This glossary defines the common conditions that frequently result in the approval of an application for disability benefits. Throughout the glossary you will find terms and definitions for both physical and mental conditions. For the comprehensive explanations of disabilities provided by the SSA visit the administration's official listing of impairments here:

AIDS / HIV - HIV attacks and destroys a type of white blood cell called a CD4 cell. This cell's main function is to fight disease. When a person's CD4 cell count gets low, they are more susceptible to illnesses and a person's ability to fight infection is lost. This stage of HIV infection is called AIDS and it is the final stage of HIV infection. There are several conditions that occur in people with AIDS which are called AIDS defining illnesses.

Back pain - Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. It comes in many forms, from lower back pain, middle back pain, or upper back pain to low back pain with sciatica. Common back pain causes include nerve and muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis.

Bipolar disorder - Bipolar disorder, with its extreme mood swings from depression to mania, used to be called manic depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder is very serious and can cause risky behavior, even suicidal tendencies. Bipolar disorder symptoms include depression and feelings of hopelessness during the depressive phase of the condition. Other depressive symptoms include thoughts of suicide, alterations in sleep patterns, and loss of interest in activities that once were a source of pleasure.

Bladder control - Urinary incontinence affects more than 12 million American adults. Stress incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) are the main causes of incontinence. Stress incontinence, which is more common in women, causes urine to leak when you laugh or cough. Overactive bladder, also called urge incontinence, is caused by urinary muscle spasms that cause an urgency to urinate. Incontinence can also be caused by multiple pregnancies, being overweight, and genetic weaknesses.

Bulging disc - A bulging spinal disc occurs when the disc's soft, jellylike center (nucleus) is squeezed into cracks in the disc's outer covering, weakening and stretching that covering. As a disc bulges out from between the neighboring bones (vertebrae), it can press on nerves that travel to the legs or arms and can cause numbness, weakness, or pain.

Cancer (all kinds) - Cancer, also called malignancy, is characterized by an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Cancer symptoms vary widely based on the type of cancer. Cancer treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. If you're considering complementary treatments for cancer, discuss this with your doctor as they may interact with other cancer treatment.

Carpal tunnel syndrome - Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, tingling, and numbness in your hand from pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Illnesses, pregnancy, and obesity can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Rest and exercises relieve symptoms.

Cerebral atrophy - Cerebral atrophy is a common feature of many of the diseases that affect the brain. Atrophy of any tissue means loss of cells. In brain tissue, atrophy describes a loss of neurons and the connections between them. Atrophy can be generalized, which means that all of the brain has shrunk; or it can be focal, affecting only a limited area of the brain and resulting in a decrease of the functions that area of the brain controls. If the cerebral hemispheres (the two lobes of the brain that form the cerebrum) are affected, conscious thought and voluntary processes may be impaired.

Cervical cancer - Cervical cancer is mostly caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. An HPV vaccine may reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Symptoms include painful sex, vaginal bleeding, and discharge. Cervical cancer can be prevented.

Cervical disc disease - The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by round, flat discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open (rupture), in what is called a herniated or slipped disc.

Crohn's disease - Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea, sometimes bloody, caused by inflammation of the intestines. Crohn's can be managed but there is no medication that can cure Crohn's disease.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, causes you to feel so tired that you can't complete normal, daily activities. While chronic fatigue syndrome has no known cause and is difficult to diagnose, its major symptoms can be treated.

Chronic Pain - Chronic pain is persistent pain in muscles, joints, or areas of the body. Pain management is important for ongoing pain control, especially if you suffer with long-term or chronic pain. After getting a pain assessment, your doctor can prescribe pain medicine or other pain treatments to help you get pain relief. Sometimes psychotherapy is also useful in learning new coping skills to help with chronic pain.

Coronary dysfunction - (see heart disease)

Cystic fibrosis - Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky. This glue-like mucus builds up and causes problems in many of the body's organs, especially the lungs and the pancreas. People who have cystic fibrosis can have serious breathing problems and lung disease. They can also have problems with nutrition, digestion, growth, and development. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis and the disease generally gets worse over time.

Degenerative disc disease - Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease but a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Degenerative disc disease can take place throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region).

Dementia - Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects your daily life. It can cause problems with your memory and how well you can think and plan. Usually dementia gets worse over time. How long this takes is different for each person. Some people stay the same for years. Others lose skills quickly.

Depression - Everyone has felt depressed. Yet the sadness and other symptoms of depression that are intense and last for long periods of time, can signal clinical depression or major depression, a serious medical illness that needs professional care.

Diabetes - Diabetes affects the body's ability to use blood sugar for energy. The main types include type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes insipidus, a rare disorder, is not related to diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Diabetes symptoms may include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Dialysis - Dialysis is a mechanical process that performs the work that healthy kidneys would do. It clears wastes and extra fluid from the body and restores the proper balance of chemicals (electrolytes) in the blood. When chronic kidney disease becomes so severe that your kidneys are no longer working properly, you may need dialysis. You may use dialysis to replace the work of the kidneys for many years, or it may be a short-term measure while you are waiting for a kidney transplant.

Epilepsy - Epilepsy is a group of related disorders characterized by a tendency for recurrent seizures. There are different types of epilepsy and seizures. Epilepsy drugs are prescribed to control seizures, and rarely surgery is necessary if medications are ineffective.

Epstein-Barr virus - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the cause of Mono. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can be found in saliva and mucus (and sometimes tears). EBV is not spread by casual contact. You can live in the same house with a person who has mono and never become infected with the virus. But a person who has a weakened immune system may be at higher risk for infectious mono. It's possible that people who have had mono can spread the virus even though they no longer have symptoms.

Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia syndrome affects the muscles and soft tissue. Fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic pain in the muscles, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points at certain parts of the body. Fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms can be relieved through medications, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other fibromyalgia treatment.

Gastrointestinal reflux - One in 10 Americans experiences heartburn symptoms at least once a week. Heartburn has different triggers, including certain foods, medications, obesity, or even stress. Knowing your triggers will help you design a prevention strategy. If you suffer from heartburn it's important to find effective heartburn remedies to prevent the acid reflux from worsening. Heartburn treatment may include medications, home remedies, or diet changes.

Glaucoma - Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain, is in the back of the eye. When the nerve is damaged, you can lose your vision. At first, people with glaucoma lose side (peripheral) vision. But if the disease is not treated, vision loss may get worse. This can lead to total blindness over time.

Hearing impairment/loss - Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. Depending on the cause, it can range from mild to severe and can be reversible, temporary, or permanent. Hearing loss is also known as hearing impairment, which includes being born without hearing (congenital hearing loss).

Heart disease (several kinds) - Heart disease includes conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Keys to prevention include quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising.

Heart failure (all kinds) - Heart failure can be caused by coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and high blood pressure. Heart failure treatment includes exercise, dietary changes, medicines, and rarely surgery.

Hepatitis - Viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, are distinct diseases that affect the liver. Other causes of hepatitis include drugs and medications. Each type of hepatitis has different hepatitis symptoms and causes. Treatments for hepatitis also depend on the type. Your doctor will run laboratory tests to determine the type of hepatitis.

Herniated disc - (see cervical disc disease, degenerative disc disease)

High blood pressure/Hypertension - High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke so it's important to know how to lower high blood pressure. Hypertension risk factors include obesity, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and family history.

Hip replacement - Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a painful hip joint with arthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint. It usually is done when all other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief. The procedure should relieve a painful hip joint, making walking easier.

Hodgkin's disease - Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of nodes (knots of tissue) connected by vessels. Together they drain fluid and waste products from all the organs and structures of your body. The lymph nodes act as tiny filters, straining out invading organisms and cancerous cells. Organs that contain a lot of lymphatic tissue include the spleen, the thymus gland (in the chest behind the breastbone), the adenoids and tonsils, and the bone marrow.

HIV - Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV/AIDS weakens a person's ability to fight infections and cancer. HIV transmission can occur with unprotected sex or with needle sharing. Symptoms of HIV vary widely. A person may have HIV symptoms or AIDS symptoms without knowing it until they get HIV testing. There is no HIV cure at this time although medications can delay the onset of AIDS.

Hypertensive cardiovascular disease - (see High Blood Pressure/Hypertension)

Incontinence - (see Bladder Control)

Irritable bowel syndrome - Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS affects up to 55 million Americans, mostly women. IBS causes are unknown. IBS symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramps. There are IBS treatments such as diet and lifestyle changes and medications that can help.

Kidney disease (all kinds) - Chronic kidney disease occurs when damage to the kidneys causes reduced kidney function. Kidney disease has usually been present for many years and may slowly get worse over time. Chronic kidney disease can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild to moderate chronic kidney disease may not cause symptoms. The kidneys are usually able to adapt and function well enough so that noticeable symptoms of kidney failure do not occur. Severe chronic kidney disease causes noticeable symptoms, such as electrolyte imbalances and fluid buildup (edema). Many people who have severe chronic kidney disease will eventually develop kidney failure and will require dialysis.

Knee disorder/replacement - Most people have had a minor knee problem at one time or another. Knee problems and injuries most often occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, or home projects. The surface of the bones inside the knee joint is covered by articular cartilage, which absorbs shock and provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint movement. Although a knee problem is often caused by an injury to one or more of these structures, it may have another cause. Some people are more likely to develop knee problems than others. Many jobs, sports and recreation activities, getting older, or having a disease such as osteoporosis or arthritis increase your chances of having problems with your knees.

Leukemia - Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. It starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside most bones. Bone marrow is where blood cells are made. When you have leukemia, the bone marrow starts to make a lot of abnormal white blood cells, called leukemia cells. They don't do the work of normal white blood cells, they grow faster than normal cells, and they don't stop growing when they should. Over time, leukemia cells can crowd out the normal blood cells. This can lead to serious problems such as anemia, bleeding, and infections. Leukemia cells can also spread to the lymph nodes or other organs and cause swelling or pain.

Liver cancer - (see Cancer, Liver Disease)

Liver disease (all kinds) - Types of liver disease include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, ascites (a leaking of liver bile as a result of cirrhosis), gallstones, hemochromatosis (iron deposits), and many others. When the liver is diseased it ceases to filter blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body. It is no longer capable of detoxifying chemicals or metabolizing drugs. Because the liver also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions, when the liver is diseased chronic health problems persist that can lead to death.

Lumbar disc disease - (see cervical disc disease, degenerative disc disease)

Lumbar radiculopathy - (see sciatica)

Lung cancer - Lung cancer starts when abnormal cells grow out of control in the lungs. Lung cancer and smoking often, but not always, go hand in hand. There usually are no signs or early symptoms of lung cancer. As lung cancer stages advance, lung cancer symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and bloody mucus. Treatment for lung cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, and /or radiation. (See also: cancer)

Lung disease (Interstitial) - Interstitial lung disease is a term used to refer to a particular type of inflammation of the interstitium of the lungs. The interstitium is the tissue that surrounds and separates the tiny air sacs (alveolae) in the lungs. Interstitial lung disease involves an inflammation of this supportive tissue between the air sacs rather than inflammation in the air sacs themselves. Interstitial inflammation is typically a diffuse process that occurs all over the lungs and is not confined to one location. Interstitial lung disease is caused by a misdirected immune or healing reaction to a number of factors, including: infection, toxins in the environment, certain medications, radiation therapy to the chest, and chronic autoimmune diseases.

Lupus - Lupus, an autoimmune disease, happens when the immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and damage. Lupus symptoms vary, and early lupus symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, fever, and a lupus rash, especially after being in the sun. Familiarize yourself with pictures of the lupus rash. Doctors diagnose lupus by symptoms and blood tests. Lupus is not contagious but has a hereditary component, so family health information is important.

Lyme disease - Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick. In the early stages of Lyme disease, you may experience flu-like symptoms that can include a stiff neck, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain. You also may experience a large, expanding skin rash around the area of the tick bite. Joint and muscle pain are other early signs of Lyme disease. In more advanced disease, nerve problems and arthritis, especially in the knees may occur.

Macular edema/degeneration - Macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by deterioration of the retina and can severely impair vision. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but it can be treated with vitamins, laser therapy, medications, and vision aids. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Because the disease develops as a person ages, it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although macular degeneration is almost never a blinding condition, it can be a source of significant visual disability.

Manic disorder - (see bipolar disorder)

Memory disorder - Memory loss that begins suddenly or that significantly interferes with your ability to function in daily life may mean a more serious problem is present. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, problem-solving ability, learning ability, and judgment that may occur over several weeks to several months. Delirium is a sudden change in how well a person's brain is working (mental status). Delirium can cause confusion, change the sleep-wake cycles, and cause unusual behavior. Amnesia is memory loss that may be caused by a head injury, a stroke, substance abuse, or a severe emotional event, such as from combat or a motor vehicle accident. Treatment and recovery depend upon the type of disorder.

Menieres disease - 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 a loss of hearing that may become permanent. Ménière's disease usually develops between the ages of 40 and 60 and affects both men and women. Children can also have Ménière's disease. Symptoms include tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, or pressure in the ear.

Meningitis - Meningitis is an infection of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord. The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system. There are two main kinds of meningitis: viral and bacterial. The two kinds of meningitis share the same symptoms. It's very important to see a doctor if you have symptoms, so that he or she can find out which type you have.

Migraine Headaches (all kinds) - Migraines and other types of headache -- such as tension headache and sinus headache -- are painful and can rob you of quality of life. Migraine symptoms include a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Headache remedies include various types of pain relievers. Migraine treatments may also include antinausea drugs and medications to prevent or stop headaches.

Multiple myeloma - Multiple myeloma is a systemic malignancy of plasma cells that is highly treatable but rarely curable. It is potentially curable when it presents as a solitary plasmacytoma of bone or as an extramedullary plasmacytoma. All patients, except for rare patients with solitary bone tumors or extramedullary plasmacytomas, have generalized disease. The disease is staged by estimating the myeloma tumor cell mass on the basis of the amount of monoclonal (or myeloma) protein (M protein) in the serum and/or urine, along with various clinical parameters, such as the hemoglobin and serum calcium concentrations, the number of lytic bone lesions, and the presence or absence of renal failure. The age and general health of the patient, prior therapy, and the presence of complications of the disease influence treatment selection.

Multiple sclerosis - Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision. Other possible warning signs are muscle stiffness, thinking problems, and urinary problems. A multiple sclerosis diagnosis is made by the history of symptoms and a neurological exam, often with the help of tests such as an MRI or a spinal tap. No one's sure what causes multiple sclerosis, but it may be hereditary. There's no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatment can relieve worsening of symptoms.

Muscle Pain (Myofascial pain syndrome) - Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles). Myofascial pain syndrome may involve either a single muscle or a muscle group. In some cases, the area where a person experiences the pain may not be where the myofascial pain generator is located. Experts believe that the actual site of the injury or the strain prompts the development of a trigger point that, in turn, causes pain in other areas. This situation is known as referred pain.

Neuropathy - (see peripheral neuropathy)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts. To get rid of the thoughts, a person does the same tasks over and over. For example, you may fear that everything you touch has germs on it. So to ease that fear, you wash your hands over and over again. OCD is a chronic, or long-term, illness that can take over your life, hurt your relationships, and limit your ability to work or go to school.

Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis, the "wear and tear" arthritis, is common, especially as we age. Causes include aging joints, previous injuries, and obesity, among others. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis may affect any joint, including the hand, wrist, neck, back, knee, and hip. Osteoarthritis treatment depends on the joint but often includes medication and exercise. There is no special osteoarthritis diet, but weight loss may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Pancreatitis - The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach and next to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The pancreas has two primary functions: to secrete powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine and to release the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatic damage occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are secreted into the duodenum and begin attacking the pancreas.

Paralysis - Paralysis is the loss of voluntary movement (motor function). Paralysis that affects only one muscle or limb is partial paralysis, also known as palsy; paralysis of all muscles is total paralysis.

Parkinson's disease - Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include muscle rigidity, tremors, and changes in speech and gait. Parkinson's causes are unknown but genetics, aging, and toxins are being researched. After a Parkinson's diagnosis, Parkinson's disease treatments are given to help relieve symptoms. There is no cure for Parkinson's and herbal remedies are unproven. Studies on using stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease are under way. The prognosis depends on the patient's age and symptoms.

Peripheral Neuropathy - Peripheral Neuropahty refers to the conditions that result when nerves that connect to the brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body are damaged or diseased. Peripheral nerves come out of the spinal cord and are arranged along lines in the body called dermatomes. Typically, damage to a nerve will affect one or more dermatomes, which can be tracked to specific areas of the body. Damage to these nerves interrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body and can impair muscle movement, prevent normal sensation in the arms and legs, and cause pain

Peritonitis - (also known as Pelvic Peritonitis) is inflammation and infection of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdomen in the pelvic area. Pelvic peritonitis occurs most often as a complication of an infection of the fallopian tubes. Without treatment, the illness rapidly worsens and can become life threatening.

Post-traumatic stress disorder - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an intense emotional and psychological response to an event, either recent or in the past, that was very disturbing or stressful (traumatic). It can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as rape, a natural disaster, or war. Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder includes counseling and medicines, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines.

Prostate cancer - What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms, but some men have urinary symptoms and discomfort. Prostate cancer treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation. In some instances, doctors recommend "watchful waiting."

Psoriasis - Psoriasis (say "suh-RY-uh-sus") is a long-term (chronic) skin problem that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. Normally, skin cells grow gradually and flake off about every 4 weeks. New skin cells grow to replace the outer layers of the skin as they shed. But in psoriasis, new skin cells move rapidly to the surface of the skin in days rather than weeks. They build up and form thick patches called plaques (say "plax").

Psychosis - Psychosis is a mental illness that markedly interferes with a person's capacity to meet life's everyday demands. It refers to a thought disorder in which reality testing is grossly impaired. Symptoms can include seeing, hearing, smelling, or tasting things that are not there; paranoia; and delusional thoughts. Depending on the condition underlying the psychotic symptoms, symptoms may be constant or they may come and go. Psychosis can occur as a result of brain injury or disease, and is seen particularly in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Psychotic symptoms can occur as a result of drug use, but this is not true psychosis. Diagnosis is by observation and interview.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy ("RSD") - Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a rare disorder of the sympathetic nervous system that is characterized by chronic, severe pain. The sympathetic nervous system is that part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary functions of the body such as increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and increasing blood pressure. Excessive or abnormal responses of portions of the sympathetic nervous system are thought to be responsible for the pain associated with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. The symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome typically begin with burning pain, especially in an arm, finger(s), palm of the hand(s), and/or shoulder(s).

Rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic type of arthritis. Early symptoms of RA include fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness. As it progresses, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may feel like the flu, with achiness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown, although there may be a genetic component. Early and effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment can improve the prognosis and may help prevent joint and bone destruction associated with RA.

Sciatica - Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. The nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back form the sciatic nerve. Branches of the sciatic nerve extend through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot.

Schizophrenia - Schizophrenia symptoms include distorted thoughts and hallucinations. Usually starting in young adulthood, schizophrenia can also cause the sufferer to feel frightened and paranoid. To make a schizophrenia diagnosis, a psychiatrist evaluates symptoms, tests, and medical history, and prescribes medications and possibly psychotherapy (or other types of talk therapy) for proper schizophrenia treatment. New research is helping us understand this disorder better.

Seizures - Seizures are divided into two broad categories: generalized and partial (also called local or focal). Classifying the type of seizure helps physicians diagnose whether or not a patient has epilepsy. Generalized seizures are produced by electrical impulses from throughout the entire brain, whereas partial seizures are produced (at least initially) by electrical impulses in a relatively small part of the brain. The part of the brain generating the seizures is sometimes called the focus. The most common types of seizures are grand mal, absence, myoclonic, clonic, tonic, and atonic.

Sickle cell disease - Sickle cell disease changes normal, round red blood cells into cells that can be shaped like crescent moons. The name "sickle cell" comes from the crescent shape of the cells. Normal red blood cells move easily through your blood vessels, taking oxygen to every part of your body. But sickled cells can get stuck and block blood vessels, which stops the oxygen from getting through. That can cause a lot of pain. It can also harm organs, muscles, and bones.

Skin cancer - Skin cancers include melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell. Basal and squamous cell are common and treatment is very effective; malignant melanoma, especially in later stages of melanoma, is serious and treatment is difficult. Sun exposure is the biggest cause of melanoma and other skin cancers, but early diagnosis and treatment can increase the survival rate from melanoma. Learn about the signs of all skin cancers, and familiarize yourself with pictures of skin cancer so you can spot it early.

Spinal stenosis - Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of spaces in the spine (backbone) which causes pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves. About 75% of cases of spinal stenosis occur in the low back (lumbar spine). In most cases, the narrowing of the spine associated with stenosis compresses the nerve root, which can cause pain along the back of the leg.

Sleep apnea - Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the more common of the two forms of apnea, is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. Central sleep apnea, a less common condition, is caused when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe due to instability in the respiratory control center.

Speech disorders - A disorder affecting the ability to produce normal speech. Speech disorders may affect articulation (phonetic or phonological disorders); fluency (stuttering or cluttering); and/or voice (tone, pitch, volume, or speed). Most speech disorders have their roots in oral-motor differences, although some involve language-processing problems. Diagnosis is by testing by a speech pathologist. Treatment is by speech therapy.

Stroke - Stroke is brain damage caused by a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can't work properly. The signs of a stroke may include weakness, numbness, blurred vision, confusion, and slurred speech. Getting to a hospital quickly is vital for a good outcome with a stroke.

(TMJ) Temporal mandibular jaw dysfunction - The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. This joint is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control its position and movement. People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Throat cancer - The oral cavity (mouth) and the upper part of the throat (pharynx) have roles in many important functions, including breathing, talking, chewing, and swallowing. The mouth and upper throat are sometimes referred to as the oropharynx. Many different cell types make up these different structures. Cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation whereby they grow and multiply without normal controls. (see cancer)

Ulcers - A peptic ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. An ulcer occurs when the acidic digestive juices that are secreted by the stomach cells corrode the lining of these organs. Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly.

Vestibular Neuritis - Vestibular neuritis happens when the vestibular nerve in your inner ear becomes swollen. This nerve carries balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. When the nerve is inflamed, it can make you feel that the room is spinning or that you have lost your balance. This is called vertigo. Vestibular neuritis often happens after a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Because doctors suspect that a virus causes vestibular neuritis, they don't use antibiotics to treat it.


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