Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A degenerative condition of the spinal cord which most commonly occurs as a complication of pernicious anaemia. The motor and sensory nerves in the cord are damaged, causing spasticity of the limbs and an unsteady gait. Treatment is with vitamin B12. Degeneration of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal column. Clinically, paresthesia, sensory…

A condition in which there is constant desire to pass water, accompanied by a straining sensation, though only a few drops can be voided. It is a symptom of inflammation in the urinary tract.  

A synthetic oestrogen. Its physiological actions are closely similar to those of the natural ovarian hormone, and it has the great merit of being active when taken by mouth. The drug may help patients suffering from cancer of the prostate gland, inducing in some cases regression of the primary tumour and of secondary deposits in…

The procedure using computer-controlled X-ray images whereby precise localization in space is achieved. It is applied to that branch of surgery known as stereotactic neurosurgery, in which the surgeon is able to localize precisely those areas of the brain on which he or she wishes to operate.  

The form of preumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of stannous (tin) oxide, which occurs in tin-ore mining. The deposition of tin oxide dust in the upper or lower respiratory tract. Patients may complain of irritation of the eyes, nasal passages, and other mucous membranes. Chest xray examination often reveals dust deposits in the lungs, but…

A branched renal stone formed in the image of the collecting system of the kidney. It fills the calyces and pelvis, often resulting from infection of the urine, particularly with Proteus vulgaris. A sizable kidney stone that has multiple protrusions and forms in the renal pelvis, the central chamber within the kidney where urine accumulates…

A herbal extract (from a type of lily) that is included in some over-the-counter cough remedies because of its believed expectorant properties. An ancient remedy now rarely employed in medical practice, with therapeutic and toxic effects that mimic those of digoxin. It is derived from plants of the lily family.  

Also called floaters, these are usually harmless but can be a result of inflammation or bleeding in the eye, or as an early sign of impending retinal detachment.  

In some acute infectious diseases, the spleen 3 arterial capillaries ending in sinuses becomes congested and acutely enlarged: for example, in typhoid fever anthrax and infectious mononucleosis. In diseases associated with marked changes in the blood, such as leukaemia and malaria, it may become chronically enlarged. Rupture of the spleen may occur, like rupture of…