Medical science, drawn into focus.

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Overview Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. It causes impaired acetylcholine release, producing the characteristic triad of proximal muscle weakness, reduced reflexes and autonomic dysfunction. LEMS may occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome—most commonly associated with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)—or as a non-tumour-associated autoimmune disorder.  Neuromuscular junction: connection…

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview Rheumatoid arthritis is a common systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of a destructive polyarthritis with a predisposition for affecting the small joints of the hands and feet and the wrists. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory arthritis, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 1 percent worldwide. Like many autoimmune diseases, the etiology…

Chronic Widespread Pain

Overview Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a nociplastic pain phenotype defined by persistent (≥3 months) pain affecting multiple body regions, with high comorbidity with fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood symptoms and functional impairment. The pooled global prevalence is ~10% (women>men), with higher rates in lower-HDI settings. CWP is recognised in ICD-11 within the chronic primary pain…

Cervical Cancer

Overview Cervical cancer is an HPV-related malignancy of the uterine cervical mucosa. Most cervical tumours contain HPV DNA (99.7%) . There are many variants of HPV, HPV-16 and 18 are the 2 most common high-risk types.  Cervical cancer is proceeded by an idenifiable precursor lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1)) that may progress to invasive cancer. CIN can…

Stroke (Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic)

Overview Third most common cause of death worldwide and most common cause of neurological disability. It is subdivided into ischaemic stroke (caused by vascular occlusion or stenosis) and haemorrhagic stroke (caused by vascular rupture, resulting in intra-parenchymal and/or subarachnoid haemorrhage). Stroke: Acute onset of a focal neurologic deficit due to a cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. Transient Ischaemic…

Chronic Lower Limb Ischaemia: Intermittent Claudication

Overview Chronic lower limb ischemia can be classified using the Fontaine classification: I – asymptomatic II – intermittent claudication III – rest pain IV – ulcers/gangrene Grades III and IV are classified as Critical Limb Ischemia. Intermittent claudication is a type of chronic lower limb ischemia that presents with muscle pain on exercise and is…

Somatoform Disorders

Overview Doctors and patients often experience frustration and helplessness in consultations around medically unexplained symptoms. Up to 50 percent of primary care patients present with physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a general medical condition. Although most do not meet the strict psychiatric diagnostic criteria for one of the somatoform disorders, they can be referred to…

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