| demyelinating disease | Diseases in which the myelin sheath of nerves is destroyed and that often have an autoimmune component. Examples are multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (a complication of acute viral infection), experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| demyelinating diseases | Any condition characterised by the destruction of myelin and extensive loss of the myelin sheaths of the nerve fibres. It affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Its aetiology is at present unknown. (12 Dec 1998) |
| acute demyelinating polyneuropathy | <neurology> A neurologic condition. Synonym: Guillain-Barre syndrome. Origin: Gr. Pathos = disease (27 Sep 1997) |
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| chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy | An uncommon, acquired, demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy, clinically characterised by insidious onset, and slow evolution, (either steady progression or stepwise), and chronic course; symmetrical weakness is a predominant symptom, often involving proximal leg muscles, accompanied by paresthesias, but not pain; CSF examination shows elevated protein, while electrodiagnostic studies reveal evidence of a demyelinating process, primarily conduction slowing rather than block; sometimes responds to prednisone. (05 Mar 2000) |
| segmental demyelinating polyneuropathy | A type of polyneuropathy in which almost solely the peripheral nerve myelin is affected; can be both familial (e.g., Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, type 1), or acquired (e.g., Guillain-Barre syndrome); on motor nerve conduction studies, manifested as conduction slowing or block. Synonym: segmental demyelinating polyneuropathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| demyelinating encephalopathy | Extensive idiopathic loss of myelin sheaths in the brain, as occurs in leukodystrophy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| demyelinating polyneuropathy | A type of polyneuropathy in which almost solely the peripheral nerve myelin is affected; can be both familial (e.g., Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, type 1), or acquired (e.g., Guillain-Barre syndrome); on motor nerve conduction studies, manifested as conduction slowing or block. Synonym: segmental demyelinating polyneuropathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aaa disease | Endemic anaemia of ancient Egypt, ascribed in the Papyrus Ebers to intestinal infestation with ancylostoma; now called ancylostomiasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn | Erythroblastosis foetalis due to maternal-foetal incompatibility with respect to an antigen of the ABO blood group; the foetus possesses A or B antigen which is lacking in the mother, and the mother produces immune antibody which causes haemolysis of foetal erythrocytes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accumulation disease | A disease characterised by abnormal accumulation of a metabolic product in certain cells and tissues; examples include the mucopolysaccharidoses, lipoidoses. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Acosta's disease | A condition that results from prolonged exposure to high altitude. Symptoms include a continuous dry cough, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance, dizziness, headache, sleep difficulty, anorexia, confusion, fatigue and a rapid pulse. Treatment includes the immediate movement to a lower altitude. Prophylaxis has been accomplished successfully with the use of acetazolamide (Diamox). (27 Sep 1997) |
| acquired immunodeficiency disease | Acquired immunodeficiency disease: Disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (12 Dec 1998) |
| acute disease | Disease having a short and relatively severe course. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Adams-Stokes disease | <syndrome> Transient asystole or ventricular fibrillation in the presence of atrioventricular block. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Addison-Biermer disease | <haematology> A form of anaemia (low red blood cell counts) that results when the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor, necessary for normal B12 absorption, may be the underlying cause for B12 deficiency if is not produced in the gastric glands (in the stomach). Origin: Gr. Haima = blood (27 Sep 1997) |
| Addison's disease | <endocrinology> A rare endocrine disease that results from the underproduction of aldosterone and cortisol (hormones) by the adrenal glands. Symptoms include weakness, low blood pressure, anaemia, low blood sugar and electrolyte abnormalities. (27 Sep 1997) |
| adult-onset still's disease | Although Still's disease was first described in children, it is known to begin in adults. See: Still's disease. (12 Dec 1998) |