Describe the diagnostic criteria of osteoarthritis versus rheumatoid arthritis
Discuss types of headaches and their treatment
Discuss types of seizures and treatment
Discuss Parkinson’s disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment
Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two most common forms of arthritis, but they have distinct characteristics and diagnostic criteria. Here’s a breakdown to help differentiate them:
Osteoarthritis (OA):
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
Key Differences:
Feature | Osteoarthritis (OA) | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
---|---|---|
Cause | Wear and tear | Autoimmune disease |
Symptoms | Pain, stiffness, limited flexibility (often worse with activity, improves with rest) | Symmetrical joint pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, redness, morning stiffness |
Affected Joints | Varies (knees, hips, hands, spine) | Often symmetrical (hands, wrists, knees, ankles) |
Blood Tests | Not specific | May show rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies |
X-rays | Narrowed joint space, bone spurs (later) | May show joint damage (later) |
Headaches are a common ailment with various causes and presentations. Here’s an overview of some common types:
Treatment:
Treatment for headaches depends on the type and severity. Here are some options:
For persistent or severe headaches, consulting a doctor is crucial to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause temporary changes in behavior, sensation, or awareness. These are the main types: