Acrophobia Definition Acrophobia is derived from the greek word ákron , meaning “peak, summit, edge” and phóbos, “which means fear. Phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that has irrational and excessive fear reactions. Acrophobia is defined as an unexplainable, intensely fear of heights, it can cause a person to fear various things associated to being far from the ground. When being exposed to heights, most people will experience a natural fear, and feeling of being uncomfortable. But it is not expected for a person to have uncontrollable panic, distress and not able to perform everyday activities due to severe…

What is Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver? Focal Nodular Hyperplasia is a benign tumor growth in the liver. Focal nodular hyperplasia is the second most common benign growth in the liver after hemangioma. Most cases are asymptomatic and are only diagnosed accidentally from imaging studies, while one third of the cases are discovered due to the emergence of clinical symptoms. This is a benign tumor growth, and has rare tendencies to become malignant, these benign lesions rarely causes bleeding and does not grow rapidly. Characteristics The tumor growth in focal nodular hyperplasia has the following characteristics: Benign (no tendencies to…

What is Hypospadias? Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly in which the urethral opening is located below the glans penis or anywhere along the ventral surface (underside) of the penile shaft. This is a rare disorder that usually affects males and is believed to occur during 8-20 weeks’ gestation while the urethra is developing. Although commonly found in males, a form of hypospadia can be seen in females as well, in which the genital is positioned abnormally. Picture 1 – Observe the abnormal urethral opening Causes of Hypospadias Although the sole reason of this condition is not fully understood, there are…

What is Fissured Tongue? Fissure is defined as a long, narrow opening or line of breakage in the form of a crack, split or groove. Fissured tongue is a rare condition that is characterized by grooves or furrows appear along the dorsum (Upper part) and lateral (toward the side) of the tongue. Fissure can be shallow, but it may also varies in-depth approximately as deep as 6 millimiters, can be single or multiple. Fissures may connect with other fissures dividing the tongue into small portions. It is also called as, “Scrotal Tongue”, “Lingua Plicata” and “Plicated tongue”. The widespread of Fissure…

What is Brown Recluse Spider Bite? There are actually numerous spiders out there. Some are harmless and some are dangerous to human beings. One of the most known spiders that are considered dangerous is the Brown Recluse Spider. Its scientific name is Loxoceles Reclusa. It is classified as an arachnid family. These kinds of spiders are found in southern and Midwestern parts of the United States of America. They are usually found hanging out in darkened places, on the rocks, leaves, and wood. When you are bitten by this kind of spider, its venom is poisonous. It will destroy your…

What is Inclusion Body Myositis? Inclusion Body Myositis or IBM is what is medically termed as an inflammatory muscular disease. It is characterized as a progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Persons aging 50 years or more are the people who are often affected by this disease condition. These are a very rare condition that occurs and is reportedly seen most on women than in men. Although this said muscular disease condition can be seen during adulthood. Observe Muscle wasting of both thighs Causes of IBM The exact etiology of Inclusion Body Myositis is still unknown. Yet there are theories with…

What is Baker’s Cyst? Baker’s cyst, also known as popliteal cyst or bulge-knee, is a swelling of the synovial bursa located behind the knees (popliteal area). The swelling comes from the synovial fluid from the knee joint that accumulates at the concave area behind the knee. The term baker’s cyst was named from a British doctor named William Morrant Baker, the surgeon who first described it. It is a benign condition and not actually a “cyst” because it is not encapsulated and open communication with the synovial sac is preserved. Baker’s cyst in adults usually develops because of excess weight…

What is Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva? Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva also called by the medical professionals as Myositis Ossificans and Stone Man Syndrome. It is a rare type genetic disorder where the soft tissues, muscle tissues and connective tissues that are present in the body became a bone. This disease will make the person experienced difficulty in moving the parts that are affected because it became ossified. It decreases the person mobility as well it affects the person way eating and talking. This disease is only passed through genes or so called by the professionals as autosomal dominant condition that means it…