What is babesiosis?

Babesiosis refers to a malaria-like illness caused by the parasite Babesia. It is transmitted from animals to humans by various ticks. Babesia species of protozoan parasites infect cattle, horses, dogs, cats, and mice – humans are opportunistic hosts. Humans get this zoonotic infection incidentally, when bitten by adult ticks or nymph. Individuals with babesiosis may not show any symptoms. However, babesiosis can severely affect the elderly or other people without spleen with a weak immune system. It may even lead to death.

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What is pilonidal disease?

Pilonidal disease is a a recurrent or persistent infection of the skin and underlying tissue at the top of the cleft of the buttocks (crease or “crack”). The infection leads to the formation of a cyst, abscess or long passages (sinus tracts). Due to its chronic nature in some people, the condition is referred to as pilonidal disease. Pilonidal disease is mainly seen in males. It is a painful condition that can lead to severe infections if not treated and managed properly.

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What is foot drop?

Foot drop refers to difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot, due to weakness of the ankle and toe. The lower limb is highly muscular and the movements of these muscles are carefully coordinated by the brain via nerves. Foot drop occurs when the muscles, nerves or parts of the brain coordinating the movement of the foot is damaged or diseased. This may result in dragging the front of the foot on the ground while walking. Patients with foot drop attempt to compensate by altering the way they walk appearing as a characteristic pattern that is seen in the condition.

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What is sleeping sickness?

Sleeping sickness, also called African trypanosomiasis, is a  caused by a small parasite Trypanosoma brucei. It is confined to sub-Saharan Africa. Although the term sleeping sickness may be associated with other infections which causes similar symptoms, the term is more commonly associated with African trypanosomiasis.The infection is transmitted by the bite of an infected tsetse fly. The condition is fatal if prompt medical treatment is not implemented as it progresses to the second phase where the brain and nerves are affected.

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Ulnar Neuropathy Definition

Ulnar neuropathy refers to the condition in which one of the nerves in the forearm, known as the ulnar nerve, gets trapped or pinched. Pressure is applied on a nerve resulting in symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness in parts of the forearm and hand. The term ulnar neuritis is often used interchangeably with ulnar neuropathy. However, neuritis specifically refers to inflammation of the nerve while neuropathy is an umbrella term for all disorders and diseases of the nerve.

Ulnar Neuropathy Location

The ulnar nerve is an important nerve in the arm and is responsible for movement of the forearm. It also provides sensation to the ring and small fingers, a part of the palm, and the hand. The ulnar nerve passes through many ligaments and may get trapped within it or by the bones of the upper extremity. Thickened ligaments  or deformed or distorted bone are more likely to lead to nerve compression.

continue reading Ulnar Neuropathy (Nerve Damage, Disease and Dysfunction)