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Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability. Autism prevalence has grown rapidly over the last few decades. Today, approximately 1 in every 44 children is diagnosed with autism. Boys are 4 times more likely than girls to receive an autism diagnosis. Autism is a lifelong neurological and developmental disorder that starts in childhood. People with autism have problems with social communication and behavior. Some people with autism have very severe challenges while others have relatively mild symptoms....

The axillary vein is a major vein in the upper body that carries blood from the upper limb, armpit, and the upper side of the chest wall towards the heart. On each side of the body, it forms where the basilic and brachial veins join in the axilla, a space just below the shoulder that allows arteries, veins, and nerves to pass. Its course is relatively short as it moves upwards towards the middle of the body and terminates into the subclavian vein at the border of the first (topmost) rib....

Why are cluster headaches called alarm clock headaches? Why do these headaches commonly occur at night? One theory is that cluster headaches originate from the hypothalamus – the regulator of a person’s sleep and circadian rhythm. Let’s explore this theory a bit more. Why Are Cluster Headaches Called Alarm Clock Headaches? Cluster attacks tend to start at night, about one to two hours after a person has fallen asleep. They also typically occur at the same time every day or every night, and they usually recur at the same time of year....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering recommending a high-dose flu shot for adults over 65 over other options that are currently available. CDC officials discussed making the change at a meeting for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) earlier this week. However, no decision has been made yet. Key Takeaways The high-dose flu vaccine is one of the options available to adults over 65 right now....

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal, noncancerous skin growth in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. Unless treated, it can cause hearing loss as it continues to grow in size. Causes of Cholesteatoma A cholesteatoma can occur in any of several ways: Cholesteatomas are most often caused by repeated middle-ear infections. If not treated, infection from a long-established cholesteatoma can spread to the inner ear and brain. Some people are born with a small remnant of skin that is trapped in the middle ear, but this is rare....

When it comes to finding the right condom, size matters. This includes ones that are appropriate to your length and girth (circumference) of your penis. Improperly sized condoms can easily break or fall off, and you may not even realize it. You also need to address comfort and safety by taking into account the material a condom brand is made with (lambskin, latex, polyisoprene, polyurethane). To help you find the right condom for you, this article provides a chart that compares the many condom brands available by size and special features....

There has been some conflicting information published over the years regarding grapefruit, specifically as it relates to the risk of breast cancer. Some studies have shown a reduced risk of breast cancer, while others have shown the opposite. This article will review the information currently available about grapefruit and breast cancer risk. Studies on Grapefruit and Breast Cancer Risk A study published in 2007 looked specifically at the link between breast cancer development and grapefruit intake in a group of 50,000 postmenopausal women, and found that there is potentially a correlation between grapefruit intake and breast cancer....

Elevated intracranial pressure is a serious medical condition that can be fatal. It can be caused by a brain bleed, an infection, a brain tumor, or a head injury. Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the measure of the pressure in the brain and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid. When this pressure is increased, the brain may suffer severe damage. A common sign of increased ICP is pressure in the head when lying down that is relieved when upright....

If you have Parkinson’s disease and you drool, you are not alone. Surveys show that drooling can affect up to 78 percent of people with Parkinson’s. It’s not entirely clear why Parkinson’s disease can cause you to drool, but the condition can affect your ability to swallow, making drool more likely. Researchers studying this issue, have found that people with Parkinson’s don’t produce any more saliva than other people. In fact, Parkinson’s may cause you to produce less saliva....

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its list of hand sanitizers containing methanol and is taking action to prevent their distribution in the United States. First reported on June 19, the list of potentially dangerous products has increased to 100. The majority are manufactured in Mexico. Key Takeaways An increasing number of hand sanitizer products may contain traces of a toxic chemical called methanol.The primary risk is associated with oral ingestion....

Amaxophobia is a phobia (irrational fear) of driving or being in a car. This condition is also called motorphobia. Driving is a risky activity, and it’s normal to have some level of concern when you’re in a car. However, severe amaxophobia can cause you to avoid being in a car altogether. This article discusses symptoms of amaxophobia, as well as its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Causes of Amaxophobia The exact cause of amaxophobia, and most phobias in general, is not known....

Have you noticed a milky discharge leaking from your nipple(s)? If you have and you are not pregnant or breastfeeding you are probably pretty upset. That is very understandable. Nipple discharge can be a sign of an underlying breast problem or other medical condition. If you are experiencing any type of nipple discharge you need to be evaluated by your healthcare provider. Here are some facts you need to know about galactorrhea....

How is a low hemoglobin level (anemia) linked with colorectal cancer, and what levels of low hemoglobin are considered mild, moderate, or severe? What Is Hemoglobin? Hemoglobin refers to a protein, found in red blood cells, that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all other tissues of the body. Red blood cells circulate through the lungs and the hemoglobin in these cells pick up (bind with) oxygen. These cells carry the oxygen, in a form called oxyhemoglobin, out to the tissues and cells of the body....

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a rare but serious malabsorptive condition that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce important digestive enzymes. Without these enzymes, the body cannot properly digest food and absorb nutrients, particularly fat. EPI most often occurs in people who have conditions affecting the pancreas such as chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. However, people typically don’t have symptoms until the condition has become advanced....

An intolerance to a food can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Whilst there is no cure or treatment for food intolerance, treating symptoms related to food intolerance is possible. An elimination diet, avoidance of problem foods, over-the-counter medications, and natural and home remedies are all available to help treat of symptoms associated with food intolerance. Learn more about these strategies as well as how to manage food intolerance symptoms at home....

Is your fibromyalgia primary or secondary? It’s a fact that tends to be frequently overlooked or glossed over. Fibromyalgia (FMS) can be either primary, also known as idiopathic fibromyalgia, or secondary. In primary fibromyalgia, the causes are not known, whereas in secondary fibromyalgia, we know (or at least have a pretty good idea) why it developed. Primary fibromyalgia is the more common form. Causes Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues....

Anyone who has looked for ways to increase their levels of HDL cholesterol (that is, “good cholesterol”), has probably come across the recommendation to exercise. This is because regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has been associated with higher HDL cholesterol levels. But just how much exercise do you have to do to raise your HDL levels? What Is HDL Cholesterol? The high-density lipoproteins (HDL) transport excess cholesterol from the walls of arteries to the liver....

Menopause brings many bodily changes, one of which is weight gain, particularly in the midsection. Menopause weight gain is normal, but this doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to live with it. This article explains the causes and risks of menopause belly as well as safe ways to get rid of it. What Causes Menopause Belly? Menopause weight gain centered in the midsection is common. That’s because, during this stage of life, age-related, hormonal, and lifestyle factors all contribute to weight gain....

A recent study found that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine produced twice as many antibodies in recipients as the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Key Takeaways A recent study found that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine produces higher antibody levels than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.This is possibly due to its higher mRNA content and a longer waiting period between doses.Antibody tests are not entirely predictive of the body’s immunity against COVID-19. The August study, published in JAMA, compared the antibody levels of 1647 healthcare workers before and six to 10 weeks after vaccination....

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions), and repeated behaviors performed to reduce anxiety (compulsions). Approximately 2%–3% of adults in the United States are affected by OCD at some point during their lifetime. OCD is typically treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy), such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and/or medication. Some people with OCD find value in joining a support group in addition to treatment....