PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA Overview Pernicious anaemia is a condition in which the body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn’t have enough vitamin B12 (a nutrient found in certain foods). People who have pernicious anaemia can’t absorb enough vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor (a protein made in the stomach). …
PERITONITIS Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers and supports the organs within the abdomen. The peritoneum is a membrane made up of 2 layers. One layer lines the cavity and the other layer lines the organ. The peritoneum helps support organs in the abdominal …
OSTEOMYELITIS Osteomyelitis is an infection and inflammation of the bone. Bones can become infected in a number of ways: infections can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissues, or infections can begin in the bone itself when an open fracture or surgery exposes it to germs. The condition affects …
OPTIC NEURITIS What is optic neuritis? As the name suggests, “optic” stands for eye and “neur-itis” means inflammation or swelling of nerve. What is optic nerve? Optic nerve is the nerve that carries signals that your eye receives from the light passing through it; to the brain, where it processes those signals and you are …
INTESTINAL ISCHEMIA Intestinal ischemia occurs when blood flow to the intestine is restricted due to a blocked blood vessel, usually an artery. The small intestine and the large intestine (colon), or both can be affected Ischemia of the small intestine is called mesenteric ischemia while ischemia affecting the large intestine is called ischemic colitis Mesenteric …
FATIGUE Fatigue is a term used to describe a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. Fatigue is a normal response to stress or physical exertion, but can also be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Fatigue may reduce the quality of life as affected individuals may be unable to function …
MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA Myocardial ischemia occurs when blood flow to the heart is restricted, preventing the heart muscle from receiving enough oxygen. The heart receives its own blood supply from the coronary arteries, which transports blood into and out of the heart muscles The 2 main coronary arteries are the left main which supplies blood to …
HYPERCALCEMIA Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by a high concentration of calcium in the blood. Calcium is needed for the normal functions of organs, nerves, tissues, cells, and also essential in blood clotting and bone health. The normal range is 2.1-2.6 mmol/L with levels more than 2.6mmol/L defined as hypercalcemia. A higher concentration of calcium …
CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME Cauda equine syndrome refers to a condition that occurs when the bundle of nerve roots that spreads out at the base of the spinal cord become compressed (squeezed together), or damage, cutting off sensation and movement. This bundle of nerve roots are referred to as the cauda equina and are horse-like in …
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful, progressive condition that occurs due to the compression or squeezing of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist at the carpal tunnel The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist and is where the median nerve is located. …
