Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a disease that generally begins late in childhood and is characterized by swelling of facial features, most frequently the lips. The areas of swelling may include the eyelids. MRS is most likely to become evident in childhood or adolescence. The swelling and facial palsy are believed to be due to lymphatic…

Meige syndrome or blepharospasm-oromandibular dystonia is a syndrome that is characterized by dyskinesia or the impairment of voluntary movement of muscles of the eye-lids and lower jaw. Movement is impaired such that there may be fragmentary or incomplete movements as well as uncontrolled or involuntary movements. With Meige syndrome, the muscles of the face and…

Megalocornea mental retardation (MMR) syndrome is characterized by distinctive abnormalities of the eyes and varying degrees of mental retardation. MMR syndrome is an extremely rare, recessively inherited genetic disorder. The range and severity of symptoms may differ from child to child.  

Medullary sponge kidney disorder is a familial disorder that has autosomal dominant transmission. In some cases, however, the occurrence of medullary sponge kidney disorder can be sporadic. It is estimated that 1 in 100 to 200 individuals have some form of medullary sponge kidney, but many may be asymptomatic. The true incidence may be closer…

Medullary cystic kidney disorder is a familial disorder that is progressive in nature and results in renal failure. Historically believed to be the same disorder, nephrophthisis (NPH), the autosomal recessive form of medullary cystic disease, is more likely to become evident in late adolescence, and therefore males and females are affected equally. There is also…

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) is an enzyme that is active in the liver, white blood cells (leukocytes), and connective tissue cells (fibroblasts). This enzyme is necessary for the breakdown of fatty acids in the body. A deficiency in MCAD may lead to an accumulation of fatty acids in the liver and the brain.  

Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MGS) is a genetically transmitted disorder that affects the central nervous system and kidneys. Associated defects commonly involve the eyes, face, mouth, heart, lungs, genitalia, and extremities.  

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a nonhereditary condition characterized by multiple thickened areas of bone (polyostotic fibrous dysplasia), irregularly shaped splotches of increased skin pigmentation, and extremely early onset of puberty (precocious puberty). The skin findings are usually present at birth or appear within the first few months of life. Bony abnormalities become evident during childhood…

Mast cells, connective tissue cells, play an eminent role in defending tissue, including the skin and select organ tissue, from disease. Mastocytosis is a relatively rare disorder affecting approximately less than 1% of births in the United States. Mastocytosis is caused by the proliferation or presence of too many mast cells in children and adults.…