Unusual Medical Cases Adhesive skin sounds rather like science fiction; however, there is such a thing. The skin is of course the largest organ, and it can have an unusual electrode activity that is hard to explain. This case is even more bizarre, as the skin is like a magnet. It is not an actual magnet because any and everything sticks to it. It's similar to glue on the body, then having an object placed on it. No one understands this condition, and currently there are only 12 reported cases in the world. Some experts assume the skin omits a substance that is sticky, but when it comes to what it is, no one knows. Chromosome 6 deletion is a condition that is rare. Patients with this condition are unable to feel pain. As babies' parents generally notice the baby bite their lips until they bleed, and if they fall and bust a chin open, there are no tears. It's a dangerous condition because patients cannot tell when something is wrong. They could have a severe infection, or break a bone, and never know. Women that have this condition and become pregnant are fitted with a monitor to detect labor pains, as they would be unaware. This condition is largely not understood; however, it is assumed there is a disconnection within the brain that does not reach the pain center. Related: A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Nurse Ichthyosis is also known as the fish condition. This condition affects approximately 16,000 new babies each year, something they are diagnosed with at birth. The skin is scaly like, and it covers the entire body. The skin itches continuously, creating many infections from scratching. The scales also affect numerous parts of the body, such as the eyes, the scales can prevent the eyes from ever closing. This condition appears to be more common in the eastern part of the world, but is still rare, and not understood. Spatial orientation phenomenon is a condition in which the sufferer sees things upside down. It is difficult; only imagine everything you see is upside down. Research is currently being done at Harvard on the condition, and it is thought to be, essentially wires crossed incorrectly in the brain. In the future surgery may be done to reverse the signals, however, that will depend on locating the exact area of the brain where the signals are reversed. Uterus didelphys is rare, but not extremely rare. In this condition, the woman actually has 2 uteruses’. Each uterus has its own Fallopian tubes, and functions independently. In most cases the woman has 2 menstrual
cycles each month, and in most cases, they occur at the same time, so heavy bleeding is a concern. In case you are wondering, yes, it is possible for both to become pregnant; however on record, this has never occurred. In most cases, one uterus is removed during the years of puberty. Neonatal Progeroid Syndrome is rare, and often takes different forms, making each patient's case very unique. This condition causes rapid and excessive weight loss. Patients are thin and unhealthy, and in most cases age more rapidly than average. Sufferers must consume eight to nine thousand calories per day just to stay alive. Bones are brittle, and the body suffers as if it is in starvation mode. People with this condition spend their entire day eating just to stay alive. To date, there is no cure, but it is being researched with the progeria studies. A condition that currently has no assigned name, is one that the sufferer grown fingernails in place of hair. Scientist understandthat the hair follicles apparently get confused, and possibly clogged. The body then produces fingernails in place of hair. This is painful as the nail puncture the skin, and later has to be removed. Scientists are trying to determine how to reverse the hair to nails. Related: Common Intestinal Disorders There are a number of unusual and rarely seen medical conditions. If you encounter a patient that has a rare condition, the best approach is to be open in discussing their condition. Most have encountered years of others trying to avoid an obvious fact: their condition. The patient is well aware of the rarity and will most likely appreciate honesty and facts. If possible, if you know in advance that a patient with an unusual condition is coming into your care, do some research and educate yourself so that you can converse with the patient and have some knowledge on your side, and be more understanding of the patient. Related: Distinguished Legal Nurse Consultant Shaun Marie Sever, RN, BSN, MACJ, ALNC, will be Highlighted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Twitter