• Increase in activity of pituitary gland 
• Over secretion affects growth hormone leading to excessive growth of bones and tissues 
• If occurs before puberty, gigantism occurs 
• If occurs during adulthood, acromegaly occurs 
• Affects small bones of hands, feet, and face by enlarging them 

Abnormal decrease in activity of pituitary gland

Symptoms:

Dwarfism ,Abnormality of secondary sex characteristics , Amenorrhea and infertility in adult females , Lowered testosterone level, decreased libido, loss of facial and body hair in adult males

Diagnosis of pituitary function by blood test 

Treatment: Hormone replacement; Monitoring; Adjustment

Caused by:

Defect in the pituitary gland OR defect in kidney tubules • Both defects result in a decrease of vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone

Symptoms:Excessive polyuria: excessive urination, Urinating 2 to 15 gallons of urine in 24 hours, Polydipsia: excessive thirst, Hypotension: low blood pressure,Dizziness, Constipation

Diagnosis: Urinalysis; Water restriction test

Treatment:Administration of vasopressin ,Medications that lower urine output

Hyperthyroidism

( thyroid gland disease)

Thyroid gland secretes excessive thyroxine

Cause:

Tumor of thyroid gland; Heredity; Excessive intake of iodine; Excessive thyroid hormone medication

Symptoms:

Goiter; Tachycardia; Nervousness; Hyperactivity; Weakness; Excessive excitability; Tremendous appetite with weight loss; Diarrhea

Graves Disease 

(Thyroid gland disease)

• Is an autoimmune condition where antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland to produce hormone 
• Symptoms: Goiter; Tachycardia; Nervousness, Hyperactivity, Weakness, Excessive excitability, Tremendous appetite with weight loss, Diarrhea, High heat production - moist skin, Extreme thirst, Exophthalmos 
• Treatment: Medication; Radiation; Surgery

Simple Goiter

( Thyroid Gland disease )

• Enlargement of thyroid
• Cause:Family history, Eating goitrogenic foods, Iodine deficiency
• Symptoms:Thyroid enlargement, May be asymptomatic until gland is quite large
• Treatment:Potassium iodide followed by iodine in diet, Surgery to decrease dysphagia and dyspnea

Hypothyroidism

(Thyroid gland disease)

• Decrease in thyroxine 
  • Hypothyroidism in adult – myxedema 
  • Congenital hypothyroidism – cretinism 
• Symptoms:  Fatigue ,Sensitivity to cold temperatures  Thin nails and brittle hair , Excessive weight gain
• Diagnosis: by blood hormone level 
• Treatment: Hormone replacement

Hyperparathyroidism

(Parathyroid gland disease)

• Overproduction of parathormones by one or more of the four parathyroid glands 
• Causes hypercalcemia leading to kidney stones, bone weakness, and hyperactivity of heart 
• Diagnosis by blood tests 
• Treatment directed at cause 
• Prognosis good with proper treatment

Hypoparathytoidism

( Parathyroid gland disease)

• Decrease in parathormone leading to low blood calcium
  • Causing irritability of muscles called tetany
  • Uncontrolled contraction of muscles in face and hands is common
• Diagnosis:Blood tests ,Chvostek’s sign , Trousseau’s sign
• Treatment: Vitamin D , Calcium

Hyperadrenalism

( Adrenal gland disease)

•  Over secretion of adrenal cortex hormones

Conn's Syndrome

( Adrenal gland disease)

• Overproduction of mineralocorticoid aldosterone
  • Electrolyte imbalance, alkalosis, hypertension
  • Usually due to cortex tumor

Androgenital Syndrome

( Adrenal gland disease)

• Overproduction of sex hormones 
  • Overproduction of sex hormones 
  • Hereditary 
  • Early puberty, feminization/masculinization

Diabetes Melllitus 

( Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans Disease)

• Commonly known as diabetes 
• Is the most common major disease of the system 
• Affects carbohydrate and sugar utilization due to lack of insulin 
• Symptoms: 
  • Polydipsia – excessive drinking 
  • Polyuria – excessive urination 
  • Polyphagia - excessive eating 
  • Glycosuria – high urine sugar 
  • Hyperglycemia – high blood sugar

Diabetes Mellitus 

Type 1

( Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans Disease)

• Previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• Most serious type 
• Affects children and young adults before age 25 
• Requires daily injections of insulin 
• Thought to be autoimmune disorder 
• Do not usually secrete insulin 
• Individuals with type 1 diabetes must 
  • Follow a strict diet 
  • Monitor blood levels 
  • Administer daily insulin 
  • Exercise and stress can alter insulin need

Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2

( Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans Disease)

• Formerly known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes 
• Most common form of diabetes 
• Gradual onset occurring most often in obese females over age 40 
• Now frequently seen in younger obese persons 
• Thought to be caused by wearing out of pancreatic islets of Langerhans 
• Usually controlled with diet, exercise, and oral medication to stimulate insulin secretion

Diabetes Mellitus

Complications:Both coma and shock are a result of improper insulin administration

Diabetic coma:Progresses slowly ,Hyperglycemia,Result of not taking enough insulin or eating too much carbohydrate

Symptoms: polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, ketoacidosis. Symptoms of coma are a slow, deep breathing pattern, fruity or sweet-smelling breath 

Diabetic shock

Progresses quite rapidly o Hypoglycemia o Too much insulin or not enough carbohydrates in diet o

Symptoms: diaphoresis, light-headedness, trembling, and state of confusion followed by coma,Coma from insulin shock is a medical emergency

Diabetes Mellitus 

continued 

• Complications:
  • Atherosclerosis: hardening of the arteries 
• Diabetic retinopathy: affecting eyesight , Kidney damage 
• Diagnosis 
  • History and physical , Blood glucose testing 
• Treatment :
  • No cure; individual must follow treatment plan for life

Gestational Diabetes

( Pancreatic Islets of Langerhan Disease)

• Occurs only during pregnancy 
• Usually discovered with routine urine testing during prenatal visits 
• Treatment:
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Medications 
• Injectable insulin controls sugar levels 
• Usually disappears after delivery 
• Women often affected later in life by adult-onset diabetes
• Prevention: No preventative measures, but women who observe a healthy lifestyle and normal weight at conception are at less risk

Hypoglycemia

( Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans Disease)

• Abnormally low blood sugar

• Less than 60 

• Symptoms:

• Light-headedness

• Diaphoresis

• Trembling 

• Diagnosis:
  • blood glucose test 
• Treatment:
  • dependent on cause

Hypergonadism

( Reproductive Gland Disease)

• Increased hormone production before puberty
• Diagnosis by blood test for elevated hormones 
• Treatment: 
  • Removal or radiation of tumors to suppress hormones
  • Administration of hormones to suppress or counteract the sex hormone

Hypogonadism

( Reproductive Gland Disease)

Decreased hormone production by the age of puberty Diagnosis by blood test for hormones levels 

Treatment: 

• Administration of testosterone and estrogen

• Inflammation of brain tissue caused by bacteria and viruses
• Symptoms: 
  • Headache 
  • Elevated temperature 
  • Stiff neck and back 
  • Lethargy 
  • Mental confusion 
  • Coma 
• Treatment: 
  • Treatment is supportive 
  • Antiviral medication may be effective

• Inflammation of meninges or coverings of brain and spinal cord 
• Causes:
  • Bacteria 
  • Virus 
  • Fungi 
  • Toxins E.g., lead, arsenic 
• Symptoms:
  • High fever
  • Severe headaches 
  • Photophobia 
  • Stiffness and resistance in neck (nuchal rigidity)
  • Drowsiness, stupor, seizures 
  • Coma
• Diagnosis 
  • Lumbar puncture to find causative agent 
• Treatment 
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infection 
  • Antipyretics 
  • Anticonvulsants 
  • Quiet, dark environment

Poliomyelitis 

( infectious disease)

• Viral infection affecting brain and spinal cord 
• Cause:
  • Virus spread by oropharyngeal secretions and infected feces
  • Almost eliminated by vaccine in United States
• Symptoms: 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Neck stiffness 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Muscles atrophy and become paralyzed o
• Diagnosis 
  • Virus culture from throat, feces, and/or spinal fluid
• Supportive treatment: 
  • Analgesics
  • Bedrest during acute phase 
  • Long-term physical therapy and braces may be needed 
  • If respiratory system involved, mechanical ventilation may be needed

Tetanus

( Infectious disease)

• Highly fatal infection of nerve tissue 
• Cause:
  • Bacteria Clostridium tetani 
• First symptom: 
  • Jaw stiffness -Commonly called lockjaw

Rabies

( Infectious disease)

• An often fatal encephalomyelitis 
• Caused by virus 
• Primarily affects animals 
  • E.g., dogs, cats, raccoons, squirrels 
• Transmitted to humans through bite of infected animal
• Symptoms: 
  • Fever 
  • Pain 
  • Paralysis 
  • Convulsions 
  • Rage 
  • Spasms and paralysis of muscles for swallowing 
  • Throat spasms leading to hydrophobia 
• Symptoms: 
  • Inability to swallow 
  • Drooling of frothy saliva 
• Treatment: 
  • Immediate washing of area with soap and water 
  • Anti-rabies injections 
  • No cure

Shingles 

(Infectious disease)

• Viral disease caused by herpes zoster (chicken pox virus)
• Symptoms 
  • Itchy, painful, red rash and small vesicles on sensory nerve paths 
  • Symptoms last 10 days to several weeks 
• Diagnosis 
  • Made based on the appearance of lesions 
  • Viral culture test 
• Treatment:
  • There is no cure
  • Treatment is symptomatic 
  • Antivirals 
  • Analgesics 
  • Antipyretics 
  • Antipyritics 
• Vaccine recommended by CDC for adults over age 60

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

( Vascular disorder)

• Also known as stroke 
• Is due to a poor blood supply to the brain 
• Causes 
  • Cerebral thrombus 
  • Cerebral embolism 
  • Cerebral hemorrhage 
• Symptoms:
  • numerous symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the CVA 
  • Sudden loss of consciousness 
  • Confusion 
  • Poor coordination 
• Dysphasia: language disorder 
• Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing 
• Hemiparesis: weakness on one side

CVA 

Continued 

• Diagnosis 
  • Physical exam, EEG, CT scan, and MRI 
• Treatment: 
  • Anticoagulant 
  • Hypertensive medications 
  • Rehabilitation program 
• Risk factors: 
  • Smoking 
  • High-fat diet 
  • Obesity 
  • Lack of exercise 
• Surgical prevention treatment: 
  • Carotid endarterectomy

Transient ischemic attacks ( TIAs)

(Vascular disorders) 

• Also known as mini-strokes 
• Due to insufficient blood supply to brain 
• Symptoms: 
  • Weakness of arm and/or leg 
  • Dizziness 
  • speech 
  • Mild loss of consciousness 
  • Symptoms last few minutes to 1 hour o Diagnosis by angiogram 
• Treatment: 
  • Surgery to improve blood flow

Degenerative Disk Disease 

( functional disease) 

• Degeneration or wearing away of intervertebral disk
  • Allows vertebrae to bump or rub against each other
• Symptoms: 
  • Difficulty walking 
  • Radiating pain in back and in one or both legs 
• Diagnosis by X-ray, myelogram, CT scan, and MRI
• Treatment: 
  • Rest back and legs 
  • Back brace 
  • Analgesics 
  • Anti-inflammatories 
  • Exercise to ease pain 
  • Surgery

Headaches 

( Functional disorder )

• One of the most common disorders in humans 
• Usually a symptom of another disease rather than a disorder in and of itself 
• Disorders that typically have headaches as a symptom include: 
  • Sinusitis Meningitis , Encephalitis Hypertension Anemia Constipation ,Premenstrual tension Tumors
• Caused by two mechanisms:
  • Tension on facial, neck, and scalp muscles ,
  • Vascular changes in arterial size of vessels inside head
• Contributing factors: Stress ,Toxic fumes ,Noise ,Lack of sleep, Alcohol consumption

Headaches 

Continued 

• May be acute or chronic 
• Pain may be mild to unbearable and incapacitating 
• Pain may be constant, pressure, throbbing, stabbing, or intermittent 
• Types:  Tension  Cluster  Following lumbar puncture  Migraine 
• Diagnosis: 
  • History and physical, X-ray, EEG, MRI, and CT 
• Treatment: 
  • Lifestyle changes – improved diet, sleep, exercise Analgesics 
  • Bedrest 
  • Muscle massage 
  • Muscle relaxants 
  • Warm baths
  • Biofeedback

• Chronic disease of brain 
• Intermittent episodes of abnormal electrical activity in brain
• Symptoms: 
  • Seizure 
  • Convulsions 
• Common types of seizures 
• Petit mal – slight change in conciousness 
• Grand mal – seizure, convulsions, etc 
• Status epilepticus – continued convulsive seizure
• Diagnosis by EEG, CT scan, cerebral angiogram, and blood tests 
• Treatment: 
  • Anticonvulsive medications 
  • Close monitoring and adjusting of medication

• Affects facial nerve (7th cranial) leading to unilateral (one-sided) paralysis 
• Affects individuals 20 to 60 years of age 
• Symptoms: 
  • Drooping weakness of eye and mouth 
  • Inability to close the affected eye 
  • Drooling of saliva 
  • Unable to whistle or smile 
  • Distorted facial appearance 
  • Diagnosis by history and symptoms 
• Treatment: 
  • Analgesics 
  • Anti-inflammatories

• Slow, progressive brain degeneration 
• Cause unknown, may be related to decrease of dopamine
• Symptoms: 
  • Rigidity and immobility of hand 
  • Very slow speech pattern 
  • Pill-rolling motion of fingers 
  • Expressionless facial appearance 
  • Abnormal bent-forward posture 
  • Short, fast-running steps with shuffling appearance
• Symptomatic treatment: 
  • Dopamine replacement 
  • Physical and psychological therapy

Alzheimer's Disease

( Senility)

• A form of senile dementia 
• Usually affects individuals age 70 and older 
• Early symptoms: 
  • Short-term memory loss 
  • Inability to concentrate 
  • Slight changes in personality 
• Symptoms of disease progression: 
  • Diminished communication skills 
  • Meaningless words 
  • Inability to form sentences 
  • Increased forgetfulness 
  • Irritability and agitation

Alzheimer's Disease

Continued 

• Diagnosis 
  • Positive only by autopsy 
  • Initially, diagnosis may be made by ruling out other brain diseases 
• Treatment 
  • Supportive, no known cure 
  • Focused on safety, maintaining nutrition, hydration, personal hygiene 
  • Emotional support for family and caregivers

• Atrophy and death of brain cells due to decreased blood flow 
• Atherosclerotic plaque can cause decreased blood flow
  • Common with aging
• Symptoms: 
  • Changes in memory, personality, and judgment 
  • Irritability 
  • Depression 
  • Sleeplessness 
  • Lack of personal hygiene 
• Diagnosis: 
  • History and physical, blood flow testing 
• Treatment: 
  • Increasing blood flow to brain 
  • Carotid endarterectomy

• Death of brain cells due to head trauma 
• Symptoms: 
  • Decrease in mental intellect and cognitive function 
  • Loss of ability to reason, remember, or show appropriate emotions 
  • Changes in personality 
• Diagnosis: 
  • History, cranial X-rays, CT scan, and MRI 
• Treatment: 
  • Correct damage, if possible 
  • Therapy and rehabilitation 
• Prevention: 
  • Is often easy to prevent with proper use of protective equipment

• Brain cell death from drug toxicity and toxins 
• Toxic substances include: 
  • Alcohol Cocaine 
  • Heroine Lead
  • Mercury Paint fumes and thinner 
  • Insecticides 
• Symptoms: 
  • Mental impairment 
  • Decreased cognitive ability

• The most common form of sleep disorder 
• Inability to fall or stay asleep 
• Causes
  •  Stress, pain, fear, depression, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and bronchodilators, medication, etc 
• Treatment: 
  • Identifying and removing cause

Characterized by periods of breathlessness 

More common in men 

Causes:

Obesity , Hypertension ,Airway obstruction Alcohol ingestion,Cigarette smoking 

Symptoms:

Daytime sleepiness, Extreme snoring Changes in personality,Depression ,Impotence Diagnosis:

Monitoring affected individual during sleep for apnea and low blood oxygen levels 

Treatment:

Based on cause,Weight loss ,Surgery to correct nasal obstruction, Oxygen during sleep Medications to stimulate breathing 

Prevention:

Mostly preventable by maintaining healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, not smoking, avoiding environmental smoke

• Classified as primary and secondary • Primary tumors are called brain tumors 
• Secondary tumors are named after the organ of origin • Cause: Unknown 
• Symptoms: Headache ,Vomiting ,Seizures ,Changes in mood and personality ,Visual disturbance ,Loss of memory 
• Diagnosis:  Clinical symptoms ,X-ray ,CT scan, MRI, Biopsy
• Treatment:Surgery ,Radiation ,Chemotherapy

Concussion less serious than contusion 

Contusion is a physical bruising of the brain tissue 

Cause 

• Blow to head by object, fall, or other trauma  E.g., automobile accident 

Symptoms: 

• Disruption of normal electrical activity in brain – unconsciousness , Unconsciousness may last a few seconds to several hours , Headache , Blurred vision ,Irritability , Draw up knees and begin vomiting

Concussion & Contusions

Continued

• Contusions can lead to: 
  • Hematoma 
  • Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) 
  • Permanent brain damage 
• Coup and contrecoup contusions

Concussion & Contusions

Continued

• Diagnosis: 
  • History of injury, neurologic examination, cranial X-ray, CT scan, and MRI 
• Treatment:
  • Bedrest
  • Direct observation
    • Individual should be checked every 2 to 4 hours 
• Monitoring of changes in consciousness, eye pupil size, mood, and behavior 
• Analgesics, stimulants, and sedatives should not be given  Medications may mask symptoms and make assessment difficult

• A break in a cranial (skull bone) 
• Greatest danger: 
  • Brain tissue damage from bony fragments 
  • Potential of cutting brain, severing vessels, causing hematoma 
• Brain damage may be temporary or permanent Symptoms: 
  • Variety of symptoms depending on location of fracture ,Fracture near base of skull may cause impaired breathing ,Hemiparesis ,Seizures ,Infection 
• Treatment:
  • Dependent on type and position of fracture
  • Craniotomy may be necessary to relieve ICP
  • Protective headgear may be necessary until fracture healed

• Epidural hematoma is a collection of blood between the bony skull and dura mater (outer meninges) 
• Subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater (outer layer) and the arachnoid (middle layer) 
• Subdural hematoma occurs twice as often as epidural 
• Diagnosis: 
  • Clinical history ,Cranial X-ray ,CT or MRI 
• Treatment: 
  • Goal is to decrease ICP 
  • Pressure can be relieved by

– Special craniotomy called burr holes

– Electrical cauterization

Epidural And Subdural Hematoma

Continued

Epidural hematoma 

Cause: 

Usually the result of a fight or accident 

Blood vessels rupture and hemorrhage or seep blood usually rapidly over a period of hours 

Symptoms: 

Usually occur within a few hours  Headache , Dilated pupils ,Nausea ,Vomiting, Dizziness

As the hematoma grows: 

Loss of consciousness

Increase in ICP

Epidural And Subdural Hematoma

Continued

Subdural Hematoma

Cause: 

• Usually result of head hitting stationary object
  • As is seen with falls when the head hits the floor 
• Blood vessels rupture and seep blood slowly, usually over a period of days 

Symptoms: 

• Hemiparesis 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Dizziness 
• Convulsions 
• Loss of consciousness

• Usually results when bony spinal column is injured or fractured 
• The cord can be injured at any level 
• Neck area is most vulnerable 

Cause: 

• Automobile accidents – leading cause 
• Gunshot and knife wounds 
• Falls and sports injuries

Spinal Cord Injury 

Continued

Symptoms: 

• Varying degrees of injury 
• Injury to C1-C3 is usually fatal 

Quadriplegia 

• Loss of movement and feeling in trunk and all four extremities 
• Loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function 
• If severe, respiratory ventilation 

Paraplegia

• Loss of movement and feeling in trunk and both legs
• Loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function

Spinal Cord Injury 

Continued

Symptoms:

• Varying degrees of injury 
• Injury to C1-C3 is usually fatal 

Quadriplegia 

• Loss of movement and feeling in trunk and all four extremities 
• Loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function 
• If severe, respiratory ventilation

Paraplegia 

• Loss of movement and feeling in trunk and both legs
• Loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function 

Diagnosis: 

• History of injury, neurologic exam, spinal X-rays, CT scan, and MRI 

Emergency treatment: 

• Immediate treatment necessary 
• Do not move individual unless surroundings unsafe
• Maintain position of spine with special collars and backboards 

Treatment: 

• Realignment and stabilization of bony spinal column  Decompression or release of pressure on spinal cord Prevent further injury

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ( ALS)

(Rare Disease)

• Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease 
• Destructive disease of motor or movement neurons
• Atrophy of muscles leading to progressive loss of movement of hands, arms, and legs 
• Supportive treatment 
• No cure

• Acute, progressive disease affecting spinal nerves 
• Begins 10 to 21 days after febrile illness (autoimmune) 
• Early symptoms: 
  • Nausea, Fever ,Malaise 
• Within 24 to 72 hours, paresthesia, muscle weakness, and paralysis usually begin 
• Symptoms may progress for several days to weeks 
• Once progression ceases, recovery begins 
• Supportive treatment 
• Recovery usually complete

• Inherited disease (autosomal dominant) 
• Appears during middle age 
• Progressive degenerative disease of brain 
• Leads to mental deterioration 
• Symptoms: 
  • Loss of muscle control and chorea 
  • Changes in personality mood, and behavior 
  • Loss of memory and dementia 
• Supportive treatment 
• No cure

• Causes:
  • Demyelination of CNS nerves 
  • Allows signal to leak from nerve pathway 
  • Leads to poor or absent nerve transmission 
• Symptoms: 
  • Muscle weakness and lack of coordination ,Paresthesia  Speech difficulty , Loss of bladder function ,Visual disturbance, especially diplopia 
• Affects adults between ages 20 and 40 
• Periods of remission and exacerbation 
• Treatment: 
  • Physical therapy 
  • Muscle relaxants to maintain muscle tone and reduce spastic movement

• Otalgia
  • ear pain
• Vertigo
  • dizziness
• Tinnitus
  • ringing

• Myopia 
  • Nearsightedness 
• Hyperopia 
  • Farsightedness 
• Presbyopia 
  • Age-related hyperopia 
• Astigmatism 
  • Irregularity of cornea surface

• Inflammation of conjunctiva 
• Excessive tearing, itching, burning, and pain 
• Treatment: 
  • Warm compresses 
  • Anti-inflammatories 
  • Analgesics 
  • Perhaps antibiotic ointment 
• Prevention: 
  • Good hygiene

• Inflammation of edge of eyelid, eyelash follicles, and glands 
• Causes:
  • Bacterial infection ,Allergic reaction , Seborrhea
• Anterior blepharitis -
  • affecting the outside front of the eyelid where eyelashes attached 
• Posterior blepharitis -
  • dysfunction of meibomian glands within eyelids that secrete lubricating oils 
• Symptoms: 
  • Red, swollen, and crusted eyelids 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotics ,Allergy medication ,Treatment of seborrhea

• Inflammation of cornea caused by trauma or infection (Herpes Simplex Virus) 
• Usually unilateral – affecting only one eye 
• Symptoms: 
  • Photophobia – fear of light 
  • Pain 
  • Excessive tearing 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotic ointment or drops 
  • Analgesics 
  • Eye patch

• Also known as hordeolum 
• Inflammatory infection of sebaceous gland of eyelid
• Resembles pimple 
• Usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria 
• Treatment: 
  • Warm compresses 
  • Topical or systemic antibiotics

• Clouding of lens 
• Causes: 
  • Change in metabolism and nutrition in lens 
  • Aging 
• Symptoms: 
  • Decreased visual acuity 
• Treatment: 
  • Lens replacement surgery

• Characterized by excessive eye pressure 
• Slow progression with or without symptoms 
• Permanent damage can occur before symptomatic
• Treatment: 
  • Eye drops 
  • Surgery

• Constant, involuntary movement of eyes that may affect one or both eyes 
• Causes: 
  • Brain tumors 
  • Disease 
  • Alcohol abuse 
  • Congenital defects 
• Treatment: 
  • Correct underlying cause

• Eyes fail to focus in same direction simultaneously 
• Due to muscle weakness in one or both eyes 
• Treatment: 
  • Cover normal eye to train affected eye to function 
  • Eye exercises 
  • Corrective lenses 
  • Surgery

• Degeneration of macular area of retina 
• Cause: 
  • Most commonly age-related 
• Symptoms: 
  • Loss of central vision 
• Treatment: 
  • Laser surgery to improve vision 

• Leading cause of blindness in United States 
• Diabetes mellitus causes vascular changes in retina leading to decreased visual acuity 
• Treatment: 
  • Laser photocoagulation 
• Prevention: 
  • Controlling blood sugar

• Also called color vision deficiency (CVD) 
• Ability to see color diminishes with age due to yellowing of lens 
• Inherited 
• Most commonly affects ability to distinguish between red and green 
• No cure

• Inflammation in middle ear 
• Usually affects infants and young children 
• Types: 
  • Serous – serous fluid in middle ear from pressure, allergy 
  • Suppurative – pus in middle ear due to infection 
• Treatment: 
  • Analgesics 
  • Decongestants 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Tympanostomy – ear tubes

• Also known as swimmer’s ear 
• Inflammation of external ear canal caused by bacterial or fungal infection 
• Symptoms: 
  • Extreme pain 
  • Fever 
  • Pruritus 
• Symptoms: 
  • Hearing loss 
  • Clear or purulent drainage 
• Treatment: 
  • Keep ear canal clean and dry 
  • Analgesics 
  • Antibiotics

• Inflammation of mastoid bone or process 
• Acute mastoiditis usually result of middle ear infection
• Symptoms: 
  • Tinnitus 
  • Otalgia 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Mastoidectomy

 Conductive Hearing Loss

    Sensory Hearing Loss

Conductive 

• Caused by external or middle ear disorders that decrease or stop sound conduction 
  • E.g., impacted cerumen, otosclerosis, ruptured eardrum

Sensory 

• Cochlear or auditory nerve damage preventing sound to be carried to brain 
• Cause related to damaging noise levels and ototoxic medications 

• Cerumen 
  • Soft, yellow-brown secretion also known as earwax
• Causes: 
  • Skin dryness 
  • Excessive hair 
  • Narrow ear canal 
  • Excessive dust 
• Treatment: 
  • Ear irrigation

• Bony fixation of middle ear bones do not allow vibrations from eardrum to inner ear 
• Treatment: 
• Stapedectomy (removal of stapes), replacement with prosthesis

Deafness

Sensorineural Deafness

Prebycusis

Sensorineural deafness 

• Sensory deafness due to damage to cochlea or auditory deafness 
• Damage may be due to exposure to loud noise 
• Damage often permanent

Presbycusis 

• Progressive sensory deafness related to aging 
• Symptoms usually begin after age 50 

Treatment: 

• Use of hearing aid

• Experiencing nausea when traveling by car, boat, or airplane 
• Symptoms:
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Diaphoresis 
  • Vertigo 
• Treatment: 
  • Anti-motion sickness medication – Meclizine, Scopolamine (patch) 
  • Rest 
  • Stare at fixed point outside of vehicle

Corneal Abrasion

• Causes: 
  • Obstruction trapped between eyelid and cornea 
  • Ill-fitting or worn contact lenses 
  • Accidentally poking finger in eye 
  • Extreme light 
    • Ex, welding 
• Treatment:
  • Remove obstruction 
  • Antibiotic ointment or analgesics 
  • Pressure dressing to prevent eye movement 
  • Reduce photophobia pain

• Often occurs with trauma, diabetes, and other retinopathies
• Symptoms: 
  • Blurred vision
  • Flashes of light 
  • Floating spots 
  • Painless disorder, but needs attention 
• Treatment: 
  • Surgery

Ruptured Tympanic Membrane 

( Trauma)

• Causes: 
  • Middle ear infection 
  • Sticking sharp object in ear canal 
• Symptoms: 
  • Pain 
  • Partial loss of hearing 
  • Bloody or purulent discharge 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Surgical patching of membrane with tissue graft

Retinoblastoma

( Rare Disease)

• Hereditary malignant tumor of eye occurring during infancy and childhood 
• Fatal if untreated 
• Treatment: 
  • Enucleation – removal of eye 
  • Radiation 
  • Chemotherapy

Meniere's Disease

( rare disease)

• Chronic disease of inner ear 
• Cause unknown 
  • genetic and environmental factors 
  • May involve constrictions in blood vessels, viral infections, autoimmune 
• Symptoms: 
  • Tinnitus 
  • Vertigo 
  • Progressive hearing loss 
  • Feeling of fullness in ear 
• Attacks last few hours to several days 
• Treatment: 
  • Medications to control nausea 
  • Low-salt diet 
  • Diuretics 
  • Antihistamines 
  • Smoking cessation 
• Surgery may be necessary

•  half circle of gray or white around cornea

Herpes 

( infectious -viral)

• Large family of viruses 
• Symptoms: 
  • Inflammation of skin 
  • Clusters or fluid-filled vesicles 
  • Periods of remission and exacerbation 
  • No cure 
• Remains in affected individual’ s body for life 
• Common types: 
• Herpes simplex 1 
  • Fever blisters 
  • Cold sores 
• Herpes simplex 2/herpes genitalis 
  • Genital herpes 
• Herpes varicella 
  • Chickenpox 
• Herpes zoster 
  • Shingle

Verrucae 

( infectious disease -Viral)

• Also known as warts 
• Chronic condition 
• Occur in multiples and differ in size, shape, and appearance Often resistant to treatment 
• Types: 
• Appearance on hands and fingers of children 
  • Common warts 
• Appearance on sole of foot 
  • Plantar warts 
• Sexually transmitted 
  • Genital warts

Impetigo

(Bacterial)

• Highly contagious skin disease 
• Affects face and hands of children 
• Cause: 
  • Streptococcus and Staphylococcus 
• Symptoms: 
  • Vesicles 
  • Pustules that rupture 
  • Producing yellow crust over lesions 
• Treatment: 
  • Cleansing 
  • Antibiotic ointment

Abscess

Furuncle

Carbuncle

(Bacterial)

• Encapsulated lesion with inflammation and infection  Abscess 
  • Localized collection of pus in any tissue 
• Furuncle 
  • An abscess occurring in the skin, commonly called a boil
• Carbuncle 
  • Larger abscesses, interconnected furuncles, less common
• Cause:
  • Commonly Staphylococcus 
  • Lowered immunity 
  • Poor personal hygiene 
• Symptoms: Extreme pain 
• Treatment: 
  • Warm compresses 
  • Opened and surgically drained 
  • Antibacterial medications

Cellulitis 

( Bacterial)

• Diffuse or spreading inflammation of skin and subcutaneous tissue 
• Causes: 
  • Streptococcus or Staphylococcus 
• Symptoms: 
  • Pain, redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness of involved skin 
• Treatment: 
  • Oral antibiotics 
• Prevention: 
  • Good handwashing 
  • Cleansing of open areas on skin

Erysipelas

( Bacterial)

• Acute infection of dermis extending to fat tissue 
• Causes: 
  • Most commonly group A Streptococcus 
• Symptoms:
  • Fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, vomiting
• Treatment:
  • Oral or IV antibiotics

Lyme Disease

( Bacterial) 

• Multisystem infections transmitted to humans through bite of infected deer tick 
• Symptoms: 
  • Flu-like symptoms 
  • Arthritis 
  • Malaise 
  • Chills 
  • Fever 
  • Bull’s eye skin rash 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotics

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

( Bacterial)

• Diagnosis: 
  • Culture and sensitivity 
• Treatment: 
  • Intravenous vancomycin 

**Even though vancomycin is currently effective, there are signs that some MRSA bacteria are building resistance to this medication also. 

Tinea 

(Fungal )

Tinea 

• Fungal infection also known as ringworm that infects warm, moist areas of body 
• Feeds on perspiration and dead skin 
• Types: 
• Tinea corporis 
  • Affects smooth skin on arms, legs, and body 
• Tinea pedis 
  • Athlete’s foot 
• Tinea cruris 
  • Jock itch 
• Tinea unguium 
  • Affects fingernails or toenails 
• Tinea capitis 
  • Affects scalp 
• Tinea barbae 
  • Affects bearded areas

Tinea 

(Fungal )

Continued

• Symptoms: 
  • Itching, cracking, and weeping of the skin 
• Diagnosis: Microscopic examination of skin scrapings 
• Treatment: 
  • Keep affected area clean and dry 
  • Antifungal medications 
• Used consistently for a long period of time 
• These infections commonly recur and become a chronic problem. 

Candidiasis

(Fungal)

• Commonly called yeast infection 
• Can be superficial or systemic and life-threatening 
• Cause: 
  • Candida 
  • Antibiotic therapy that disrupts normal flora 
• Symptoms: 
• Depend on location 
  • Mouth – thrush Patches of white infection 
  • Baby buttocks – diaper rash Red, inflamed scaly rash Fingernails – onychomycosis Itchy skin with blisters and pustules 
  • Vagina – vaginitis White, cheesy vaginal discharge 
• Treatments:
  • Antifungal medications

Pediculosis

(Parasitic)

• Infestation with lice 
• Types of lice: head, body, pubic 
• Symptoms: 
  • Severe itching 
• Treatment: 
  • Eradicating pediculosis is difficult 
  • Bathing and shampooing with medicated shampoo 
    • Ex., Kwell 
  • Dry cleaning or washing all clothing 
  • Cleaning and treating furniture

Scabies

(Parasitic)

• Infestation by itch mite 
• Cause: 
  • Sarcoptes scabiei, tiny parasite 
• Symptoms: 
  • Intense itching 
  • Slightly elevated, grayish-white lines 
• Treatment: 
  • Lindane cream (Kwell) to entire body

Acne Vulgaris

( Metabolic disease)

• Inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles
• Cause: 
  • Metabolic, occurs at puberty 
• Symptoms: 
  • Comedones,
  • blackhead 
  • Treatment: 
  • Cleansing 
  • Over-the-counter (OTC)
• treatments 
  • In severe cases, antibiotics, steroids, and Retin-A preparations

Seborrheic Dermititis

(Metabolic )

• A common type of dermatitis affecting sebaceous glands Also known as cradle cap in infants 
• Also known as dandruff when affecting scalp 
• Symptoms: 
  • Reddened skin 
  • Greasy-looking yellowish scales 
• Treatment: 
  • Medicated shampoo 
  • Steroid lotion or creams

Sebaceous Cyst

( metabolic disease)

• A closed sac of oily, cheese-like material under the skin Commonly develop on scalp, neck, groin 
• Special type: 
  • Pilonidal cyst 
• Cause: 
  • Sebaceous gland becomes blocked and sebum collects under the skin 
• Treatment: 
  • Incising and draining 
  • Surgical removal

Eczema 

(Hypersensitivity or Immune)

• Inflammation of skin, not dangerous, not contagious, not curable 
• Cause: 
  • Occurs in individuals with genetic predisposition to allergies 
• Symptoms: 
  • Dry, leathery skin lesions 
  • Itching 
  • Redness 
  • Vesicles 
  • Pustules 
  • Scales 
  • Crusting 
• Treatment: 
  • Topical cortisone creams 
  • Antihistamines 
  • Sedatives 
  • Avoidance of sunlight

Urticaria

(Hypersensitivity or Immune)

• Vascular reaction of the skin 
  • Also known as hives or nettle rash 
• Causes: 
  • Irritants such as insect bites, pollen, or plants 
• Symptoms: 
  • Severe itching 
• Treatment: 
  • Antihistamines 
  • Avoidance of allergen

Contact Dermititis

Hypersensitivity or Immune

• Acute or chronic allergic reaction of skin 
• Causes: 
  • Cosmetics 
  • Laundry products 
  • Jewelry 
• Symptoms: 
  • Pain 
  • Small, red, localized lesions to vesicular lesions; example: Poison ivy 
• Treatment: 
  • Topical medications 
  • Antihistamines to relieve itching

Scleroderma

Hypersensitivity or Immune

• Autoimmune reaction 
• Hardening, thickening, and shrinking of connective tissues 
  • Including skin

Psoriasis

(Idiopathic Diseases)

• Very common, chronic skin disease 
• Affects individuals ages 15 to 35 
• Has periods of remission and exacerbation 
• Cause: 
  • Unknown but some hereditary basis does exist
• Symptoms: 
  • Rapid replacement of epidermal cells 
  • Red, raised lesions with distinct borders and silvery scales 
  • Scales generally appear on elbows, knees, and scalp

Rosacea

(Idiopathic Diseases)

• A chronic skin condition 
• Characterized by inflammation and redness of the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin 
• It is not dangerous or life-threatening 
• Cause 
  • Unknown 
  • Enlargement of the blood vessels just under the skin 
• Risk factors 
  • Blush easy, fair skinned, female • 30 – 50 years old

Rosacea

Continued

Symptoms: 

• Facial skin appears red with swelling or skin eruptions similar to acne vulgaris 
• Red, bulbous nose 
• Spider-like vessels called telangiectasia 
• Bloodshot, irritated, watery eyes 

Treatment: 

• No known cure 
• Identify triggers that cause exacerbations of the condition Avoid sun exposure, prolonged exertion in hot weather Avoid stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages  Antibiotic ointments to control skin eruptions 

Seborrheic Keratosis

(Benign Tumors)

• Benign overgrowth of epithelial cells 
• One of the most common benign growths in older adults 
• Cause: 
  • Unknown, but does appear to be age related 
• Symptoms: 
  • Tan or brown growths on hands, arms, and face 
  • Warty scale appearance 
• Treatment: 
  • Curettage 
  • Scraping of

Keloid

(Benign Tumors)

• Raised, firm, irregular-shaped scar tissue following trauma or surgery 
• Cause: 
• Overgrowth of collagen during connective tissue repair • More common in the black population 
• Treatment: 
• Surgical removal is usually not effective because it results in the growth of another keloid 
• Radiation, steroids, and cryotherapy may be helpful

Hemangioma

Benign Tumors

• Congenital benign tumor of small blood vessels that form purplish birthmark 
• Appear on the face and neck 
• Cause: 
  • Unknown 
• Common types: 
  • Port wine stain 
  • Strawberry hemangioma 
  • Cherry hemangioma 
• Treatment: 
  • Usually not necessary, many disappear by age 5 
  • Surgical removal

Actinic Keratosis

(Premalignant and Malignant Tumors )

Premalignant condition 

Common in fair-skinned individuals 

Cause: 

• Excessive exposure to the sun 

Symptoms: 

• Wart-like lesions on sun-exposed areas 

Treatment: 

• Topical medication 
• Ex, Retin-A 
• Curettage 
• Cryotherapy

Basal Cell Carcinoma

(Premalignant and Malignant Tumors)

• Most common type of skin cancer 
• Most often affects fair-skinned, blonde, blueor gray-eyed individuals 
• Slow-growing, locally invading tumor that does not metastasize 
• Cause: 
  • Genetic and environmental (sun exposure) factors Symptoms: 
  • Appearance varies; smooth, shiny bump, pink to pearly white 
• Treatment: 
  • Surgical removal

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

(Premalignant and Malignant Tumors)

• Less common than basal cell 
• Tends to grow more rapidly, becomes metastatic 
• Cause: 
  • Tends to occur in sun-exposed areas 
• Symptoms: 
  • Firm red nodule with crusts or slightly elevated plaque 
• Treatment: 
  • Wide surgical excision 
  • Radiation

Malignant Melanoma

(Premalignant and Malignant Tumors)

• Most serious type of skin cancer 
• Responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths 
• Rarely occurs before age 20 
• May be related to severe sunburn as child 
• Symptoms: 
  • Change in size and color of mole 
• Treatment depends on degree of spread: 
  • Wide surgical excision 
  • Radiation 
  • Chemotherapy

Kaposi's Sarcoma

(Premalignant and Malignant Tumors)

• Malignant vascular skin tumor 
• Cause: 
  • Not highly malignant except in the case of AIDS
• Symptoms: 
  • Bluish-red patches that grow under the skin 
• Treatment: 
  • Treat AIDS 
  • Liquid nitrogen 
  • Radiation 
  • Chemotherapy

• Ephelis 
  • Freckle 
  • Indicates skin damage due to sunburn 
• Lentigo 
  • Liver spot 
  • Occur on face, neck, and back of the hands in older adults 
• Nevus 
  • Mole 
  • Can be brown, black, or pink-colored 
  • Due to a collection of melanocytes

• Albinism
• Hereditary disorder 
• Decrease or total absence of pigment in skin, hair, and eyes 
• Vitiligo 
• Destruction of melanocytes in small or large patches of skin 
• Melasma 
• Dark patches of skin on face, especially the cheeks
• Common in pregnant females and those taking birth control pills 
• Usually disappears after delivery or discontinuation of medication

Hirutism

(Diseases of the Hair)

• Excessive growth of hair 
• In the female, may be caused by hormone abnormalities

Alopecia

(Diseases of the Hair)

• Partial or complete hair loss
• Male-patterned baldness 
• Common cause of hair loss in men 
• An inherited trait passed to males by their mothers 
• Can be seen in mother’s brothers (maternal uncles)  Symptoms: 
  • Begins around age 30 with receding front hairline
• Treatment:
  • Growth can be restored by certain special medications  Wig, toupee, hair transplant

Abrasion 

• Scraping away skin surface – friction or rug burns

Avulsion 

• Portion of skin is pulled away or torn 
• Usually occurs when tissue is caught in machinery

Laceration 

• Cut in skin caused by sharp object – knife, razor, glass

Hyperthermia

(Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury)

Body overheated due to excessive exposure to sun or heat  Types: 

• Heat exhaustion 
• Heat stroke

Heat Exhaustion

(Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury)

• Commonly occurs with excessive exercise in a warm environment 
• Symptoms: 
  • Profuse perspiration, loss of salt and water leading to dehydration 
  • Cool, moist skin 
  • Weakness, nausea 
  • Muscle cramps 
  • Body temperature is normal 
• Treatment: 
  • Place individual in cool place 
  • Fluid and salt replacement 
  • Transport to the hospital

Heat Stroke

(Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury)

• More serious than heat exhaustion 
• Body’s temperature regulation fails 
• Symptoms: 
  • Temperature above 105 degrees F 
  • Skin red and hot; NO perspiration 
  • Nausea, weakness 
  • Mental confusion – loss of consciousness – convulsions  Without rapid
  • treatment, brain damage and death can result 
• Treatment: 
  • Rapid cooling with cold water 
  • Immediate transport to hospital

Burns 

(Thermal Skin Injury)

• Cause: 
  • Can be caused by fire, steam, hot liquids, chemicals, electricity 
  • Burns are classified by depth of skin injury 
  • Main complications are fluid loss and infection 
• Treatment: 
  • Depends on the degree and type of burn 
  • Cooling of tissue with cool water to prevent further burning  Analgesics 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Surgical debridement

Burns 

(Thermal Skin Injury)

Types

Burns 

• First-degree burns 
  • Fairly common 
  • Pain, redness, swelling of skin 
  • Involve only the epidermis 
  • Often result of sunburn 
  • Heals usually within a week 
• Second-degree burns 
  • Also called partial-thickness burns 
  • Involve epidermis and dermis 
  • Extreme pain, redness, blisters, open wounds 
  • Usually heal in 2-3 weeks 
  • Infection can lead to third-degree wound

Burns 

(Thermal Skin Injury)

Types

Third-degree burns 

• Also called full-thickness burns 
• Involve the epidermis, dermis, exposing layers of fat, muscle, and bone 
• Burn areas are painless due to nerve destruction
• Characterized by charred and broken tissue layers
• Treatment often includes grafting 
• Scarring and deformity are common

Body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees F Symptoms: 

• Extreme shivering 
• Mental confusion 
• Blue or cyanotic extremities 
• Weak pulse 

Treatment: 

• Remove wet clothing 
• Warm body with warm blankets; drink warm liquids Immediately transport to a hospital

Frostbite

• Freezing of tissue 
• Usually on face, fingers, toes, ears 
• Symptoms: 
  • Affected area is painless and white 
  • Warming the skin leads to pain and redness 
• Treatment: 
  • Rapid warming in warm water baths 
  • Emergency treatment at a medical facility

Decubitus AKA Pressure ulcer

( Pressure Injury)

• Commonly called a bedsore or pressure sore 
• Cause: 
  • Affects bony areas of body 
  • Ex. heels, sacrum, elbows 
  • Increased pressure in these bony areas slows blood flow and leads to ischemia and necrosis 
• Prevention: 
  • Frequent turning and repositioning 
  • Massaging of affected area to improve circulation

• Protective hyperplasias of tissue 
• Main difference in corn and callus is location 
• Corns 
  • Found on feet 
  • Often painful 
  • Due to ill-fitting shoes
  • Can be surgically removed 
• Calluses 
  • Not usually painful 
  • Most common on hands 
  • Protect the hands form repeated injury

Insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings 

• Vary from bloodsucking to stings 
• May cause swelling and itching at site 
• Insect bites can transmit disease 
• Symptoms: 
  • Venom or poison may cause allergic reaction 
  • Range from mild to severe 
  • Severe reaction called anaphylaxis 
• Treatment: 
  • Hydrocortisone cream 
  • Antihistamine; analgesic 
  • Emergency medical treatment; CPR and call 911

Black widow

Brown recluse spider

(Trauma – Spider Bites)

Black widow 

• Most commonly known poisonous spider
• Only the female bites, usually when disturbed or trying to protect her eggs 
• Cause:  The venom of the spider is a protein that affects the victim’s nervous system 
• Symptoms: Acute pain at the site, abdominal pain, nausea, fainting, dizziness 
• Treatment:Cold compresses ,Pain relievers

Brown recluse spider 

• Very dangerous Also called fiddleback, violin spider and brown fiddler ,Very reclusive; bite only when threatened 
• Cause: Venom is extremely poisonous ,Bites are rarely fatal, but deaths have been reported 
• Symptoms:  Severe pain, itching, fever, nausea, muscle pain
• Treatment: Application of ice pack ,Analgesic medications ,Seek medical treatment

Elephantiasis

(Rare Disease)

• Hypertrophy of skin and subcutaneous tissue giving it an elephant-like appearance 
• Inflammation of lymphatic system results in fluid accumulation 
• Cause: 
  • Parasitic worm 
  • Most common in tropical areas such as central Africa 
  • Spread by mosquitoes and bloodsucking flies

•  sweat and sebaceous glands do not function as well

Muscular dystrophy (MD)

(Musculoskeletal Genetic Disorder)

• Genetic degeneration or weakening of muscles
• Duchenne’s MD 
  • Most common type 
• Cause: 
  • Sex-linked disorder passes mother to son 
• Symptoms: 
  • Onset between 2 and 5 years of age Waddling gait, toe walking, lordosis, Gower’s maneuver 
• Treatment: 
  • No cure 
  • Physical therapy, orthopedic devices, exercise helpful

Congenital hip dislocation (CHD)

Musculoskeletal 

Abnormal hip joint resulting in femoral head slipping out of normal position 

Cause: 

Improper positioning in uterus, maternal hormones Symptoms: 

Asymmetrical folds of affected thigh 

Difference in leg length 

Limited abduction – Ortolanti’s sign

Treatment: 

Closed or surgical reduction of femoral head

Clubfoot

Musculoskeletal 

• Also known as talipes equinovarus 
• Common congenital abnormality of foot 
• Cause: 
  • Unknown 
• Symptoms: 
  • Foot or feet turn inward with toes pointed downward and heel drawn upward
• Treatment: 
  • Gradual straightening 
  • Cast 
  • Splints

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Musculoskeletal

• Abnormally brittle bones leading to fractures 
• Cause: 
  • Inherited gene mutation 
• Symptoms: 
  • Frequent bone fractures 
  • Blue coloration of sclera of eyes 
• Treatment: 
  • No cure 
  • Tendency for bones to fracture often disappears by adulthood

Hydrocephalus

(Neurologic)

• Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in brain due to obstruction 
• Cause: 
  • Congenital defect, infection, tumor o Symptoms: 
  • Rapid enlargement of infant head and bulging eyes 
  • Tight scalp and prominent head veins 
  • Shrill, high-pitched cry 
• Treatment: 
  • Surgical correction with shunt placement

Microcephaly

Neurologic 

• A condition where the head is smaller in circumference than normal because the brain has not developed or has stopped growing. 
• Cause: 
  • genetic abnormalities or maternal factors. 
• Treatment: 
  • Focuses on symptoms and includes physical and speech therapies. Medications may be used to control seizures and neuromuscular symptoms. 
  • It is a major health concern due to the recent link with this defect and exposure to the Zika virus

Cerebral palsy

Neurologic 

• Congenital bilateral paralysis 
• Cause: 
  • Inadequate blood or oxygen supply to brain during fetal development, birthing process, or infancy 
• Symptoms: 
  • Hyperactive reflexes and rapid muscle contraction
  • Muscle weakness with scissors gait 
• Treatment: 
  • Physical and speech therapy 
  • Orthopedic cast, braces, and surgery 
  • Anticonvulsants 
  • Muscle relaxants 
  • No cure

Spina bifida 

Neurologic

• Congenital disorder 
• Opening in spinal column 
• Cause: 
  • Unknown 
  • Risk factors include maternal radiation, virus, genetic factors 
• Symptoms: 
  • Differ with form of disease 
• Forms of spina bifida 
  • Spina bifida occulta 
  • Meningocele 
  • Myelomeningocele 
• Treatment:
  • Surgery

 Huntington’s disease

Neurologic 

• Genetic defect of chromosome 4 
• Cause: 
  • Genetic – if one parent has disorder, 50% chance in offspring 
• Symptoms: 
  • Behavioral changes 
  • Unsteady gait 
  • Increasing dementia 
• Treatment: 
  • No cure 
  • Medications reduce symptoms

Congenital heart defects

Cardiovascular

• Heart and related vessels are most common sites of congenital defects 
• Defects can range from small to quite large 
• Collectively, these malformations are called congenital heart defects
• Cause: 
• Unknown, but genetic tendency is strongly suspected 
• Symptoms: 
• Vary from mild (asymptomatic) to extreme with cyanosis, breathing difficulty, and heart murmurs 
• Diagnosis: 
  • Electrocardiogram 
  • Physical examination 
• Treatment: 
  • Early diagnosis 
  • Surgery to correct the defect

Congenital heart defects

Types

Atrial septal defect 

• Opening between right and left atria 
• Commonly due to foramen ovale not closing at birth
• Causes increased workload on right heart 

Ventricular septal defect 

• Most common heart defect 
• Hole between right and left ventricle 
• Blood shunted from left to right 
• Causes increased workload on right heart

Congenital heart defects

Types

Patent ductus arteriosus 

• Connection between pulmonary artery and aorta that does not close off after birth 
• Blood shunts from aorta to pulmonary artery 
• Causes increased workload on heart and pulmonary system 

Coarctation of aorta 

• Stricture or narrowing of aorta 
• Causes increased blood pressure proximal to narrowing 
• Causes increased workload on heart

Congenital heart defects

Types

Tetralogy of Fallot 

• One of the most serious of congenital defects 
• Combination of four problems 
  • Pulmonary valve stenosis 
  • Right ventricle hypertrophy 
  • Ventricle septal defect 
  • Abnormal placement of aorta

Sickle cell anemia 

• Chronic hereditary form of anemia 
• Predominantly affects black population 

Hemophilia 

• X-linked hereditary disorder passed from mother to son

Developmental malformations

Digestive 

Several developmental malformations occur in the digestive system 

Cause: 

• Unknown 
• Might be related to genetic tendencies 
• Might be related to maternal risk factors 
• Maternal rubella 
• Poor maternal nutrition 
• Smoking 
• Alcoholism

Developmental malformations

Digestive 

Types 

• Meckel’s diverticulum 
  • Outpouching of diverticulum of the ileum 
• Esophageal atresia 
  • Abnormal esophagus 
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia 
  • A hole in the diaphragm
• Imperforate anus 
  • Failure of the anus to connect to the rectum 
• Cleft lip 
  • One or more splits in upper lip 
  • Affects boys more frequently than girls 
• Treatment: 
  • Surgical repair
• Cleft palate 
  • More serious than cleft lip 
  • Involves roof of mouth 
• Treatment: 
  • Surgical repair

Pyloric stenosis

 Genetic digestive disorders 

• Narrowing of lower end of stomach 
• Common anomaly of digestive tract 
• Symptoms: 
  • Projectile vomiting 
• Treatment: 
  • Pylorotomy

Hirschsprung’s disease

 Genetic digestive disorders

• Absence of nerves in segment of colon 
  • Usually sigmoid colon 
• Symptoms: 
  • Chronic constipation 
  • Abdominal distention 
• Treatment: 
  • Surgical removal of affected segment 
  • Temporary colostomy may be necessary to allow adequate healing of colon

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Genetic digestive disorders

• Genetic disorder involving faulty metabolism of protein phenylalanine 
• Diagnosis by blood test 72 hours after birth 
  • Mandatory in United States 
• Lack of treatment can result in mental disability

Hypospadias 

• Abnormal congenital opening of male urinary meatus on under surface of penis 

Epispadias 

• Abnormal congenital opening of male urinary meatus on upper surface of penis 

Cause of these conditions:

• Unknown 

Treatments:No treatment to surgical repair

Wilms’ tumor 

Most common solid tumor affecting children and infants o Cause: Thought to be genetic ,Highly malignant, Usually replaces one whole kidney 

Symptoms: Asymptomatic until large enough to feel in child’s stomach

Treatment: Chemotherapy • Surgery

Cryptorchidism 

• Condition of undescended testes 

Turner’s syndrome 

• Affects females; ovaries are abnormal or absent o
• Cause: 
• Chromosomal disorder 
• Females have only one X chromosome 
• Rather than two XX chromosomes 
• Symptoms: 
• Failure to develop normal secondary sex characteristics 
• Treatment: 
• Reduce growth with hormones and estrogen therapy

Klinefelter’s syndrome 

• Affects males; do not develop secondary sex characteristics 
• Cause: 
  • Chromosomal disorder 
  • Affected males have extra X chromosome o
• Symptoms: 
  • Not diagnosed until puberty due to abnormal male sexual development 
  • Sterility, abnormally small penis and testes 
  • Delayed speech and learning disabilities 
• Treatment: 
  • Testosterone treatment and psychological counseling

Autism

Developmental Disorders

• Developmental disorder characterized by difficulty communicating and forming relationships 
• Cause: 
  • Unknown 
• Symptoms: 
  • Blank facial expression 
  • Involved with self – inaccessible to others 
• Treatment 
  • Behavioral therapy 
  • Depends on severity and symptoms present

 Stuttering 

 Developmental Disorders 

• Also known as stammering 
• Developmental speech disorder 
• Cause: 
  • Often occurs when child addresses an impatient or angry parent 
• Symptoms: 
  • Hesitancy of starting and finishing words 
  • Prolonged pauses between words 
• Treatment: 
  • Behavior modification 
  • Positive reinforcement

Cystic fibrosis

Developmental Disorders 

• Hereditary disorder that affect all exocrine glands o
• Cause: 
  • Hereditary recessive disorder 
• Symptoms: 
  • Affects all exocrine glands leading to viscous secretions 
• Treatment: 
  • Postural drainage 
  • Chest-clapping 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Bronchodilators 
  • Expectorants 
  • Oxygen

Down syndrome

Developmental Disorders 

• Also called trisomy 21 – a condition of having 3 chromosomes instead of the normal 2 in the 21st position of the chromosome chain 
• Symptoms: 
  • Mild to severe mental disability 
  • Flat nasal bridge Low-set ears 
  • Slanted eyes Epicanthus 
  • Thick, protruding tongue 
  • Abnormal extremities 
  • Organ defects 
• Treatment: 
  • Highly individualized to maximize mental and physical abilities

• Lack of physical growth and development in infant or child 
• Cause: 
  • Disturbance in mother–child relationship or failure to bond
• Symptoms: 
  • Weight loss or failure to gain weight 
  • Anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea 
  • Irritability 
  • Rag-doll limpness 
  • Unresponsiveness to affection 
  • Avoidance of eye contact 
  • Stiffening when cuddled 
• Treatment: 
  • Teaching of mothering and nurturing behaviors to mother/parents 
  • Promotion of self-esteem

• A group of symptoms and birth defects in an infant born to a mother who consumed alcohol during pregnancy 
• Symptoms: 
  • Varying degrees of mental disability 
  • Decreased physical development 
  • Irritability in infants 
  • Hyperactivity in older children 
  • Microcephaly 
  • Increased incidence of ventricular septal defects

Congenital rubella syndrome

• Transmission of rubella virus to unborn fetus 
• Can cause spontaneous abortion or major birth defects 
• The most common defects are: 
  • Microcephaly 
  • Learning disorders 
  • Deafness 
  • Abnormal growth 
  • Heart defects 
  • Ocular lesions 
• Prevention: 
• Immunization 
  • No pregnancy for 3 months after immunization

Anencephaly 

• Absence of brain or cranial vault o Not compatible with life 

Achondroplasia 

• Decreased long bone growth leading to type of dwarfism  

Tay-Sachs disease 

• Genetic error in lipid metabolism resulting in accumulation of toxins in brain

Measles (aka rubeola)

Viral

• One of the most serious childhood diseases 
• Commonly spread by contaminated airborne droplets
• Symptoms: 
  • Fever 
  • Runny nose 
  • Red maculopapular rash 
  • Koplik’s spots

Rubella 

Viral 

• Type of measles 
• Also known as German measles 
• In pregnant women may lead to birth defects 
• Less contagious than rubeola 
• Symptoms: 
  • Lymph node enlargement, nasal discharge, joint pain, chills, fever 
  • Children and women of childbearing age should be immunized

Mumps

Viral 

• Inflammation of parotid glands 
• Symptoms: 
  • Chills 
  • Fever 
  • Ear pain 
  • Swelling of parotid glands 
• Complication: 
  • Orchitis and nerve conduction deafness

Varicella & Poliomyelitis

Viral Diseases

Varicella 

• Also known as chickenpox or herpes zoster 
• Highly contagious 
• Symptoms: 
  • Classic rash that develops into vesicles 
  • Rash on face, trunk, and extremities

Poliomyelitis 

• Causes: 
  • Polio virus 
• Immunization has reduced threat of disease

Influenza

Viral

• Acute infectious respiratory disease 
• Occurs late fall through early spring 
• Symptoms: 
  • Sudden high fever 
  • Dry, hacking cough 
  • Chills, headache, joint or muscle aches 
• Prevention: 
  • Vaccination

Common cold

Viral Diseases

• Most frequently occurring disease 
• Causes: 
  • Rhinovirus 
• Prevention: 
  • Good hand washing

Mononucleosis

Viral Diseases

• Primarily affects children and young adults 
• Causes: 
  • Epstein-Barr virus 
• Symptoms: 
  • Fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph glands

AIDS

Viral Diseases

• Has now affected thousands of children
• Cause: 
  • HIV 
  • Most cases result from maternal–fetal transfer 
  • Children suffer symptoms and often are orphaned
• Treatment: 
  • Treatment focuses on prevention

Pertussis 

• Also known as whooping cough 
• Symptoms: 
• Catarrhal stage - inflammation of the mucous membranes (usually throat, nasal sinuses) 
• Paroxysmal stage – intense “whooping” cough, cyanosis  Convalescent stage – gradually less frequent cough

Diphtheria 

• Severe inflammation of respiratory system 
• Was a leading cause of death in children 
• Rarely seen now due to vaccination

Tuberculosis 

• Most commonly affects the respiratory system 
• But can be systemic to bone, brain, lymph nodes 
• Increasing number of cases in children

Tularemia 

• Also known as rabbit fever 
• Transmitted by bite of infected insect or direct contact with infected animal 
• Prevention is avoiding tick bites

Impetigo

Bacterial Diseases

• Contagious superficial pyoderma 
• Causes: 
  • Staphylococcus 
  • Group A Streptococcus 
• Prevention: 
  • Good hand washing

Acute tonsillitis 

Bacterial Diseases

• Infection of palatine tonsils located on posterior wall of nasopharynx 
• Cause: 
• Commonly group A beta-hemolytic streptococci Symptoms: 
  • Sore throat 
  • Enlarged tonsils 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Tonsillectomy

Otitis media 

Bacterial Diseases

• Acute bacterial infection of middle ear 
• Untreated, chronic infection develops 
• Symptoms: 
  • Pain, fever, ear drainage 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Myringotomy with tympanoplasty to relive fluid pressure

Tinea (aka ringworm)

Fungal Diseases

• Group of diseases 
• Tinea capitis 
  • Scalp
• Tinea pedis 
  • Feet 
• Tinea cruris 
  • Groin and scrotum

Giardiasis 

Parasitic Diseases

• Infection by caused by protozoa called Giardia lamblia  Young children are most often affected 
• Protozoa lodge in lining of the small intestine 
• Risk factors: dogs, travel, contaminated water
• Symptoms: 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Nausea 
  • Cramping 
  • Flatulence

Pediculosis 

Parasitic Diseases

• Infestation with lice 
• Transmitted human to human by direct contact 
• Nits 
  • Lice eggs 
• Epidemic among school children 
• Treatment with permethrin

Pin worms & Roundworms

Parasitic Diseases

Pinworms 

• Parasitic nematodes that infect intestines and rectum Transmitted by ingestion or inhalation of eggs from infected surfaces 
• Symptoms: 
• Anal itching; worms appear as tiny white threads

Roundworms 

• Found in soil 
• Parasites lodge in intestines 
• Abdominal pain, gas, weight/appetite loss, pneumonia symptoms if in lungs 
• Spread by hand-to-mouth activity 
• Absorb nutrients from host 

Respiratory Diseases 

Children

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 

• Abrupt, unexplained death of infant under age 1 
• Symptom: 
• Only symptom is death of unknown cause in an infant

Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) 

• Upper respiratory infection 
• Affects children ages 3 months to 3 years 
• Symptoms: 
• Inspiratory stridor

Respiratory Diseases 

Children

• Adenoid hyperplasia 
  • Enlargement of pharyngeal tonsils 
  • May require adenoidectomy
• Asthma 
  • Serious chronic respiratory disease in children 
• Symptoms: 
  • Acute coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath 
• Cause: 
  • Unknown 
  • Triggers: Stimuli that cause attack

Pneumonia 

Respiratory Diseases 

Children

• Infection of lung parenchyma 
• Symptoms: 
  • Cough 
  • Fever 
  • Wheezing 
  • Malaise 
• Treatment: 
  • Antibiotics if bacterial 
  • If viral, runs course in 5-7 days

   Fluid imbalances

 children

• Fluid imbalances
• Vomiting or diarrhea can be serious 
• Dehydration 
  • Life-threatening in children
• Food allergies 
• Most often in children under age 1 
• Most common allergies are cow’s milk and eggs 
• Many disappear after age 5 
• If allergy develops after age 3, it usually continues into adult life

Digestive Diseases

Children

Eating disorders  

Eating disorders 

• Major problem among children 
  • Especially adolescent females 
• Most common types: 
  • Anorexia nervosa 
  • Bulimia 

Musculoskeletal Diseases 

children 

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP) 

• Avascular necrosis of upper end of femur 
• Causes changes in bone growth 
• Untreated, it may lead to permanent deformity

Ewing’s sarcoma 

• Malignant neoplasm occurring before age 20 
• Usually in long bones 
• More common in males 
• Quickly metastatic and highly malignant

Blood Diseases

Leukemia 

Children 

• Malignancy of blood-forming cells in bone marrow 
• Most common disorder of blood and blood-forming organs in children 
• Symptoms: 
  • Pallor, bleeding or bruising, fatigue, joint/bone/abdominal pain 
• Treatment: 
  • Among the most curable diseases of childhood cancers Chemotherapy

Neurologic Diseases

Children 

Reye’s syndrome

Acute encephalopathy in children under age 15 who have had viral infection 

Cause: 

• Unknown, there is a relationship between the disease and use of aspirin for febrile illnesses in children 

Symptoms: 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Liver enlargement 
• Lethargy 
• Seizures, coma, and in many cases death

Eye and Ear Diseases

Children 

Strabismus

• Lazy or cross-eye

Suicide 

Children

Trauma

• Third leading cause of death among young people  Prevention 
  • Early intervention most important

Poisoning 

Children 

Trauma 

• Among top five causes of accidental death under age 10
• Most poisonings due to common substances found at home 
  • Ex,, cleaning products, medicines, plants