Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's Disease (pronounced ray-NOHZ) is a medical condition that affects the blood vessels, typically in the fingers and toes. The disease is named after the French physician Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud, who first described the condition in his doctoral thesis in 1862.
Etymology
The term "Raynaud's Disease" is derived from the name of the French doctor who first identified the condition. The term "disease" comes from the Old French desaise, meaning "lack of ease".
Definition
Raynaud's Disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes. It causes the blood vessels to narrow when you are cold or feeling stressed. When this happens, blood can't get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Raynaud's Disease include:
- Cold fingers or toes
- Color changes in your skin in response to cold or stress
- Numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain upon warming or stress relief
Causes
While the exact cause of Raynaud's Disease is unknown, it is believed to be a result of hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to extreme vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels.
Treatment
Treatment for Raynaud's Disease typically includes lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, surgery. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and to prevent tissue damage and loss.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Raynaud's Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Raynaud's Disease
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