Labyrinthitis is an inflammation or swelling of the inner ear. The most common cause of Labyrinthitis is the viruses. However, it can also occurs as a complication from a bacteria infection such as Otitis Media, when the bacteria spreads from the middle ear to the inner ear.

 

Labyrinthitis Causes and Risk Facts

• Infection of the middle ear (Otitis Media).
• Mumps and rubella viral infections
• Upper respiratory tract viral infections 
• Herpes Varicella Zoster Virus infection (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome) - a disorder that is characterized by pain and paralysis of the facial nerves.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Allergies
• Stress and smoking
• Medications - Aspirin 

 

Other possible causes and risk factors of hypothyroidism are;

Hypothyroidism Symptoms 

Early signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may include; 

Late Symptoms of Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism Complications 

If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can led to very low thyroid hormones in the blood, a condition known as Myxedema Coma. Myxedema Coma may be precipitated by severe cold, opiods analgesics, sudden withdrawal of thyroid medications and an acute illness or an infection.  

 

Myxedema Coma Signs and Symptoms 

Other complications that can result from hypothyroidism include; 

Hypothyroidism Diagnostic Tests 

Physical Examination - The doctor palpitate the thyroid gland for size and other abnormalities. The thyroid gland may be normal, decreased or increased. Doctor also examine the nails, hair, skin and face for any abnormalities. 

 

Serum or Blood Tests -  to measure the blood levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormones), T3 and T4. 

 

Other tests that may be performed include; measurement of cholesterol levels, CBC (complete blood count), measurements of electrolytes like sodium and kidney function tests.

  

Hypothyroidism Treatment 

The major goal of hypothyroidism treatment is to replace the missing thyroid hormone in order to restore back a normal metabolism state. A synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is usually prescribed, based on the level of TSH hormone in the blood.

 

Your doctor will prescribe a specific dose and your TSH levels will be monitored, regularly until when the blood hormones levels will go back to normal. Once the hormone levels have stabilized, you will still continue taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor. However, your doctor will now schedule for a check up every six months or every after one year. Most patients suffering from hypothyroidism will require a lifetime treatment. 

 

Hypothyroidism Prevention 

There is no known ways to prevent hypothyroidism. However, there are several measures that you can take to protect your child and to avoid developing complications; 

 

Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder resulting from over secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Thyroid glands are the butterfly shaped glands that are located on the front lower neck. Their main function is to produce hormones that play an important role in maintaining the overall function of the body, such as energy level, body warmth, muscles and other important functions. 

 

Hyperthyroidism result from any condition that affects the thyroid gland, leading to over production of T4 hormones, such as a thyroid tumor, graves disease (an autoimmune disorder where the body keep on producing more thyroid hormones.

 

The level of thyroid hormone is usually regulated by another hormone known as TSH (thyroid stimulating hormones) that is produced by pituitary glands. When there is an increased amount of T4 hormones in the blood, the pituitary gland try to compensate by decreasing the amount of TSH it produces. 

 

Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms

If hyperthyroidism is not controlled, it can leads to a thyroid storm. A thyroid storm can be triggered by several factors such as, a surgical procedure, during intense period of stress, radioactive therapy, heart attack or overdose of thyroid synthetic hormones.

 

Thyroid Storm Signs and Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism Diagnostic Tests

The following are different tests that can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism:

 

TSH Serum Test

Serum measurement of TSH, T3 and T4 - expected findings - increased T3 and T4, decreased TSH. Individuals with milder cases of hyperthyroidism may have increased level of T3, normal T4 and decreased TSH. For subclinical cases of hyperthyroidism, they may have normal T3 and T4 but decreased TSH.

 

Antibody tests - Anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI).

 

Autoantibody Titers Tests

Graves disease - expected findings - significantly increased anti-TPO and TSI.  Toxic multi-nodular enlargement (goiter) and Toxic Adenoma (thyroid benign tumor) - Anti-TPO may be absent or low. Individuals with active hyperthyroidism may also have mild levels of anti-TPO.

 

Scintigraphy - a thyroid test that involves taking an oral solution to produces structural images of the thyroid gland in order to determine the size, function and other thyroid gland abnormalities.

 

Hyperthyroidism Treatment and Management

The management of hyperthyroidism is directed towards reducing the hyperactivity of the thyroid glands in order to relieve various symptoms. Medical management may include;

 

Antithyroid Medications - used for a long time management of hyperthyroidism in children, pregnant women and adults waiting for a radioactive treatment.

 

Medications to control increased pulse rate (tachycardia) and to decrease palpitation, such as propranolol and beta blockers.

 

Radioactive Iodine Treatment - hyperthyroidism treatment of choice for adults and non pregnant women.  Radioactive iodine works by destroying the thyroid gland. However, it is not given to individuals with severe cases of ophthalmopathy. Surgery may performed for severe cases of ophthalmopathy (orbital decompression). Other way to manage ophthalmopathy is through  radiation therapy.

 

Removal of thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) - for severe cases of hyperthyroidism that do not respond to other therapies.

 

Other non pharmaceutical management of hyperthyroidism include;

Psoriasis is one of the most common type of skin disorder, affecting almost 2% of the population. The cause of psoriasis is unknown but it is believed to have a hereditary connection. Current studies suggest psoriasis as an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks its own body cells.

 

In normal healthy skin, cells are produced every after 26 to 28 days.  In psoriasis the skin cells are produced at a very fast rate, usually within 3 to 4 days. When this happens, the newly formed cells moves faster to the skin surface as the dead cells build up on the skin surface forming up flaky scales. This rapid proliferation process affects the whole process of skin layer formation. 

 

Psoriasis Risk Factors

The following are some of the risks factors that can worsen the condition or trigger an onset of an attack;
 

Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms may disappear for sometimes to re-appear once again later on in life. The main symptom are lesions that appear red, flaky patches covered with scales.  If the scales are scrapped, they expose a dark red skin that tend to bleed. Psoriasis lesions are commonly found on the scalp, elbows, lower back, knees and on the genitals. In about a quarter of the patients suffering from psoriasis, discoloration, crumbling of the nail edges and separation of the nails plate is also present.

 

Other symptoms may include, palms and soles lesions, (palmar pustular psoriasis) genital sores in males and dandruff on the scalp.

 

Psoriasis Complications

Possible complications associated with psoriasis include;

Psoriasis Diagnostics Tests

The confirmation of psoriasis diagnosis is usually made by looking at the presenting symptoms, the plaque-type skin lesions. The doctor or the nurse inspects your skin for the lesions. Your family history is also taken to identify possible hereditary connections. Other tests that may be performed include; a biopsy test, where a sample of the affected tissue is taken for further analysis.

 

Psoriasis Treatment and Management

There is no cure of psoriasis and any treatment given is directed towards slowing down the rapid growth of the skin cells and to help in healing the skin lesions. The following are the different types of treatments that are used to manage psoriasis;

 

Topical Agents - Topical medications are used to slow down the rapid growth of the skins cells, without affecting other tissues.  They come in different forms and may include; lotions, pastes, ointment, creams or shampoos. In some cases, topical steroids may also be prescribed to minimize the inflammatory process.

 

Intralesional Medications - These are steroid medications that are directly injected into the skin psoriasis patches that do not react to other treatment. Such as Aristocort, Kenalog-10 and Trymex.

 

Systemic Medications - Only used in treating severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to other treatment due to their serious withdrawal effects (side effects). 

 

Photochemotherapy - a process where psoralen medications and ultraviolet light are combined in treating psoriasis. In photochemotherapy, you receive photosensitizing medication and at the same time, you get exposed to the ultraviolet light. The therapy is believed to work by slowing down the whole process of rapid reproduction of the skin cells.

Psoriasis Prevention

There is no known way to prevent yourself from acquiring psoriasis. However, there are a few things that you can do to protect your skin or to prevent triggering an onset;
 

 

Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome

Any disease or condition that destroys or damages the glomerular capillary membrane. Such as;

 

Chronic glomerulonephritis - a long term disease of the kidney that results into inflammation of kidney glomeruli.

 

Other conditions that can lead to Nephrotic Syndrome are; Diabetes Mellitus, Amyloidosis of the kidneys (disease in which abnormal protein known amyloid accumulates in body kidneys), Lupus Erythematous, Multiple Myeloma and certain medications. 

 

Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome 

Complications

Possible complications associated with Nephrotic Syndrome include;

Nephrotic Syndrome Diagnostics Tests

Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment and Management

Treatment of Nephrotic syndrome is directed towards preserving the renal functions and preventing other possible complications. Treatment involves, treating of the underlying conditions, such as hypertension.

 

Medications used in treating Nephrotic Syndrome include;

Lungs are covered by two serous membrane; the parietal pleura and the visceral pleural. Parietal pleura is outermost covering which is attached to the inner thoracic wall. Visceral pleura is the most inner membrane that is directly attached to the lung. The space between the parietal and visceral is what is known as the pleural cavity or pleural space.

 

 

Glaucoma Risk Factors

The following are risk factors associated with glaucoma; 

Stages of Glaucoma 

Glaucoma usually develops gradually over a long period of time and initially, no symptoms are present. This is the reason why regular examination of the eyes should be done by an Ophthalmogist to be able to detect possible risk factors of glaucoma or to detect glaucoma at an early stage to avoid vision loss.  A comprehensive periodic eye examination is recommended for all adults starting at the age of 40 years and more often for high risk groups.

 

Glaucoma usually undergoes various stages before a vision loss can occur. These four stages of glaucoma are; 

 

The initiating Events - These are the risk factors or precipitating factors that lead to predispose someone to developing glaucoma. Such as illness, congenital abnormalities of the eyes, long term use of medications that dilates the eyes. 

 

The second stage involves the structural alteration of the fluid drainage system. For example, when the iris moves forward to block the angle between the cornea and iris, leading to blockage. 

 

The third stage is the functional alteration - The increased intraocular pressure inside the eye lead to compression of the small blood vessels, impairing the blood flow to optic nerve. This leads to the fourth stage which is the optic nerve damage. 

 

The Optic Nerve Damage - Results from the atrophy and death of the optic nerve, due to decreased blood flow to the eye. 

 

Visual Loss - This the final stage that is characterized by progression visual field defects and vision loss. 

 

Types of Glaucoma 

The four recognized types of glaucoma are: open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma (also known as pupillary block), congenital glaucoma and glaucoma that develop from other conditions. The most common type of glaucoma in adults is the open-angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma.  

 

Open-Angle Glaucoma 

In open-angle glaucoma both eyes are affected but one eye may be severely affected than the other. The three different types of open-angle glaucoma are: chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG), normal tension glaucoma and ocular hypertension. In all the three types of open-angle glaucoma, the anterior chamber (the space behind the cornea and in front of iris) appears normal and the angle is open but the drainage channel (trabecular meshwork) is the one that is blocked, restricting the fluid flow. This causes the fluid to remain inside the eye, hence increasing the pressure inside. 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Open-Angle Glaucoma 

Chronic Open -Angle Glaucoma - visual field defects (not able to see the immediate surroundings clearly), optic nerve damage, intraocular pressure higher than 21mm Hg, headache, ocular pain and seeing of stars. Sometimes, no symptoms are present. 

 

Normal Tension Glaucoma - intraocular pressure of less or equal to 21mm Hg, optic nerve damage and visual fields defects.

 

Elevated ocular hypertension - increased intraocular pressure, headache and ocular pain. 

 

Angle-Closure (Pupillary Block) Glaucoma 

Angle-Closure (Pupillary Block) Glaucoma occurs when there is an obstruction of the aqueous humor outflow. The iris moves forward and partially or completely closes the angle formed by the cornea and iris. As a result the aqueous humor (fluid) cannot flow outside, increasing the pressure inside the eye. The three different types of angle-closure glaucoma are: Acute-angle closure glaucoma, sub acute angle-closure glaucoma and chronic angle-closure glaucoma. 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Angle-Closure (Pupillary Block) Glaucoma  

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma - Usually develop suddenly and rapidly progresses to visual impairment. Signs and symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma include;  

Subacute Angle - Closure Glaucoma - Consistent blurring of vision, seeing of halos or stars around the lights, temporal headache, ocular pain and the pupil may be semi-dilated. 

 

Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma - Marked by a significant visual field loss, headache and ocular pain. The intraocular pressure may be increased or normal.

 

Complication of Glaucoma 

Possible complications associated with glaucoma, if left untreated are: 

Glaucoma Diagnosis Tests 

A comprehensive eye examination, together with your medical history to determine the risk factors.

 

Other diagnosis tests include;  

Glaucoma Treatment and Management 

Treatment of glaucoma is directed towards preventing the progression of glaucoma to optic nerve damage. Since glaucoma cannot be cured or reversed, a long time therapy is usually prescribed, in considering to your medical history, the stage of glaucoma, your preference and other factors. The main goal of any treatment is to maintain the intraocular pressure within an acceptable level, in order to prevent further damage. 

 

Medications used to treat glaucoma include both topical and systematic to lower the intraocular pressure. Initially, you may receive a lower dose and then it is adjusted to make sure the desired intraocular pressure is maintained. 

 

The following are different kind of medications that are used to decrease the intraocular pressure; 

 

Miotics (Cholinergic Agents) - Used to increase the outflow of the aqueous humor fluid. Examples include; pilocarpine and carbochol. Possible side effects are: pain around the eye, blurry vision and problem seeing in dark.

 

Adrenergics Agonists - Decreases the production of the fluid and increases the outflow. Examples include; dipivefrin and epinephrine. Possible side effects are; redness of the eye, feeling of a burning sensation inside the eye, feeling of the heart beating (palpitation), increased blood pressure, anxiety, headache and tremors. 

 

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors -to decrease the production of the fluid. Examples are acetazolamide, dorvolamide and brinzolamide. Possible side effects include; Oral medications (acetazolamide and methazolamide) can leads to severe allergic reactions, depression, electrolytes loss, stomach upset, weight loss, impotence and increased frequency in urinations. Topical applications can lead to skin allergies. 

 

Alpha Adrenergic Agonists - to decrease the production of the aqueous fluid. Examples: apracloniddine and brimonidine. Possible side effects are: Eye redness, irregular heart rate, fatigue, dry mouth and nasal passage, swollen eyes. 

 

Prostaglandin Analogs - to increase the outflow. Example is the latanoprost. Possible complications: redness of the eye, burning sensation, feeling of the heart beating (palpitation) and increased blood pressure. 

 

Beta-blockers - to reduce the production of the aqueous fluid. Examples are: betaxodol and timol. Possible side effects are: decreasing heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, fatigue and impotence. Beta-blockers are not recommended for patients with history of lung diseases since they can exaggerates the symptoms. 

 

Surgical Management of Glaucoma 

If medications are not effective in treating glaucoma, surgery may be performed. The following are surgical procedures that can be performed;

 

Laser Trabeculoplasty - laser burns are applied inside the surface of the eye to widen the drainage system to increase the outflow of the fluid. Possible complication of this procedure is sudden rise in intraocular pressure usually 2 hours after the surgery that may continue for a longer period. 

 

Laser Iridotomy - Done to patients suffering for angle-closure glaucoma. A small opening is made in the iris to eliminate the blockage on the pupil and ease the fluid flow. Possible complication include: burning of the cornea, retina or lens, sudden increase in intraocular pressure, closure of the iris opening that was created and blurred vision.

 

Filtering Procedures - Used to treat chronic glaucoma. An opening is made inside the eye (in the trabecular meshwork) to drain the fluid by bypassing the usual drainage system. Possible complications include, hemorrhage, very low or high intraocular pressure and cataracts. 

 

Drainage Implants - An artificial tube is inserted inside the eye to help in draining the fluid away from the eye.

 

How to Prevent Glaucoma 

Have a regular eye checkup - This will help in detecting glaucoma and other eye problems early enough before a permanent damage occurs. 

 

Take your medications as prescribed - This is to make sure the intraocular pressure is maintained within the desired level and avoid further damage to the eye. 

 

Protect your eyes from injuries by wearing eye protection gears while working with equipment that can lead to eye injuries. 

 

Ask your doctor about possible side effects of glaucoma medications and what to expect when taking the medications. 

 

Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside the deep vein, usually a complication of immobility. However, it can also result from other medical conditions that affect the blood circulation. It is more common in elderly but it can develop at any age group. Patients who develop deep vein thrombosis are at risk for pulmonary embolism; a fatal complication. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot breaks away and travel through the blood stream until it reaches the lung, leading to serious breathing related symptoms.  

• Remaining in one position or sitting down for many hours.
• Stroke and paralysis
• Injuries to the blood vessels
• Family history of blood clotting disorders
• Pregnancy 
• Heart failure
• Oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapies
• Obesity and overweight
• Smoking 

• Low grade fever (usually this is the first sign of DVT) 
• Skin is warm and tender when touched 
• Edema and swelling of the extremity 
• Increased leg circumference or girth 
• Changes of the skin color of the affected leg

• Sudden chest pain 
• Headache 
• Shortness of breath 
• Feeling dizzy or fainting episodes 
• Increasing pulse rate or rapid pulse 
• Profuse sweating
• Apprehensiveness or feeling anxious
• Abnormal blood gas values - used to measure the level of oxygen and carbondioxide in the blood to determine how well the lung are functioning (results - increased PaCO2 and decreases PaO2).

• Pain and tenderness on the affected leg 
• Edema or swelling
• Discoloration of the skin due to decreased blood flow to the leg. 

• Duplex Ultrasound - a non- invasive procedure used to visualize the affected leg and the blood clot.  
• MRI and CT Scans - to visualize the exact location where the clot is located and adjacent  structures. 
• Blood test – to measure the clotting factors
• Venogram – A contrast dye is injected into the vein to help the physician to visualize the affected vein. 

• Use of thrombolytic - to dissolve the blood clots found inside the veins. 
• Anticoagulant - to prevent further clotting of blood. 
• Compression stockings - thigh length stockings or knee length stockings may be used. These stockings are used to prevent blood pool and formation of more clots. Proper measurement and application of stockings is needed for them to be effective. 
• Pain medications

• Cessation of smoking 
• Exercise to help in improving the venous return. 
• Avoid long hour of sitting or standing in one place. If you are travelling in a plane, move around inside the plane or use something to support your legs when sitting down. 
• Frequently inspect your legs for edema and swelling.
• Lose weight if you are obese or overweight.
• Consult your physician if you notice any unusual swelling on your legs. 
• Wear compression stockings as recommended by your doctor. 
• Seek appropriate medical advise as soon as possible. 

Bening skin tumors are non cancerous skin growth or lessons. Some of them are present at the time of birth, while others develop as one grows older or due to excessive exposure to sunlight. Some of them may grow bigger or darkens over time but most of them are harmless and do not require any medical treatment. However, some do change to cancerous tumors over a time and this one reason why frequent monitoring of any skin lesion is required, so that you can be able to notice changes as soon as they develop.

The following are some of the common bening skin tumors or growth;

 

Cysts

Cysts are sac like structure that are filled with fluid or solid materials. They are slow growing and very common. Most of them develop from an infection or due to clogging of the sebaceous gland.  There are two types of cysts; Epidermoid cysts - commonly occur on the face, neck, upper chest and at the back. Pilar cysts (sabaceous cysts) occurs on the head.

Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma is a non cancerous growth of the connective tissues that specifically affects the extremities (legs).  A firm, small, red or nodular growth that usually look like the color of the skin or it may be pinkish brown, caused by accumulation of soft tissues under the skin.

Neurofibromatosis (Formerly Known as Von Recklinghausen's Disease)

Neurofibromatosis is a hereditary genetic disorder, characterized by growth of bening tumors (pigmented patches) that vary in sizes. These tumors can develop anywhere in the nervous system, muscle or bone. In some patients, the tumor do turn to cancerous.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic Keratoses are non cancerous tumors of different sizes.  They are wartlike lesions that differ in colors, ranging from brownish to black.  Seborrheic Keratoses are more common in the middle-aged individuals and elderly.  They are usually harmless and rarely cause any discomfort.

Actinic Keratoses

Actinic Keratoses are pre-cancerous skin tumors that develop from over exposure to sunlight. They usually appear scaly, rough with underlying redness. Some of them slowly progresses to malignant skin tumors (Squamous cell carcinoma).

Freckles

Freckles are small, brownish patches on the skin that occur mostly on the face and arm. They become more noticeable when one is exposed to sunlight. They are very common on individuals with fair skin.

Warts

Warts are common bening tumors of the skin caused by viruses (human papillomavirus). There are more common in children between the age of 12- 16 years. However, they can appear at any age.

Keloids

Keloids are small, smooth, firm overgrown tissues that forms at the site of injury or scar. They are mostly common in people with dark skin.

Angiomas

Angiomas are bening tumors or growth that results from dilatation of the blood vessels or due to formation of other new blood vessels. They usually affect the skin and the subcutanous tissues. Most of them are present at birth and occurs as flat, red-violet spots (port-wine angiomas) or raised nodular lesions (strawberry angiomas).   Strawberry angiomas usually disappear a few days into life while port-wine angiomas do persists for a long time.

Lipoma

Lipoma are growth formed by fatty deposits that forms under the skin. They are usually round or oval in shape and are more common in women than men. They tend to occur more often on the back of the neck, forearms, chest, back and on the abdomen.

Moles (Pigmented Nevi)

Moles are some of the most common skin tumors that comes in different sizes and shapes. They also differ in colors, ranging from yellowish, dark brown to black. Some moles are hairly nodules, flat, smooth or raised papules.  Most of them are harmless and rarely do they turn to malignant tumors.

 

Bening Tumor Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose a bening skin tumor is by biopsy. A tissue is apirated on the affected skin and then sent to the laboratory for histologic examination. However, biopsy is only done if the doctor suspects the tumor is malignant or it may be tranforming to malignant by looking at its characteristics. 

Some of the characteristics that may signal a bening tumor that is likely to transform to a malignant tumor include;
 

In addition to the above assessment, patients are also evaluated for other systemic disorders and other medical conditions that may help in getting a diagnosis.

 

Treatment of Bening Skin Tumors

Most bening tumors do not require any treatment. However, some of them may lead to disfigurement  and may create some discomfort to the individuals concerned. The following are surgical procesure that can be used to treat a bening skin tumor;

 

Currettage and electrodesiccation - A process in which the tumor is removed by use of a currette, together with an electrosurgical units to stop bleeding during surgery.

 

Surgical Tumor Excision - The tumor is surgically removed by cutting through the skin and then stitching back the skin after removal.

 

Cyrosurgery - A process is which a very cold liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the tumor to thaw or freeze and destroy the bening tumor.

 

Intralesional Corticosteroids Therapy (For Keloids) - Steroids solution is directly injected on the lesion to improve its appearance or to reduce its size.

 

Other way to cover up the bening tumors like angioma is by use of cosmetic covermark or dermablend to hide the lessions.
 

Aneurysm is the dilation or widening of a local artery that forms on a weakened point on the wall of a blood vessel (artery). It is not clearly known what causes an aneurysm but several risk factors have been associated with it.

Causes of Aneursym (Risk Factors)

Types of Aneursym

Aneursym can be divided into two types; according to the structural characteristics and the location, where it is formed.

Aneursym According to Structural Characteristics

There are three different forms of aneurysm, according to structural characteristics. Saccular, Fusiform and Dissecting. Saccular and Fusiform are the two most common forms.

 

Saccular Aneursym - only one side of the blood vessel is affected.

Fusiform - the entire circumference of the blood vessel is dilated or affected.

Dissecting -  a hematoma (blood clot) is formed outside the blood vessels, separating the different layers of the blood vessel walls.

Aneursym According to the Location

Cerebral aneurysm - a dilated or balloned like blood vessels that is found on the brain.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm - The most common type and site for  a dissecting aneurysm. It is more prevalent in men between the age of 40 and 70 years. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneursym - Abdominal aneurysm is more common among elderly, Caucasians men (four times more common in men that women). The major cause of an abdominal aneurysm is atherosclerosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Aneursym

The signs and symptoms experienced by an individual depends on the location of the aneursym. In cerebral aneurysm (brain) the main symptom is the headache.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Signs and Symptoms

Thoracic Aneursym Diagnostic Tests

Abdominal Aneurysm Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal Aneursym Diagnostic Tests

Symptoms of a Ruptured Abdominal Aneursym

Aneursym Treatment and Management

Not all aneurysm require immediate surgical treatment.  If the aneurysm is still very small, the doctor may recommend a frequent followup, together with occasional ultrasound. Surgeries are mostly performed if the aneurysm has reached a point or it is big enough  to prevent it from rupturing. Some aneurysm do not need any surgical intervention and can remain stable for a long period of time with frequent observation.

Other treatment of aneurysm include;

Possible Complications Associated with Aneurysm Surgeries

Buerger's disease also known as thromboangiitis obliterans is an autoimmune vasculitis that is characterized by inflammation of  arteries and veins of the lower extremities. In rare cases, the disease can also affects the upper extremities. Buerger's disease is less common in women and it is more common in men aged in betweeen 20 and 35 years.

 

The cause of buerger's disease is not known but it believed to occur from an autoimmune disorder that attacks both the small and medium blood vessels. When this happens, there is an initiation of an inflammation process inside the blood vessels, resulting into blood clot formation and occlusion (blockage) of  blood vessels.

Buerger's Disease Risk Factors

Buerger's Disease Symptoms

Buerger's Disease Complications

Buerger's Disease Diagnosis

Buerger's disease diagnois tests may include;

Buerger's Disease Treatment

There is no known treatment that can cure buerger's disease and any treatment given is directed towards improving the circulation on the lower extremities, to halt the progression of the disease, to increase patient's level of comfort,  to prevent trauma, infection and other possible complications that may arise from the disease. 

Cigarette smoking is one of the most common cause of buerger's disease and patients are advised to immediately stop smoking and tobacco use.  Symptoms of buerger's disease are relieved by cessation of smoking.

 

Other treatment that may be used include;