Search Results

Graves Disease in Children What is Graves disease in children? Graves disease is an autoimmune disease. The immune system normally protects the body from infection and disease with proteins called antibodies. But with an autoimmune disease, the antibodies attack the body's own

Phenylketonuria (PKU) in Children What is phenylketonuria (PKU) in children? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare metabolic disorder. Children with PKU can’t process an amino acid called phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is in many common foods. It helps the body make protein. It's also

Syncope in Children What is syncope in children? Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness and muscle tone (or posture) that can occur when not enough blood gets to the brain. Syncope is commonly called fainting. In most children, it’s usually harmless. But in a few children

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) in Children What is hypoplastic left heart syndrome in children? Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a group of defects of the heart and large blood vessels. A child is born with this condition (congenital heart defect). It occurs when

Hypoglycemia in Children What is hypoglycemia in children? Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body. The normal range of blood glucose is about 70 to 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg

Anemia in Children What is anemia in children? Anemia is a common problem in children. About 20% of children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with anemia at some point. A child who has anemia doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a type of protein that

Bipolar Disorder in Teens What is bipolar disorder in teens? Bipolar disorder is a type of depression. There are 3 main types of depression: Major depression (clinical depression) Bipolar disorder (manic depression) Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) A teen with bipolar

Tourette Disorder in Children What is Tourette disorder in children? Tourette disorder (TD) is a neurological disorder. It is also called Tourette syndrome. The disorder causes repeated tics. Tics are sudden, uncontrolled vocal sounds or muscle jerks. Symptoms of TD often start

Epilepsy and Seizures in Children What is epilepsy in children? Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have recurring seizures over time. These seizures can't be linked to a short-term (acute) illness such as an infection, or a short-term injury such as a brain

Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Children What is spinal muscular atrophy in children? Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease of the nerves and muscles caused by certain genes. It affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord. It causes muscle wasting and weakness. What causes