M Memory Loss and Dementia Memory loss is a real symptom and sign, but organic brain syndrome should be dropped from usage because it is a wastebasket term. Unless the…
N Nail Changes There are various types of nail changes, such as thickening (onychogryposis), thinning, deformity, and separation from the nail bed (onycholysis). Whenever a peculiarity of the nail exists,…
O Obesity The differential diagnosis of obesity, like that of weight loss, is best developed using physiology because most cases of obesity are caused by an absolute increased intake of…
L Leg Pain Anatomic breakdown of the leg into its various anatomic components is the basis of a sound differential diagnosis (Table 44). Before that, however, one should determine if…
H Halitosis and Other Breath Odors What are the various causes of bad breath and how can they be recalled with ease? The best method is to visualize the respiratory…
K Knee Pain The main causes of knee pain can best be recalled by utilizing an etiologic mnemonic such as VINDICATE. V—Vascular: This brings to mind aseptic bone necrosis (Osgood–Schlatter…
J Jaundice Jaundice is not to be confused with xanthochromia, in which the skin turns orange from carotene deposits but the sclerae remain normal in appearance. Carotenemia is often seen…
I Impotence Impotence is now more commonly referred to as erectile dysfunction. Impotence may be due to local end-organ disease, dysfunction of the peripheral nerve pathways, disease of the spinal…
F Face Mass To develop a list of possible causes of a face mass, let us turn to anatomy. The face is composed of skin, subcutaneous tissues, muscle, bone, teeth,…
G Gait Disturbances The anatomic location of the lesion in a gait disturbance depends on the type of disturbance. Spastic gait: In this type of lesion, both feet shuffle along…
