Meninges are membranes that cover or envelope the brain and the spinal cord. There are three meninges—dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater. The meninges protect the central nervous system. When bacteria affect these membranes, the condition is then called meningitis. Meningitis is of three types—bacterial, fungal, and viral. Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening and can also spread among people when they come in close contact with each other. Viral meningitis, however, is not as dangerous as bacterial meningitis and can be recovered without treatment. Fungal meningitis, on the other hand, is one of the rare forms of meningitis that occurs in those who have a weak immune system. Some of the causes of meningitis are: – Syphilis – Tuberculosis – Fungal infection – Autoimmune disorders – Cancer medications These are not the common causes but can trigger meningitis. Meningitis is more likely to attack people aged under 5, between 16–25, or over 55 years. If you do not know about this disease, then there is a good chance you will miss out on the symptoms and that is not good for a patient suffering from the same. The symptoms of meningitis can easily be confused with common cold, cough, and fever. Besides back ache, loss of appetite, and pale skin, here are some symptoms that should not be ignored when spotted: Light sensitivity If the eyes are suddenly sensitive to light or anything bright, it can then be a symptom of meningitis. If there has been a problem with bright light for a long time, then it does not necessarily have to be because of meningitis. However, if this is a new thing that you are seeing or something that suddenly started happening, then there could be a problem. Cold/common cold Common cold with other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or muscle pain can be a sign of meningitis and should be checked.

Seizures can be defined as significant changes in the brain’s electrical activity. These changes result in noticeable symptoms in one’s body such as jerky movements of the arms and legs or violent shaking. The signs of seizures can range from mild to severe. They should be taken seriously, as even mild seizures may be a sign of a significant underlying medical condition. Consequently, it is important to seek instant medical help if one experiences them. Types of Seizures Broadly, the seizures can be classified into the following types: Non-epileptic seizures These occur as a result of an injury, where the head suffers a major blow. These seizures can be cured with effective treatment. Normally, they do not come back after treatment. Partial seizures Also known as focal, temporal lobe and Jacksonian seizures, partial seizures occur if one is suffering from epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition that triggers repeated seizures. This type of seizures only occurs in one side of the brain. Consequently, only one side of the body is affected. Generalized seizures These kinds of seizures occur when nerve cells in both sides of the brain fail to function, thus affecting both sides of the body. Such seizures can make one have muscle spasms, black out or even fall. Generalized seizures are further divided into 6 types: Tonic-clonic/grand mal seizures These are the most noticeable type of seizures that can last up to 3 minutes. In this, the entire body stiffens, shakes and the person loses consciousness. It can even lead to breathing problems or loss of bladder or bowel control. Clonic seizures In this, the muscles experience spasms, making face, arms or neck jerk in time. Tonic seizures This is more common in people suffering from epilepsy. The muscles in the arms, legs or trunk tense up, and a result the person loses balance and falls down.

Heartburn causes a lot of discomfort to those who experience it. It occurs when your stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus, thus causing an irritating and burning sensation. Apart from a burning sensation, one would most likely experience chest pain since the fluid tends to linger in the esophagus. The symptoms of heartburn may last for a long time. Before we can go on to understand heartburn signs and symptoms, here are a few facts: Acid reflux is a primary indicator of heartburn which leads to a burning feeling in your chest. This is one of the prominent heartburn symptoms. Acid reflux normally occurs after the consumption of certain foods or drinking certain beverages which did not get ingested properly into the system. Heartburn signs and symptoms generally include difficulty in swallowing, chronic cough, pain in the upper abdomen, sore throat, the regurgitation of anything you just ate or drank (which is the acid being thrown up into the esophagus with stomach fluid), or even persistent laryngitis. It is important to understand what causes a heartburn in order to diagnose it correctly and on time: A valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), located below the rib cage keeps the stomach acid from being sent up the esophagus, leaving gravity to deal with the rest of it. The LES mainly functions to open the tube to allow food to be ingested into the stomach or allowing you to belch. It closes both times automatically. The only reason stomach acid tends to seep into the esophagus or gets thrown up due to some reason is the improper functioning of the LES. The causes of LES malfunction can be anything from obesity, pregnancy, constipation, or anything that tends to put too much pressure on your stomach forcing the valve to open.

Our memories are often our most prized possessions. They remind us of lessons learned and a life well lived. Imagine the pain of losing them! This is what exactly happens in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects neurological and cognitive functions and is the most common cause of dementia. It affects approximately 29.8 million people worldwide, as of 2015. Alzheimer’s is a painful and debilitating condition. Therefore, it is important to watch out for the symptoms and signs to improve the quality of life. Alzheimer’s disease can have many varied signs. Alzheimer’s disease has a slow, insidious onset, so you have to be vigilant to the symptoms. It starts off slowly and progresses until control of bodily functions is lost. The life expectancy of patients with Alzheimer’s ranges between 3 – 9 years. Warning Signs: Alzheimer’s disease The early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s are often vague. The first characteristic sign of Alzheimer is an inability to remember recent events including forgetting names of objects, places, and people. As the disease progresses, the memory impairment worsens along with the appearance of other signs of Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s shows the following symptoms: Difficulty in planning or problem-solving: Some people will notice that it is becoming harder for them to formulate and stick to plans and structured activity. There may be an associated difficulty in managing numbers. Difficulty in performing familiar tasks: A person may forget to perform routine tasks and activities such as to operate a stove, use tools, or other such signs of Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s can impair the ability to complete tasks that were once familiar. Language problems: A person may forget words, pronunciations, spellings, grammar, and another component of written and spoken language. There may difficulty holding or following a conversation and using the wrong words.

Eyes are the most complex organs in the entire human body. The cornea, iris, pupil, lens and retina are the different parts of an eye that work together to ensure clear vision. Eye diseases are a global health issue and adversely affect the mental and physical health of a person. A person affected with eye diseases may sink into depression and face social withdrawal too. Moreover, a significant loss in the quality of life is expected in affected people due to impairment in day to day activities. According to a report, cataract affects 24.4 million Americans and by the age of 75, half of the Americans develop a cataract. An estimated 2.7 million Americans has glaucoma and approximately 2.1 million have age-related macular degeneration. This data shows the high prevalence of eye disorders in the population. A few eye diseases’ symptoms are listed below. An eye issue can be suspected if a person shows symptoms related to vision, the appearance of the eye, or feels pain and sensations in one or both eyes. Signs and symptoms of eye diseases Eyestrain : Eyestrain is one of the common eye diseases’ symptoms indicating long working hours on computers, continuous reading or driving. Strain in eyes indicates overuse of eyes, and the common symptom is tiredness in eyes. Whenever eyestrain is observed, give some rest to the eyes. If the symptoms persist for a few days, consult a doctor immediately. Red eyes : The surface of our eyes are covered with blood vessels, and they dilate during an infection or irritation. This gives a red appearance to the eyes. Red eyes can happen due to eyestrain, lack of sleep or due to an allergen. Moreover, red eyes can also indicate other eye disorders such as damage due to sun exposure or conjunctivitis. In case of persistent red eyes, an immediate consolation with an eye specialist is a must.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that currently affects around 5 million people in the world, out of which 1.5 million are in the people in the country with more than 16,000 cases being reported every year. This disease occurs when the immune system of the body can’t differentiate between the healthy tissues and harmful germs, leading to the creation of antibodies that attack healthy cells and tissues. Although the cause of the lupus is still unknown, research suggests that genes play an important role in the development of lupus symptoms in women as well in men. Lupus affects everyone differently and usually starts in early adulthood, anywhere between the teen years and the 30s. Some people are affected with mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms of lupus. Early symptoms have some resemblance with other conditions, and this might make the diagnosis confusing. So, what are the symptoms of lupus? Let’s discuss them in the next context. Fatigue Almost 90 percent of people with lupus experience some level of fatigue. An afternoon nap can help fight people to deal with fatigue, but sleeping too much during the daytime can sometimes lead to insomnia at night. On the other hand, if you want to keep your energy levels high, then sticking to a daily routine and remaining active can be effective. Unexplained Fever An unexpected low-grade fever with no apparent reason is one of the early lupus symptoms. During this time, the body temperature may vary between 98.5 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of unexplained fever associated with lupus disease could be due to an inflammation, infection, or imminent flare-up which has a nature of frequent occurrences. However, if you are experiencing recurrent low-grade fevers, then making an appointment with a doctor is advisable. Hair Loss Hair loss or thinning of hair could be the result of inflammation of the skin and the scalp, which is often considered to be one of the early lupus symptoms.

When a tumor or any other illness grows and spreads from its point of origin to other parts of the body, it is called metastasis. Similarly, metastatic breast cancer occurs when the cancerous cells from the breast spread to other body parts. In most cases, if breast cancer metastasizes, it is likely to appear in the following regions: Brain Bones Liver Lungs If the cancer is confined to the breast, several effective treatment options are available to cure it. However, if it spreads to the nearby areas, it becomes quite difficult to cure. Therefore, it is vital to spot the signs of metastatic breast cancer as soon as possible to ensure that suitable treatment can start immediately. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer The initial stages of breast cancer typically do not exhibit any symptoms. Once the symptoms begin to appear, they are most likely to include a strange formation or lump in the breast or under the armpits. In the case of inflammatory breast cancer, the symptoms can include redness or swelling in and around the breast area as well as a mild sensation of pain. When breast cancer metastasizes, a patient may experience the following symptoms: Development of a lump Changes in the skin such as skin ulceration or dimpling Nipple discharge Pain or discomfort while moving the arms Swelling in the breast or arms Large, hard, and deep lymph nodes under the arm or the neck. Also, the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer are easily noticeable changes in the shape of the affected breast. Here are some advanced symptoms of the condition: Difficulty in sleeping Excessive fatigue Digestion problems Shortness of breath Anxiety or depression A feeling of pain or discomfort Some significant signs of metastatic breast cancer One of the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer is difficulty in breathing.

Meningitis is a clinical term used to describe an inflammation or swelling of the membranes that surround the brain. Meningitis, especially the type caused by bacteria, is a potentially fatal condition that can rapidly transform to cause permanent brain damage, neurological problems, and can even lead to death. Doctors are required to diagnose and treat meningitis at a fast pace to prevent or reduce any long-term effects that the disease might have. Meningitis which causes inflammation is normally a direct consequence of either an infection induced by some kind of bacteria or virus. But first, it is essential to understand the signs of meningitis for early diagnosis. Some common symptoms of meningitis Normally, meningitis has symptoms like fever, lethargy or indolence, and a decreased ability to think properly. However, these symptoms are often very difficult to detect in children of a very young age. If the infection or resulting inflammation moves from the membranes of the brain or the spinal cord, then the medical term used for it is encephalitis. According to a survey, meningitis mostly occurs when a child is a newborn and till he is two years of age. The greatest risk is during the time period immediately after birth and from three to eight months of age. Increased exposure to various kinds of infections and a deficiency of the underlying immune system present from birth can increase an infant’s risk of getting meningitis. Specific symptoms for meningitis in children For the particular case of infants, the signs and symptoms of meningitis are not always obvious to the non-critical eye of the parent because of the infant’s inability to communicate symptoms to them, or to the doctors, for that matter. Therefore, caregivers, parents, relatives or guardians must pay very close attention to the infant’s overall condition, as far as meningitis symptoms in children are concerned.

Human shoulder is considered as one of the most mobile of all joints which can bend in all possible directions. As shoulder is flexible its muscles are also important for normal functioning, movements, and coordination. Shoulder pain is a condition which arises when our muscles are not strong enough or uncoordinated in proportion to our body. It’s a very common problem followed by an injury. The shoulder can move in various different planes. The shoulder pain causes pain and comfort as it restricts its free movement. It’s a ball-and-socket joint and one of the most flexible joint in our body. The shoulder consists of three bones namely humerus, clavicle and scapula. These bones have a covering of cartilage and consist of two main joints. The shoulder joint is basically ball-shaped and lies in between humerus bone and scapula respectively. Shoulders get their elasticity from rotator cuff which is made of tendons that connect muscles to bone. Shoulder pain or injury happens during vigorous exercise, manual labor, playing sports, lifting heavy items etc. Most of the times disease of neck, liver or gallbladder, run through the shoulder causing it to pain which makes it difficult to twist or bend. Pain also arises due to heart attack, spinal cord injury, arthritis or breaking a shoulder etc. Mostly pain in the front or outside of the shoulder is due to some problem in rotator cuff which can lead to difficulty in raising your arm. Shoulder pain is considered as a life-long problem if correct diagnosis and treatment are not taken. Treatments like popping painkillers, using ice packs, physiotherapy, injections of steroids, or surgery etc help to reduce inflammation or swelling and also relieve pain. Sometimes medical history of the patient, physical examination and few tests like X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, arthroscopy etc can help for better diagnosis of the pain and its treatment.

Huntington’s disease is not just a physical disorder. One needs to understand the physical and mental stress it causes along with its symptoms. Huntington’s disease causes a progressive breakdown (degeneration) of the nerve cells in the brain. The symptoms of Huntington’s disease develop mostly in people between the age of 30 to 40 years, but it can strike anyone from children to seniors. If a patient falls prey to this condition before the age of 20, it is known as juvenile Huntington’s disease. The symptoms of this condition vary depending on when one develops this disease. Over 10 to 25 years, it kills nerve cells in the brain which affects the body, mind, and emotions of a patient. The symptoms of Huntington’s disease differ from person to person, and these symptoms can worsen if a person goes through a lot of stress and excitement. The initial signs such as abnormal movements are easily detectable. Weight loss is a constant cause of a concern through all stages of this disorder. Medical science has progressed a lot, and now, medicines are available for dealing with the symptoms of Huntington’s disease. However, one cannot prevent the physical, mental, and behavioral decline associated with the condition through treatment. Symptoms With a broad range of signs and symptoms, Huntington’s disease typically causes movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders. Some disorders appear to be more aggressive and have a significant effect on a patient’s ability to function normally. Movement disorder Huntington’s disease is linked to involuntary movements as well as impairments. A patient may exhibit actions such as: Involuntary yanking or writhing movements (chorea) Rigid or contracture muscles (dystonia) Abnormal or slow eye movements Impaired gait, posture, and balance Difficulty in speech or swallowing As time passes by, the symptoms may interfere with a patient’s day-to-day life.

What is Hepatitis C about? A disease of the liver, Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. The severity of this disease varies from being acute to chronic depending on the virus. From making you feel sick for a few weeks to a lifelong disease, Hepatitis C can cause major health issues. Also, it is a known fact that Hepatitis C is difficult to detect and this makes it tougher to diagnose the same. The inflammation of the liver can be a serious issue and Hepatitis C is considered as the most serious of all other types of Hepatitis viruses. Things you did not know about the symptoms of Hepatitis C The symptoms of Hepatitis C occur intermittently; this, therefore, makes it tough to detect it. This virus affects the liver and the immune system and the symptoms reoccur for a lengthy period of time. It also becomes confusing to spot the disease solely from the symptoms of Hepatitis C as the signs are similar to those of flu and jaundice, to name a few. This is one of the reasons that the patient or even the doctor tends to oversee the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C. That is why it is extremely important for us to understand the early symptoms Hepatitis C has. One should not wait until the liver starts malfunctioning and then later realize that one is detected with Hepatitis C. Therefore, Hepatitis C is also known as a silent killer; therefore, noticing the early signs will help find suitable medications and treatments. Let us now see at some of the early signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C. Symptoms of acute Hepatitis C The time during the initial months of the disease is known as acute Hepatitis C. Some of the most common symptoms Hepatitis C during this time are fatigue, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting, to name a few.

The cause of lupus is not certain, but most scientists consider it to be a genetical issue. However, genes are not the only factor in determining who gets lupus. There are several factors which might trigger the disease. So what is lupus? It happens when something goes wrong with the immune system. Instead of warding off foreign substances present in the body, the immune system launches an attack on healthy cells and tissues and damaging them which in turn results in illness. This reversal in the process might be the cause of damage in several parts of the body. The parts that are often affected are joints, skin, heart, lungs, kidney, digestive system and blood vessels. Lupus is of several kinds, and thus the manifestation of the symptoms of lupus may vary in different people. Though the disease can affect any gender, women get it more often than men. What are the symptoms of lupus to watch out for? It always pays to know what are the symptoms of lupus so that you can seek medical help quickly if you notice any of the indications of lupus. Fatigue Fatigue is a common symptom among people with lupus. If you are feeling exhausted without any reason, it’s time to consult your doctor. Reasons of lupus fatigue may be many starting from age, level of pain, medication, the condition of health, depression, smoking, lack of exercise and others. If taken care in time, some of the causes of fatigue can be treated. Mysterious fever If you have a nagging low fever for no good reason at all which persists for long, then it might be a good idea to go to your medical provider. The temperature in question can be anywhere between 98.5˚F and 101˚F. Do not neglect if you experience such kind of fever from time to time.