Category: M

A birth defect characterized by a group of deformities affecting the size and shape of the ears, eyelids, cheekbones, and jaw. Also called Treacher Collins syndrome. Physical features of mandibulofacial dysostosis may include down-slanting eyes; notches in the lower eyelids; a prominent nose; a broad mouth; a small chin with a steeply angled lower jaw;…

The use of magnetic devices placed on or near the body, thought by some to relieve pain and speed healing. Magnet therapy is used to treat arthritis (especially osteoarthritis), insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and headaches and is popular among professional athletes. The application of permanent magnets to painful regions of the human body in an…

A class of antibiotics produced naturally by Streptomyces, a type of aerobic bacteria. The macrolides have a wide spectrum of activity and are used to treat infections in people who are allergic to penicillin. Among the infections treated with macrolides are Streptococcus infections, legionnaires disease, and chlamydial infections. Macrolides are also used to improve digestive…

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a term used to describe overlapping groups of collagen diseases that cannot be individually categorized as one of the specific disorders. MCTD is characterized by symptoms including muscle weakness and pain in the joints. There may be other symptoms relating to disorders of the…

Surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis. Circumcision is performed routinely on many newborn males for social or cultural reasons. There is no medical reason for routine circumcision of infants. However, in later life, conditions may develop in uncircumcised males that require circumcision. These include inability to pull the foreskin back from the…

Retention of a fetus that has died in the uterus. A missed abortion may have no signs or may be characterized by the absence of a fetal heart-beat, or a uterus that is hard, not growing, or decreasing in size. If a fetal heartbeat is not detected, an ultrasound is performed to confirm whether the…

A type of tuberculosis that resists normally effective medications.  

A measurement of the time taken by a nerve impulse to travel a specific length of the nerve path.  

Recording of the electrical properties of muscles such as in the arms or legs during their resting and active phases, to diagnose various muscle diseases.  

A test done to observe the motility of organisms in “hanging drop” suspensions or culture preparations.