The earliest sign and symptom of thumb arthritis is pain, swelling, and tenderness The earliest sign and symptom of thumb arthritis is pain, swelling, and tenderness with activities that involve pinching action. The pain may be dull, achy, or sharp at the base of the thumb. The pain can occur when we grip, grasp, or pinch an object or use...
What Causes Dizziness? Nausea, Vertigo, Headache, During Pregnancy
Dizziness facts Picture of the symptoms of a balance disorder Dizziness is a symptom that often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Vertigo is the sensation of spinning, while lightheadedness is typically described as near fainting, and weakness. Some of the conditions that may cause lightheadedness in a patient include low blood pressure, high blood pressure,...
Pregnancy and Drugs: Which Medications Are Safe?
Is it safe to use medicine while I am pregnant? There is no clear-cut answer to this question. Before you start or stop any medicine, it is always best to speak with the doctor who is caring for you while you are pregnant. Read on to learn about deciding to use medicine while pregnant. How should I decide whether to...
Friedreich’s Ataxia Syndrome Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Life Expectancy
What is Friedreich’s ataxia syndrome? Share Your Story Picture of a boy sitting in a wheel chair. Friedreich's ataxia syndrome (also termed spinocerebellar degeneration) is a rare genetic disease that causes problems with the nervous system, leading to impaired movement. Ataxia is a medical term that refers to abnormal muscle coordination. The condition causes unsteady movements and typically worsens over...
Encephalitis vs Meningitis: Differences
What is encephalitis? People with very mild encephalitis or meningitis can make a full recovery Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue. Its symptoms include: Fever Headache Muscle aches Fatigue Drowsiness Confusion Seizures Paralysis Personality changes (very common) Sudden severe dementia (memory loss) Ataxia (unable to balance oneself) What is meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the coverings (meninges)...
Nail Fungus Treatment, Pictures, Causes, Remedies & Medications
A woman holds her feet and toes.Source: Getty Images Facts you should know about fungal nails (onychomycosis, tinea unguium) Many changes in fingernails or toenails may cause people to think they have a fungal infection of the nails, medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium. Fungal infection of the nails sometimes makes the condition sound contagious or related to poor...
Fragile X Syndrome: Click for Facts, Symptoms, and Treatment
Fragile X syndrome facts* *Fragile X syndrome facts medically reviewed by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD on 1/15/2015. Fragile X syndrome (also called Fragile X) is the most common inherited form of mental problems (mental retardation). Fragile X syndrome is caused by changes in a single X chromosome (FMR1). FMR1 does not produce enough protein (FMRP) that works cell communication....
Fitness: Exercises for a Healthy Heart and Tips
Do this 30-minute workout routine every other day, or do it two days in a row if that's better for your schedule. A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it's a risk factor that you can do something about. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits. It can: Strengthen your heart...
Does Your Body Shape Change During Puberty?
Puberty is the phase when children become sexually mature. Many changes occur in the shape and appearance of the body during puberty. Each phase of life has its distinct challenges and what seems to be the toughest is the transition period between phases. Puberty is the phase when children become sexually mature. During this period, several changes occur in the...
What Foods Should You Avoid if You Have Diverticulitis?
Who has diverticulosis? Diverticulosis is a condition that causes pouches to form in the large intestine that may become inflamed and infected. You should avoid greasy foods, dairy, sugary foods, and foods with artificial sweeteners if you have diverticulosis. More than half of Americans over the age of 60 have diverticulosis. This term refers to the presence of small balloon-like...