Monday, February 16, 2026

Autism spectrum disorder

 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is caused by a 

complex combination of genetic factors and

 environmental influences that affect early brain development.

It does not have one single cause; rather, 

it results from multiple genetic mutations, 

sometimes in combination with environmental stressors during pregnancy or birth. 

Genetic Factors: Genetics play a major role, as ASD can run in families, and spontaneous genetic mutations can occur.

 Only about 15-20% of cases are linked to a known genetic disorder, with the rest involving complex, multiple genetic variations.

Environmental Influences: Exposure during pregnancy, such as certain medications (e.g., valproic acid), air pollution, or, in rare cases, specific maternal infections, may increase risk.

Parental Age: Advanced maternal age (over 40) or paternal age (over 50) at conception are linked to higher risks.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications: Extreme prematurity (before 26 weeks), very low birth weight, or birth complications involving oxygen deprivation to the brain can increase risk. 

  • Vaccines: Multiple studies have disproven any link between vaccines and autism. 
  • Are you looking for information on early signs to watch for in infants, or are you interested in the genetic testing options available for families?
  • Early detection and understanding the genetic landscape are key steps for families. 
  • While autism is a behavioral diagnosis, specific physical and social "red flags" can appear in infancy, and genetic testing can often provide an underlying explanation for the condition. 
  • Chromosomal Microarray (CMA): The "first-tier" test
Fragile X Testing: 
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catatonia

Catatonia is a syndrome that has been associated with several mental illness disorders but that has also presented as a result of other medical conditions. Schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders such as mania and depression are known to be associated with catatonia;

 however, several case reports have been published of certain medical conditions inducing catatonia, including hyponatremia, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and liver transplantation. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis are also prominent causes of catatonia. Patients taking benzodiazepines or clozapine are also at risk of developing catatonia following the withdrawal of these medications—

it is speculated that the prolonged use of these medications 

increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity and 

that discontinuation may increase excitatory neurotransmission, leading to catatonia. 

 Drug-induced catatonia occurs when psychiatric medications, particularly antipsychotics, 

disrupt neurotransmitter systems-specifically by blocking dopamine (receptors) or

altering GABA/glutamate balance. 

It often acts as a paradoxical reaction, where medication causes the severe motor inhibition and behavioral abnormalities it was intended to treat. 

Dopamine Receptor Blockade: High-potency antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, haloperidol) can severely reduce dopamine activity in the brain, leading to catatonic symptoms, sometimes mimicking or leading to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).

Withdrawal Mechanisms: Abrupt cessation of substances that increase GABA (like benzodiazepines) or antipsychotics (like clozapine) can trigger a rebound excitation in the central nervous system, resulting in catatonia.

Paradoxical Reaction: Although antipsychotics are used to treat catatonia, they can paradoxically induce it, particularly when initiated or increased rapidly.

Underlying Vulnerability: Patients with underlying mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression) or those who have already experienced catatonia are at higher risk. 

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Sunday, February 1, 2026

CM is the abbreviation for Cardiac Muscle

 CM is the abbreviation for Cardiac Muscle

The abbreviation CM stands for Cardiac Muscle, which refers to the specialized muscle tissue found only in the heart, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and maintaining circulation in an involuntary manner. This term is commonly used in the fields of medical research and education, particularly in discussions surrounding cardiovascular health and physiology. Explore more about related categories such as Medical, Biology, and Health for further information. Related abbreviations: ECG (Electrocardiogram), CHF (Congestive Heart Failure), CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

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The list of 2.4k Audiology acronyms and abbreviations (Updated June 2025):

 

Audiology Acronyms and Abbreviations

The list of 2.4k Audiology acronyms and abbreviations (Updated June 2025):

Audiology List
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