Common Medical Conditions and English Grammar
**Multiple Sclerosis**
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord, also known as the central nervous system. It attacks the sheath, causing communication problems between the brain and body. It can also cause nerve deterioration, muscle pain, spasms, pins and needles, and fatigue, depending on the nerve. There is no cure.
**Isaac Syndrome**
Isaac syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle stiffness, twitching (myokymia), cramping, sweating, and spasms during the night or under anesthesia. It affects the limbs and trunk. Speech and breathing therapy may be required. There is no cure.
**Tetanus**
Tetanus presents with the onset of hypertonia and painful muscular contractions, usually in the neck and jaw. There are no apparent medical causes. The sensorium remains intact, and the patient can feel pain. Tetanus can cause fractures or ruptures.
**Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)**
During a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, a lack of oxygen occurs because an artery is damaged. This can lead to cardiac ischemia, where a lack of oxygen causes tissue damage and the death of muscle. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and faintness. The patient may describe a feeling of the heart being enclosed or squeezed.
**Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)**
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. Symptoms include coughing, vomiting (sometimes with blood), hernias, and inflammation.
**Cancer**
Cancer is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells. Risk factors include family history and gene mutations. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and oral medication.
**Gingivitis**
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria on plaque. Symptoms include swollen, red, and tender gums that bleed when brushing.
**Otalgia**
Otalgia is pain in the ear. It can be caused by infections, neoplastic growths, or musculoskeletal issues. Symptoms include pain in parts of the body and sensitivity to sound. Treatments include surgery, medication, hygiene, and therapy.
**Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction**
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to the side of your head. It enables you to talk, chew, and yawn. Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include pain that travels through the face, jaw, or neck; stiff jaw muscles; limited movement or locking of the jaw; painful clicking or popping in the jaw; and a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. Treatment may involve therapy or surgery.
**Bell’s Palsy**
Bell’s palsy is characterized by facial drooping. It is caused by inflammation of a nerve, often linked to the herpes virus, but sometimes with no known cause. Treatment includes medication and exercises.
**Stroke Therapy**
Stroke therapy involves relearning skills that may have been affected by brain damage. Patients learn how to perform tasks in case of disabilities.
**Reported Speech**
Reported speech is used to convey what someone else said.
**Inversions for Emphasis**
Inversions are used for emphasis by:
- Placing an adjective after the noun it qualifies (e.g., “the soldier strong”)
- Placing a verb before its subject (e.g., “shouts the policeman”)
- Placing a noun before its preposition (e.g., “worlds between”)
**Conditional Sentences**
- Zero Conditional: Used for situations that are always true. (e.g., “If you heat ice, it melts.”)
- First Conditional: Used for real possibilities in the present or future. (e.g., “If this thing happens, that thing happens.”)
- Second Conditional: Used for unreal or hypothetical situations in the present or future. (e.g., “If this thing happened, that thing would happen.”)
- Third Conditional: Used for hypothetical situations in the past. (e.g., “If this thing had happened, that thing would have happened.”)
- Mixed Conditional: Used for a past hypothetical situation with an ongoing present consequence. (e.g., “If this thing had happened, that thing would happen.”)
**Common Collocations**
- Adverb + Adjective
- Adjective + Noun
- Noun + Noun
- Noun + Verb
- Verb + Noun
- Verb + Expression with Preposition
- Verb + Adverb