GERD refers to the symptoms and complications that may develop secondary to persistent GER. Differentiating GER from GERD is critical for the clinician in order to avoid un- necessary diagnostic testing and exposure to medications.

introduction of nutritive material into the stomach by means of a tube.

process of isolating a single gene from a person's DNA, then decoding the sequence of nucleotides. The process is relatively expensive ($1,000 or more). Sometimes the entire gene is decoded and sometimes only the extrons (the most important parts) are decoded. Different people can have slightly different sequences (variants) with little or no impact on how well the gene works. However, some errors in a gene's sequence can have serious consequences.

condition characterized by 6 months or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience.

common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eyes rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, it may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness.

generalized diffuse overactivity ("toxicity") of the entire thyroid gland which becomes enlarged into a goiter. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

movements that involve large muscle groups. These may include walking, kicking, jumping, and climbing stairs.

disorder affecting the thyroid gland (a small gland below the Adams’ apple). In this disease the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, often leading to an underactive thyroid: “hypothyroidism.” HD is also known as “chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.”

helps prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, an infection of the liver that can lead to liver cancer and death. The vaccine is given as a series of 3 or 4 shots. The HBV vaccine and Hib vaccine can also be given together in the same shot.

A photograph (sonogram) of the head produced by sound waves.

photograph of the skull produced through radiation

abnormal sound during the heartbeat cycle, which may be harmless, or may require tests to be sure the murmur is not the result of an underlying condition

A condition in which one or more of your heart valves don't work properly. The heart has four valves: the tricuspid (tri-CUSS-pid), pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary), mitral (MI-trul), and aortic (ay-OR-tik) valves.

A surgical procedure where one cerebral hemisphere ( half of the brain) is removed or disabled in order to treat extreme cases of brain seizures

Helps prevent Haemophilus influenza type b, a leading cause of serious illness in children. It can lead to meningitis, pneumonia and a severe throat infection that can cause choking. The Hib vaccine is given as a series of 3 or 4 shots.

roof of the mouth is peaked instead of rounded

examination of a chromosome via a high-resolution microscope; this test can sometime detect PMS, but additional, more detailed tests are recommended for confirmation.

abnormal formation of the hip joint in which the ball at the top of the thighbone (the femoral head) is not stable within the socket (the acetabulum). The ligaments of the hip joint may also be loose and stretched.

dislocation of the hip joint that is present at birth. The condition is found in babies or young children.

prior instance(s) of inflammation ( e.g. swelling) of the brain

inflammation of the meninges, the membranes protecting the brain or spinal cord. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection, and the symptoms include headache, stiff neck, fever and nausea. In recent years, major efforts have been made to curb the spread and deadliness of meningitis. For example, in 1944, penicillin was demonstrated to be effective, and there have been several vaccines developed for combating this disease.

congenital heart defect where there is a small hole between heart chambers. Some close up on their own, while others require surgery to correct. There are several differnt types. One called patent ductus arteriousus is an opening between the pulmonary artery and the aorta that does not close after birth and results in the child's blood not circulating sufficient oxygen throughout the body.

alternative treatments to traditional medicine that look at the whole person in their approach to treating the disease or condition. Examples include acupressure, ayurveda, craniosacral therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, integrative medicine, myofascial release, naturopathy, and sound therapy.

dilation or swelling of the pelvis and calices of one or both kidneys because of the accumulation of urine resulting from obstruction to urine outflow.

condition in which abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more body areas of a fetus or newborn.

when the knee extends past a normal range of motion in the straight position. Essentially, the knee bends back on itself. Hyperextension can range from a mild injury, which is sore but heals in two to four weeks, to a severe injury requiring surgery and extensive knee pain medicines.

abnormally sensitive or allergic to a substance to which is atypical than most people

abnormally brisk muscle contraction that occurs in response to a sudden stretch induced by sharply tapping the muscle's tendon of insertion. This elicited sign may be graded as brisk or pathologically hyperactive.

joints move beyond normal range with little effort

overactive reflexes, excess reaction of muscles when stimulated

condition in which one sleeps for an excessively long time but is normal in the waking intervals.

overproduction of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland which results in a condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.

increased tightness of muscles

abnormal sensitivity to a foreign agent, such as an allergen, in which the response is unusually delayed or lessened in degree.

often referred to as "low blood sugar," is most often associated with diabetes. However, though rare, those without diabetes can have hypoglycemia as well. Most hypoglycemia occurs when you haven't eaten (when you're in a fasting state), but that's not always the case. Sometimes, hypoglycemia occurs after meals because the body produces more insulin than is needed.Symptoms include: Fast Heart Beat,Shaking, Anxious, Sweating, Hunger (frequently) Dizziness Irritability, Headaches, Drowsy, or Tired

reduced number of cells in the cerebellum of the brain

underactive reflexes, weak reaction of muscles when stimulated

insufficient production of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

deficient activity of the thyroid gland which results in a bodily condition characterized by lowered metabolic rate and general loss of vigor, such as goiter, myxedema, and, in children, cretinism.

“floppy baby”, low muscle tone

Intensive Care Unit in a hospital

branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system

acting out apparently without thinking of the consequences

There is a clear association between the rate at which the kidneys enlarge and the rate at which kidney function declines. Kidneys usually grow at a rate similar to normal development as children develop and level off in the mid 20's.

abdominal discomfort -- possibly including belching, heartburn, a feeling of fullness, bloating, and nausea.

incurable chronic diseases of the intestinal tract. The two diseases are often grouped together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) because of their similar symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBD include, but are not limited to Abdominal pain, Weight loss, Fever, Rectal bleeding, Skin and eye irritations, Diarrhea.

hormone central to regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body. Insulin causes cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood, storing it as glycogen in the liver and muscle.When control of insulin levels fails, diabetes will result.

disorder characterized by impaired brain functioning and deficits in behaviors such as learning and language.

enlarged lymphatic vessels in the lining of the intestines.