Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «G»:
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Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
A generalized tonic-clonic seizure is a seizure involving the entire body. It is also called a grand mal seizure. Such seizures usually involve muscle rigidity, violent muscle contractions, and loss of consciousness.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the type of seizure that most people associat...
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Genes
A gene is a short piece of DNA, which tells the body how to build a specific protein. There are approximately 30,000 genes in each cell of the human body. The combination of all genes makes up the blueprint for the human body and its functions.
A person's genetic makeup is called a genotype.
Inform...
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Genetically engineered foods
Genetically engineered foods have had foreign genes (genes from other plants or animals) inserted into their genetic codes.
Genetic engineering can be done with plants, animals, or microorganisms. Historically, farmers bred plants and animals for thousands of years to produce the desired traits. For...
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Genetics
Genetics is the study of heredity, the process in which a parent passes certain genes onto their children. A person's appearance -- height, hair color, skin color, and eye color -- are determined by genes. Other characteristics affected by heredity:
Likelihood of getting certain diseases
Mental abi...
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Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals.
Causes
Genital herpes is caused by two viruses:
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes most cases of genita...
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Genital injury
A genital injury is an injury to the genitals or perineum, the area between the legs.
Considerations
Genital injuries can be very painful and can bleed heavily. It can affect the reproductive organs as well as the bladder and urethra. The amount of damage can range from minimal to severe. Temporary...
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Genital sores - female
Sores or lesions on the female genitalia or in the vagina may have a number of possible causes.
Considerations
Genital sores may be painful, itchy, produce a discharge, or cause no symptoms at all.
Because genital lesions or sores can have a negative affect on a person's self-image, many people do ...
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Genital sores - male
A male genital sore is any sore or lesion that appears on the penis, scrotum, or male urethra.
Considerations
Symptoms may include itching, painful urination, drainage from the penis, or pain at the site of the sore. There may be one or many sores. They may also be found elsewhere on the body (such...
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Genital warts
Genital warts are soft, wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a virus. Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Causes
The virus responsible for genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). More than 70 different types of HPV exist. Several types cause genital...
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Geographic tongue
Geographic tongue is a map-like appearance of your tongue due to irregular patches on its surface.
Causes
The specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although vitamin B deficiency may be involved. Other causes may include irritation from hot or spicy foods, or alcohol. The condition appears...
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Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (diabetes) that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy.
Causes
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
African or Hispanic ancestry
Being older than 25 when pregnant
Family history of diabetes
Giving birth to a previous baby that weighed more ...
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Gestational trophoblastic disease
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) refers to a group of abnormalities in which tumors grow inside a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells start in the tissue that would normally become the placenta, the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus.
A baby may or may not develop du...
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Getting a prescription filled
Once you receive a prescription from your health care provider, you may buy the medication from various sources. Factors that may affect where you purchase your prescription include the pharmacy's location and hours of operation, cost of the medication, and insurance coverage.
Questions to consider ...
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Getting out of bed after surgery
It is normal to feel a little weak after surgery. Getting out of bed after surgery is not always easy, but spending time out of bed will help you heal faster.
Try to get out of bed at least 2 to 3 times a day to sit in a chair or take a short walk when your nurse says it is okay.
Make sure someone i...
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Getting your home ready - knee or hip surgery
You have had hip or knee joint surgery. You will need to be careful not to dislocate your new joint. This is especially important in the first few months after surgery. You will need to learn exercises that make your new hip or knee stronger.
Over time, you should be able to return to your former le...
