Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «C»:
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Congenital cataract
A congenital cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye, that is present at birth. The lens of the eye is normally a clear structure, which focuses light received by the eye onto the retina.
Causes
The number of people born with cataracts is low. In most patients, no specific cause can be found. P...
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Congenital cytomegalovirus
Congenital cytomegalovirus is a group of symptoms that occur when an infant is infected with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) before birth.
Causes
Congenital cytomegalovirus occurs when an infected mother passes CMV to the fetus through the placenta. The mother's illness may not have symptoms, so she may ...
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Congenital heart defect corrective surgeries
Congenital heart defect corrective surgeries fix or treat heart defects that a child is born with. A baby born with heart defects has congenital heart disease. Surgery is needed if the defects are dangerous to the child’s health or well-being.
Description
The surgeries described below are do...
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Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease refers to a problem with the heart's structure and function due to abnormal heart development before birth. Congenital means present at birth.
Causes
Congenital heart disease (CHD) can describe a number of different problems affecting the heart. It is the most common type o...
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Congenital nephrotic syndrome
Congenital nephrotic syndrome is disorder passed down through families in which a baby develops protein in the urine and swelling of the body. Congenital means it is present from birth.
See also: Nephrotic syndrome
Causes
Congenital nephrotic syndrome is a very rare form of nephrotic syndrome. It ...
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Congenital platelet function defects
Congenital platelet function defects are problems with platelets, one of the blood elements needed for normal blood clotting. Congenital means present from birth.
Causes
Platelets are elements in the blood that help form clots. Congenital platelet function defects are bleeding disorders that cause...
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Congenital protein C or S deficiency
Congenital protein C or S deficiency is a lack of proteins C or S in the fluid part of the blood. The proteins are natural substances that help prevent blood clots.
Causes
Congenital protein C or S deficiency is an inherited disorder, which means it is passed down through families. Congenital means...
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Congenital rubella
Congenital rubella is a group of physical problems that occur in an infant when its mother is infected with the virus that causes German measles.
Causes
Congenital rubella is caused by the destructive action of the rubella virus on the fetus at a critical time in development. The most critical time...
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Congenital spherocytic anemia
Congenital spherocytic anemia is a disorder of the surface layer (membrane) of red blood cells. It leads to red blood cells that are shaped like spheres, and premature breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia).
Causes
This disorder is caused by a defective gene. The defect results in an abnor...
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Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening infection seen in infants. A pregnant mother who has syphilis can spread the disease through the placenta to the unborn infant.
Causes
Congenital syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is passed from mothe...
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Congenital toxoplasmosis
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a group of symptoms that occur when an unborn baby (fetus) is infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Causes
The fetus can become infected with toxoplasmosis if the mother becomes infected with toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy. The infection may spread to the fet...
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Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball (the sclera).
Inflammation of the conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis, which makes the white of the eye appear red....
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Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is swelling (inflammation) or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids (conjunctiva).
Causes
The conjunctiva is exposed to bacteria and other irritants. Tears help protect the conjunctiva by washing away bacteria. Tears also contain enzymes and antibodies that kill bacteria.
Ther...
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Conscious sedation for surgical procedures
Conscious sedation is a combination of medicine to help you relax (a sedative) and another medicine to block pain (an anesthetic). You will probably stay awake and be able to respond to people during a medical or dental procedure. You should not need help with your breathing.
Conscious sedation lets...
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Consciousness - decreased
Decreased consciousness is reduced alertness or awareness.
Considerations
A persistent coma is called vegetative state.
Causes
Many conditions can cause decreased consciousness, including:
Alcohol intoxication
Drug intoxication (particularly opiates, narcotics, sedatives, and anti-anxiety or seizu...
