, these diseases were very common in the United States, especially among children. They are still common in many parts of the world. MeaslesMeasles virus causes symptoms that can include fever, cough, runny nose…
Magnesium is an important mineral for building bones, protein, and teeth. It also helps in muscle contraction and nerve function and in fighting infection. Sources of magnesium include nuts, whole grains, dark green vegetables, seafood, and cocoa. Magnesium is also available in supplements.
A magnesium test checks the level of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is an important electrolyte needed for proper muscle, nerve, and enzyme function. It also helps the body use energy and is needed to move other electrolytes (potassium and sodium) into and out of cells. Most of the magnesium in the body is found...
What is magnetic field therapy? Magnetic field therapy uses magnets to maintain health and treat illness. The human body and the earth naturally produce electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields also can be technologically produced, such as radio and television waves. Practitioners of magnetic field therapy...
A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of blood vessels inside the body. It is a type of magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan. In many cases MRA can give information that cannot be seen from an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRA...
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI...
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the knee. Covers why it is used, including to find problems like arthritis, meniscus injury, or damaged cartilage, ligaments, or tendons.
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the shoulder. Covers why it is done such as checking for unexplained shoulder pain or torn tendons. Discusses results.
The major nutrients—protein, carbohydrate, and fat—provide the body with energy. This energy keeps your heart beating, your brain active, and your muscles working. The energy is measured in calories. Nutrients in foods Nutrient Function Some sources Protein has 4 calories per gram Provides energy; builds and repairs...
Learn how to make meals that are low in salt.
Throughout your life you will have to make health decisions for yourself and your family. The decisions you make will influence your overall well-being as well as the quality and cost of your care. People who learn as much as they can about their choices often are more confident about the decisions they make. And...
Use this list to help you plan how to help someone you care about get treatment for an alcohol use disorder. A health professional who has special training in conducting interventions (intervention specialist) with people who have alcohol use disorder can help you set up your plan. The plan should include: When you will...
Many people are more satisfied with their health care if they share the responsibility with their doctors. Your doctor is an expert on medical care, but you are the expert on yourself. Often there is more than one option for diagnosing or treating a condition. By being a partner with your doctor, you can help...
What is a male condom? Condoms can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and they can be used to prevent pregnancy. A male condom is placed over a man's erect penis before sex. Condoms are also called "rubbers," "sheaths," or "skins." Condoms are made of latex (rubber), polyurethane, or sheep...
The kidneys and bladder work together to make urine and remove it from your body. The kidneys filter waste products and water from the blood to form urine. The urine moves from the kidneys through tubes called ureters to the bladder, which stores the urine until it is full. From the bladder, urine leaves the...
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males. Klinefelter syndrome occurs when a boy is born with one or more extra X chromosomes. Most males have one Y and one X chromosome. Having extra X chromosomes can cause a male to have some physical traits that are unusual for males. Many men with Klinefelter...
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of...
Describes causes and symptoms of crooked teeth (called malocclusion). Covers treatment with orthodontics (braces) or surgery.
Discusses mammogram, an X-ray test of the breasts used to screen for breast problems. Covers at what ages women should have a mammogram. Discusses how it is done and how to prepare for it. Covers possible results.
Why is it important to manage stress? Stress is the way we all react to change. It includes our mental, emotional, and physical responses to the pressures of everyday life. Because change is a natural and normal part of life, everyone has some stress. But stress can be bad for your heart. If you have...
Covers major sources of job stress that can lead to burnout. Includes stressors such as lack of control or job insecurity. Looks at reducing stress by talking with your supervisor, managing time, unplugging from the office, and knowing when to quit.
Toddlers may throw fits, act selfishly, and rarely mind. This behavior often develops out of frustration from not being able to communicate, master skills, and be as independent as they want to be. Assertiveness and irritability are normal behaviors for toddlers. Toddlers are actively absorbing and exploring the world...
A mandibular repositioning device (MRD) is sometimes used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. The device pushes the tongue and jaw forward. This makes the airway larger and improves airflow. The MRD also reduces the chance that tissue will collapse and narrow the airway when you breathe in. You wear the...
Mania is a persistently elevated, irritable, or elated mood. Mania occurs in some mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. It also can result from diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, or develop as a side effect of some medicines, such as steroids or antidepressants. Other characteristics of mania include: Inflated...
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). http://www.cdc.gov During a Mantoux (PPD) tuberculin skin test, TB antigens are injected under the top layer of skin. A positive reaction, usually a firm red bump where the needle went into your skin, means you were exposed to TB bacteria. This test does not...
Manual therapy includes: Massage, which applies pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Mobilization, which uses slow, measured movements to twist, pull, or push bones and joints. Manipulation, which uses pressure on a joint. It can be done with the hands or a special device. The careful...
Put marbles on the floor next to a cup. Using your toes, try to lift the marbles up from the floor and put them in the cup.
Dr. Marco Mannarino reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Mannarino practices family medicine at the Northeast Community Health Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.
Marfan's syndrome is an inherited disorder that causes problems in the connective tissues of the blood vessels, heart, and eyes, and affects the muscles, ligaments, bones, and tendons. People with Marfan's syndrome tend to be tall and thin with long arms, legs, fingers, and toes. Because of problems with their...
What are marine toxins? Marine toxins are chemicals and bacteria that can contaminate certain types of seafood. Eating the seafood may result in food poisoning. The seafood may look, smell, and taste normal. There are five common types of marine toxins, and they all cause different symptoms. Food poisoning through...
Dr. Martin Gabica reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. In 1980 he was one of the founders of the Idaho Wellness Center, an innovative family practice in Boise, Idaho, based on prevention, self-care, and self-responsibility. Dr...
Dr. Mary F. McNaughton-Collins reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. McNaughton-Collins is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
Massage is rubbing the soft tissues of the body, including the skin and muscles. Massage therapists usually apply pressure with their hands, but they can also use their forearms, elbows, or feet. Some people believe that massage works because the touch is healing. Touch also communicates a sense of caring. When you are...
List each medicine that you take. Be sure to include over-the-counter medicines, herbs, vitamins, and other natural health products. Use this as a guide when you fill out the chart. Medicine names. Include both the brand name and the generic name for all prescription medicines, even those prescribed by another doctor...
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that occurs most commonly in breastfeeding women; it can be related to tissue injury, infection, or both. Breastfeeding mastitis is typically caused by bacteria that enter the breast through a cracked or sore nipple. Signs of infection may include: Increased pain, swelling...
What is measles? Measles is a very contagious (easily spread) infection that causes a rash all over your body. It is also called rubeola or red measles. The measles vaccine protects against the illness. This vaccine is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella...
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All rights reserved. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov Measles is an infectious disease that causes a red, non-itchy rash over most of the body and severe flu-like symptoms with a high fever. Measles is rare in the United States and Canada because of...
Two to three days after getting a tuberculin skin test, the size of any bump at the site is measured. Your risk of having TB is used along with the size of the bump to determine whether the test is: Positive, meaning you have been infected with TB bacteria. Negative, meaning you have not been...
Many families enjoy using TV, computers, game systems, smartphones, and tablets. They help us to be informed and entertained, do our work and schoolwork, and stay in touch with friends, family, and the wider world. But it's important to manage your family's use of digital media. Too much screen time can increase the...
The medial collateral ligament (MCL), one of four knee ligaments, connects the thighbone (femur) to the lower leg bone (tibia) along the inside of the knee joint. It stabilizes the knee joint and stops the knee from bending sideways. MCL injuries often occur during twisting, bending, or quick changes of direction, such...
What is an MCL injury? An MCL injury is a sprain or tear to the medial collateral ligament. The MCL is a band of tissue on the inside of your knee. It connects your thighbone to the bone of your lower leg. The MCL keeps the knee from bending inward. You can hurt your MCL...
Medical geneticists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and hemophilia. They treat patients with a family history of a disease that may be genetic and provide genetic counseling to people before they have children. Medical...
Info on healthcare professionals with training in specific areas. Links to info on physicians and other specialty doctors. Also includes links to info on other health professionals like physician assistants. Offers tips on preparing for appointments.
Aprenda cómo los antidepresivos pueden ayudar y por qué encontrar el medicamento adecuado para usted puede tomar tiempo.
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 years of age and older, for some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and for people with long-term (chronic) kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant. Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the United...
A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you are taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring. This information is about medicines that are not used to control seizures. To learn about testing...
Many medicines and drugs can affect the rate and rhythm of the heart. A few examples are: Asthma medicines. Decongestants and cold medicines. Illegal drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines. Some heart and blood pressure medicines. Some medicines for depression and anxiety. Thyroid medicine. Illegal drugs, such as cocaine...
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause vaginal symptoms. A few examples are: Antibiotics. Birth control pills. Hormone therapy. Chemotherapy for cancer. Vaginal sprays, douches, and spermicides. Vaginal symptoms may clear up on their own once you stop taking a medicine. A yeast infection can be...
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause urinary symptoms. A few examples include: Antihistamines. Decongestants. Opioid pain medicines. Tricyclic antidepressants. If you develop a urinary problem after taking a medicine: Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop...
Many nonprescription and prescription medicines and supplements can cause gas and bloating. A few examples are: Aspirin. Antacids. Diarrhea medicines, such as Imodium, Kaopectate, and Lomotil. Opioid pain medicines. Fiber supplements and bulking agents, such as Citrucel, Fiberall, and Metamucil. Multivitamins and iron...
Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in melanocytes (cells that color the skin). The skin is the body's largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. Skin also helps control body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin has several layers, but...
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The most important warning sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark. Color variation is one thing to watch for. Call your doctor if you notice that: The color of a...
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The most important warning sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark. A change in diameter (width) is one thing to watch for. Call your doctor if: The width of a...
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It helps regulate the natural sleep-wake cycle. Light affects how much melatonin your body produces. During the shorter days of winter, your body may make melatonin either earlier or later in the day than usual. This can lead to symptoms of seasonal affective disorder...
Wandering can pose a major problem for the caregiver and can be dangerous for a person who has Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. Get a medical ID bracelet for the person so that you can be contacted if he or she wanders away. Try to figure out why the person wanders. He or she may...
Learn how surgery for a meniscus tear is done and what to expect after surgery.
Surgery to repair a torn meniscus involves rehabilitation, although it varies depending on the injury, the type of surgery, and your orthopedist's preference. In general, meniscus surgery is followed by a period of rest, walking, and selected exercises. Every recovery is different and depends on many things. But here...
Menopause is the point in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing enough hormones to keep the menstrual cycle going. It's sometimes called "the change of life." It usually happens around age 50, but every woman's body has its own timeline. Some women go through menopause early because of cancer treatment or...
Menopause is the point in a woman's life when she has not had her period for 1 year. It marks the end of the childbearing years. Menopause is a natural part of growing older. You don't need treatment for it unless your symptoms bother you. But it's a good idea to learn all you can...
Discusses options for managing perimenopause- and menopause-related hot flashes. Explains what hot flashes are. Discusses lifestyle changes that may help hot flashes. Looks at hormone therapy (HT) and treatment with medicines and herbs.
The menstrual cycle is the series of changes a woman's body goes through to prepare for a pregnancy. About once a month, the uterus grows a new lining (endometrium) to get ready for a fertilized egg. When there is no fertilized egg to start a pregnancy, the uterus sheds its lining. This is the monthly...
Looks at assessments done to discover problems like depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, learning disabilities, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Covers what is done, including an interview, physical exam, lab tests, and written or verbal tests.
Discusses metabolic syndrome, a group of health problems that increase risk for diabetes and heart disease (coronary artery disease). Covers risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Covers diet and exercise to improve health.
Metastatic colorectal cancer occurs when cancer cells travel from the large intestine, through either the bloodstream or the lymph system, to other parts of the body and continue to grow in their new location. Recurrent colorectal cancer is cancer that has come back after treatment. Metastatic colorectal cancer can be...
What are the most important things you need to know about your medicines? Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So...
Discusses methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria. Covers how it is spread. Discusses antibiotic resistance of MRSA. Covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Courtesy of Chris Reimann. http://www.gilaranch.com. All rights reserved. The Mexican beaded lizard and the Gila monster are two types of poisonous (venomous) lizards found in North America. These large lizards have thick, fleshy tails and short, powerful limbs. The Mexican beaded lizard lives in desert regions in...
Dr. Michael F. Bierer reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Bierer practices internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and is an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. He is trained in...
Dr. Michael Mallea reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Mallea is a nephrologist in private practice in Boise, Idaho.
Dr. Michael P. Pignone reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Pignone is the Department Chair of Medicine at the University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas.
Some medical tests report results in micrograms per liter (mcg/L). A microgram is one-millionth of a gram. A gram is about 1/30 of an ounce. A liter measures fluid volume. It is a little bigger than a quart.
Most ear infections form in the middle ear. The eustachian tube carries fluid from the middle ear to the throat. Sometimes during a cold, the eustachian tube becomes swollen and fluid is trapped in the middle ear. Bacteria or viruses can grow in this fluid and form an ear infection.
Some people have memory loss but do not have dementia. They have what is known as mild cognitive impairment, a middle ground between normal aging and dementia. People with this condition are at risk for developing dementia. But not all people with mild cognitive impairment will progress to dementia. People with mild...
Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. The motion commonly is described as a feeling of spinning or whirling, but it also can include sensations of falling or tilting. Vertigo can cause nausea and vomiting. It may be hard to walk or stand, and you...
Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Milestones usually are...
Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Milestones usually are...
Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Milestones usually are...
Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Milestones usually are...
Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Milestones usually are...
Ages 15 to 18 are an exciting time of life. But these years can be challenging for teens and their parents. Emotions can change quickly as teens learn to deal with school, their friends, and adult expectations. Teen self-esteem is affected by success in school, sports, and friendships. Teens tend to compare themselves...
Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Milestones usually are...
Some medical tests report results in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). An equivalent is the amount of a substance that will react with a certain number of hydrogen ions. A milliequivalent is one-thousandth of an equivalent. A liter measures fluid volume. It is a little bigger than a quart.
Some medical tests report results in milliliters (mL). A milliliter measures fluid volume. It is equal to one-thousandth of a liter. A liter is a little bigger than a quart. A milliliter is also called a cubic centimeter (cc).
A millimeter measures length that is equal to 1/10 of a centimeter. It also equals 0.04 inch. There are 25.4 millimeters in one inch.
Some medical tests report results in millimoles (mmol). A mole is an amount of a substance that contains a large number (6 followed by 23 zeros) of molecules or atoms. A millimole is one-thousandth of a mole.
Some medical tests give results in millimoles per kilogram of water (mmol/kg water). A mole is an amount of a substance that contains a large number (6 followed by 23 zeros) of molecules or atoms. A millimole is one-thousandth of a mole. A kilogram is about 2.2 pounds.
Some medical tests report results in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A mole is an amount of a substance that contains a large number (6 followed by 23 zeros) of molecules or atoms. A millimole is one-thousandth of a mole. A liter measures fluid volume. It is a little bigger than a quart.
Some medical tests report results in milliunits per liter (mU/L). A unit is a standard of measurement, and a milliunit is one-thousandth of a unit. A liter is a measure of volume that is a little bigger than a quart of fluid.
Covers how your thoughts can affect your mental and physical health. Offers tips on positive thinking, including having positive expectations.
The body needs many minerals; these are called essential minerals. Essential minerals are sometimes divided up into major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). These two groups of minerals are equally important, but trace minerals are needed in smaller amounts than major minerals. The amounts...
Dr. Mitchell Rosner reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Rosner is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Virginia. His research interests...
What are mitochondrial diseases? Mitochondria (say "my-tuh-KAWN-dree-uh") are tiny parts of the cells in your body. Mitochondria are often called the powerhouse of a cell, because one of their jobs is to make energy. Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare diseases that can be passed down from mothers to their...
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common condition in which the mitral valve between the left upper chamber (left atrium) and left lower chamber (left ventricle) of the heart does not function properly. In most people, mitral valve prolapse does not cause any symptoms, usually does not cause any health problems, and does...
Mitral valve stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve—which regulates blood flow on the left side of the heart—fails to open as wide as it should. Although it has no immediate effect on health, eventually mitral valve stenosis can cause the left atrium to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed...
If you have mitral valve stenosis and you need surgery to treat it, you have a choice of repairing the valve or replacing it. Many things play a role in this decision. These things include whether you have symptoms or other health problems (or both), the severity of your mitral valve stenosis, the shape of...
You don't have to abandon all your favorite recipes to eat healthier. Several small changes to your current recipes can often greatly lower the saturated fat and sodium in your diet. These small changes can make a big difference in the amount of fat and calories in your diet. But they won't make much difference...
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The bumps may be either clear or red and inflamed, and are often indented. The bumps are most often found on the trunk, face, eyelids, or genital area in temperate climates and on extremities in the tropics. In...
You may wonder, "Why would I need to have tests to check on medicine that's meant to help me?" Your doctor may want you to have tests to be sure that the medicine isn't harming you and that you're getting the right dose. Sometimes the amount of medicine that helps you is very close to...
Heart failure is most often a lifelong illness that will require frequent changes in your medicine schedule and regular follow-up with your doctor. Over the years, many things will affect the course of your disease, including other illnesses that you develop, your age, your diet, your ability to tolerate and comply with...
Monoclonal antibodies are substances produced in a lab that attach to certain proteins in the body (like a key in a lock). The antibodies can boost your body's natural defenses against disease or can be used to kill cancer cells or slow the progress of a disease. Monoclonal antibodies are given through an intravenous...
Discusses mononucleosis (also called mono or the kissing disease) caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Covers symptoms including high fever, severe sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands), tonsils, and spleen. Offers home treatment and prevention tips.
Morning sickness is nausea, sometimes with vomiting, caused by hormones released by a woman's body during pregnancy. Morning sickness occurs most often during the first three months of pregnancy. Some women find that nausea and vomiting are worst in the morning. But symptoms can occur at any time of the day or night...
A motor skill is the ability to move your body to carry out a task. Motor skills require the brain, nerves, skeleton, joints, and muscles to work together. There are two types of motor skills: Gross motor skills. Lifting your head, rolling over, sitting up, balancing, crawling, and walking are all examples of gross...
If emergency care is not needed, the following steps will protect the wound and protect you from exposure to another person's blood. Before you try to stop the bleeding : Wash your hands well with soap and water, if available. Put on medical gloves, if available, before applying pressure to the wound. If gloves are...
Multiple myeloma (plasma cell neoplasm) is a rare type of cancer that results in the uncontrolled production of one type of white blood cell (plasma cell) in the bone marrow. The cancer cells can crowd out normal blood cells, causing a reduction in red blood cells (anemia). The overproduction of plasma cells causes an...
A multiple pregnancy is the presence of two or more fetuses growing in the uterus. A pregnancy of twins or more is considered high-risk because complications and premature birth are more common than in pregnancies of one fetus.
Multiple sclerosis, often called MS, is a disease that gradually destroys the protective covering of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, feeling, and thinking. MS has no cure, but medicines may help lower the number of attacks and make them...
Most people who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) are women in their child-bearing years. Questions about whether MS affects getting pregnant or about labor and delivery are common. Here are some answers: Most couples in which one partner has MS are able to have children without MS affecting the pregnancy...
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). So far, the only treatments proved to affect the course of the disease are disease-modifying medicines, such as interferon beta. Other types of treatment should not replace these medicines if you are a candidate for treatment with them. Some people who have MS report that...
An MRI scan is the best way to locate multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions (also called plaques) in the brain or spinal cord. An MRI scan is abnormal in more than 95% of people recently diagnosed with MS. 1 But abnormal MRI results do not always mean that you have MS. Abnormalities show up on scans...
Cognitive impairment problems can be caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) and may include difficulty with: Memory, especially short-term memory. Problem solving. Keeping attention on a mental task, such as a math calculation. Finding the right words to express yourself. These problems are often quite mild early in the...
Muscular dystrophy is a rare inherited disease of the nerves and muscles that occurs mostly in males. The most common type of muscular dystrophy causes rapid muscle wasting and progressive weakness early in life, usually between the ages of 2 and 5. Muscle wasting begins in the shoulder and pelvic areas. Fat and...
What is myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)? Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (say "my-AL-jik en-seh-fuh-loh-my-uh-LY-tus") is a condition that makes you feel so tired that you can't do all of your normal, daily activities. There are other symptoms too, but being very...
Incidence and Mortality The MDS are a collection of myeloid malignancies characterized by one or more peripheral blood cytopenias. MDS are diagnosed in slightly more than 10,000 people in the United States yearly, for an annual age-adjusted incidence rate of approximately 4.4 to 4.6 cases per 100,000 people. They...
Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of diseases in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. Myelodysplastic /myeloproliferative neoplasms are diseases of the blood and bone marrow. Anatomy of the bone. The bone is made up of compact bone, spongy bone, and bone marrow. Compact bone...
A myelogram uses X-rays (fluoroscopy) and a special dye called contrast material to make pictures of bones and nerves of the spine (spinal canal). The spinal canal contains the spinal cord and nerve roots surrounded by a fluid-filled space called the subarachnoid space. For a myelogram, the dye (which contains iodine)...
Myelomeningocele is a rare and severe form of spina bifida in which part of the spinal nerves or spinal cord is exposed on the outside of the skin. This type of spina bifida can lead to health problems, physical disability, and learning problems. Treatment usually includes surgery, braces or other corrective devices...
Dr. Myron Weiner reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Weiner is a retired Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He specializes in geriatric psychiatry.
Ménière's (say "men-YEERS") disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance. It causes sudden attacks of vertigo (a spinning sensation), tinnitus (a loud ringing in the ears), and hearing loss that may be temporary or permanent. The cause of Ménière's disease is not known, but it may be related...