Syndromes

Prader-Willi Syndrome What is Prader-Willi Syndrome? First described in 1956, Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by defective or missing genes. In about 70% of cases, genes inherited from the father are deleted on a specific section of chromosome 15,...

Plica Syndrome What is Plica Syndrome? Plica syndrome is an irritation of the synovial membrane in the knee. The synovial membrane encloses the knee joint and contains the fluid that keeps the joint lubricated. Plica syndrome results when the synovial lining becomes...

Meralgia Parasthetica (Bernhardt-Roth Syndrome) What is Meralgia Parasthetica (Bernhardt-Roth Syndrome) Meralgia parasthetica occurs as a result of compression to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, a long nerve that stretches from the spine through the groin and...

What is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder in which babies are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. (The disorder also is called Trisomy 21.) Chromosomes determine how a baby grows in the mother's womb before birth and how the baby's body...

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve when it passes under a bony bump (medial epicondyle) on the inside portion of the elbow. In this area, the nerve is relatively unprotected and can be trapped between...

What is Container Baby Syndrome? Container baby syndrome (CBS) is a collection of movement, behavior, and other problems caused by a baby or infant spending too much time in a "container," any commonly-used piece of baby equipment that resembles a container,...

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)? CRPS, formally known as RSD (regional sympathetic dystrophy), is considered to be a multi-system disorder characterized by severe pain; pathological changes of the bones, joints, and skin; excessive sweating; tissue...

What is Compartment Syndrome? Our limbs (arms and legs) are divided into compartments that contain different muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Each compartment is separated by fascia, a thick sheet-like tissue that does not stretch. Our bodies are able to handle...

What Is Chronic Pain? Pain is an unpleasant sensation that we usually associate with injury or tissue damage, but can actually be present in the absence of tissue damage as well. Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain lasts for a short time – up to 12 weeks. It is a...

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition categorized by generalized fatigue that persists for 6 months or longer, and is more intense than would be expected based on the effort a person regularly exerts. Although science has yet to...

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? About the width of your thumb, the carpal tunnel is a narrow channel on the palm side of your wrist. The tunnel protects the median nerve and the tendons that bend your fingers. Pressure on the nerve can cause pain and weakness in your...