Great names you don't want to have (II)

Hashimoto's Thyroidism

A form of hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system develops antibodies against its own thyroid gland cells. Symptoms include tiredness, muscle weakness and weight gain.

Hodgkin's Disease/Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphoid tissue (found mainly in the lymph nodes and spleen). Common signs include swelling in the neck, armpits or groin (these are site of lymph nodes). The person may feel generally unwell, and lose his appetite. As the disease progresses, the immune system is compromised so that even an ordinary infection can be life threatening.

Huntington's Chorea

Chorea is the term given to rapid, jerky involuntary movements such as grimaces and twitches. Huntington's Chorea is due to the degeneration of the basal ganglia, or nerve cells in the brain. Dementia (progressive mental impairment) can also result.

Hurler's Syndrome

Also known as gargoylism (a gargoyle is a squat, disfigured stone figure seen on the roofs of European Medieval churches). Those affected may be normal at birth, but between 6 months and 1 year they develop skeletal deformities that resulted in stunted growth. Other problems include enlarged tongue, liver and spleen, mental retardation and also heart defects. This disease is an inherited condition caused by a defect of an enzyme in the body.

Karposi's Syndrome

A condition characterized by malignant skin tumors. They spread from the feet up finally reaching the arms. Commonly seen in AIDS patients, who may also bear these tumors in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. They cause severe internal bleeding.

Klinefelter's Syndrome

Males affected with it display feminine characteristics. Their body shape is more female than male. They develop breasts at puberty and their testes remain small. They are usually infertile due to azoospermia (absence of sperm production).

Klumpke's Paralysis

Paralysis of the lower arm, with wasting of the small muscles in the hand and numbness of the fingers. It can result from injury to the spinal nerve, as in dislocation of the shoulder.

McArdel's Disease

A rare genetic disorder caused by an enzyme deficiency. This deficiency damages muscle cells, which can sometimes lead to kidney failure. Symptoms include muscular stiffness and painful cramps that get worse during and after exercise. Those affected are usually in their 20s and 30s and are otherwise healthy.

Marfan's Syndrome

A rare inherited disorder, precise cause unknown. Marfan's syndrome affects the connective tissues, which results in skeletal abnormalities - the person grows very tall and thin with long, spidery fingers and toes. The chest and spine may be deformed. The heart and eyes can also be severely affected.

Source: Where Health Begins, July/August 2004