An informative guide to one of the world's most troubling diseases. Multiple sclerosis is a devastating neurological disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms include abnormal fatigue, impaired vision, hearing problems, loss of balance and muscle coordination, slurred speech, tremors, cognitive problems, partial or complete paralysis, and many other serious difficulties and disorders. Research has revealed a great deal about the possible causes of MS, yet it remains one of the most baffling diseases to confront medical science. Written for the professional and layperson alike, ""The A to Z of Multiple Sclerosis"" contains more than 500 entries covering the etiology, research, treatment, symptoms, causes, and lifestyle issues related to the disease. Up-to-date research and the history of multiple sclerosis are also discussed. Appendixes include major MS organizations and care centers, information on assistive devices, and more.

This is a complete reference to all types of learning disabilities - their symptoms, causes, and treatments. ""The Encyclopedia of Learning Disabilities, Second Edition"" is a comprehensive guide to all types of learning disabilities, including how they function, how they can be diagnosed, and how they can be treated. Today, learning disabilities are becoming more and more common. With more than 650 entries, 25 of which are new, this thoroughly revised and updated volume explains all the relevant topics from special legislation to educational tools to child development. Appendixes listing important organizations, government information, sources, assistive technology resources, and relevant books and Web sites make this the most comprehensive handy reference on learning disabilities available. New and revised entries include: adaptive skills; assistive technology; bipolar disorder; child disintegrative disorder; dioxins; early childhood assessment; fetal alcohol syndrome; Landau-Kleffner syndrome; nonverbal learning disabilities; spasmodic dysphonia; traumatic brain injury; and, Williams syndrome.

Current statistics show that one out of nine women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is important that students, adults, and professionals alike possess a thorough understanding of this all-too-common disease. The positive effects of prevention and early detection are well-known, making a knowledge of signs, symptoms, causes, tests, and other factors essential. In ""The A to Z of Breast Cancer"", more than 500 detailed entries discuss breast cancer in men and women, including statistics, prevention, symptoms, causes, treatments, and much more. ""The A to Z of Breast Cancer"" also provides an in-depth look at the diagnostic processes associated with breast cancer, as well as relevant health information, current drugs and procedures, warning signs, breakthrough research, and more, to better help those affected by this disease. Appendixes offer listings of organizations and associations, sources for further reading, and additional useful information to help breast cancer patients and those close to them gain a broader understanding of the disease.

In the United States the most common diagnosed cancer among men is of the prostate, with recent years showing a rapid increase in occurrence. Because early prostate cancer is seldom signaled by any symptoms, detection is extremely difficult without testing, making information on this and other cancers of the reproductive system extremely vital to men's health. In The Encyclopedia of Men's Reproductive Cancer, more than 400 entries cover prostate, testicular, and penile cancers (among the most dangerous forms of cancer in men) and explain statistics, prevention, symptoms, causes, treatments, and much more.

The largest sensory organ of the human body, the skin stretches over an average of eighteen square feet and weighs between six and nine pounds. This revised and expanded edition of Skin Deep (Facts On File, 1996) reveals how the skin functions and how to take care of it in a clearly written, jargon-free survey. Written by an accomplished medical writer and a dermatologist, The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders, Second Edition includes hundreds of well researched entries on everything from elements of the skin and their roles in the human anatomy to cosmetics, medications, and preventive care. This reference also examines the histories of skin disorders, skin traumas, their symptoms, and treatments.

With standardized, state-mandated testing starting as early as the first grade and continuing through high school, parents are concerned that their children may not be able to perform at grade level. Developed by professionals, here is the first and only grade-specific test preparation series geared toward parent and child, including expert tips for optimizing childrens test performances.

Features:

• Information on how schools use standardized tests
  
• Explanations of the types of questions found on standardized tests
  
• Practice sections on necessary verbal and math skills
  
• Exercises, drills, and a full-length sample test with answers explained
  

With standardized, state-mandated testing starting as early as the first grade and continuing through high school, parents are concerned that their children may not be able to perform at grade level. Developed by professionals, here is the first and only grade-specific test preparation series geared toward parent and child, including expert tips for optimizing childrens test performances.

Features:

• Information on how schools use standardized tests
  
• Explanations of the types of questions found on standardized tests
  
• Practice sections on necessary verbal and math skills
  
• Exercises, drills, and a full-length sample test with answers explained
  

Current statistics show that one out of nine women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is important that students, adults, and professionals alike possess a thorough understanding of this all-too-common disease. The positive effects of prevention and early detection are well-known, making a knowledge of signs, symptoms, causes, tests, and other factors essential. In ""The A to Z of Breast Cancer"", more than 500 detailed entries discuss breast cancer in men and women, including statistics, prevention, symptoms, causes, treatments, and much more. ""The A to Z of Breast Cancer"" also provides an in-depth look at the diagnostic processes associated with breast cancer, as well as relevant health information, current drugs and procedures, warning signs, breakthrough research, and more, to better help those affected by this disease. Appendixes offer listings of organizations and associations, sources for further reading, and additional useful information to help breast cancer patients and those close to them gain a broader understanding of the disease.

A concise and comprehensive reference to this devastating, widespread disease, The Encyclopedia of Cancer provides a thorough introduction to the many different types and aspects of cancer. Covering everything from leukemia to melanoma to colon cancer, more than 400 entries detail all the basics of cancer and address its many forms. Thorough explanations of national and global statistics, gender differences, and promising research are included, as well as lists of organizations linked to oncology and patient issues, and much more. The most comprehensive single-volume reference of its kind, this encyclopedia is essential for school and public libraries, general readers, and professionals alike.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cancer occurring among women in the United States. There are no proven methods of prevention, and it can be a rapidly fatal disease, mainly because it often remains undetected until the cancer has reached an advanced state. The Encyclopedia of Women's Reproductive Cancer covers this and other various forms of cancer known to attack the female reproductive system. More than 400 detailed entries discuss ovarian cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, uterine cancer, and endometrial cancer, among others, and discuss statistics, prevention, symptoms, causes, treatments, and much more.

Approximately five million American couples cannot conceive children. For those who do conceive, some women experience difficulty carrying the child to term. As a result, more than fifteen percent of all American women have received some form of fertility treatment. Although knowledge and technology in this area is rapidly advancing, there is still a lack of basic, comprehensive information about fertility and infertility written for the general reader. This new addition to the Facts On File Library of Health and Living series addresses that need with a guided tour through the reproductive system. The Encyclopedia of Fertility and Infertility covers key aspects of this growing health concern, including causes and remedies, treatment options, and the latest advances in the field and in birth control. Extensive appendixes list major organizations and resources related to fertility and infertility; major periodicals, journals and web sites offering further information on the topic; and tips on selecting a fertility clinic. Also featured is an extensive bibliography and a glossary of medical terms to promote further research. More than 600 entries cover: Amenorrhea; Chemicals and infertility; Donor insemination; Endometriosis; Fibroids and infertility; Hormone replacement therapy; Impotence; Miscarriage; Ovarian cancer and fertility drugs; Pap smear; Sperm bank; Ultrasound.

In the past 25 years, more than 30 new human germs have emerged onto the medical scene, most of these rising from animals. And with these germs come new diseases like the avian flu, Ebola, SARS, and weaponized viruses such as anthrax and smallpox, which pose a growing threat to the world. With the rising number of deaths due to infectious diseases, it is essential to have clear and concise information on this topic. With more than 600 entries, ""The Encyclopedia of Infectious Diseases, Third Edition"" provides up-to-date information on this expanding field, including the latest research, new treatments and vaccines, and rising diseases such as mad cow disease. Appendixes include drugs used to treat infectious diseases, tips for home disinfection, and lists of helpful organizations and publications, making this the ultimate resource for knowledge about infectious diseases. Topics include: Animals and infectious diseases; Food safety and natural disasters; Influenza; Lung and respiratory infections; Neonatal infections; Parasitic infections; Stomach and intestinal infections; Terrorist-related infectious diseases; Treatments and diagnosis; and Vaccines and immunizations.

Autism is a baffling brain disorder that profoundly affects children's communication and social skills. It is also a spectrum disorder, which means it can occur in a variety of forms and intensity. Most cases of autism appear before a child's third birthday. Recent years have marked a stunning rise in the number of children diagnosed as autistic, with the U.S. Department of Education reporting a 173-percent rise in the number of autistic students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Act between the 1992-93 and 1997-98 school years. Yet much remains unknown about autism, and controversy surrounds everything from defining the disease to diagnosing it to treating it - with theories about its cause ranging from vaccines to faulty genes to maternal personality. ""The Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders"" provides a much-needed reference guide to this disease. Approximately 500 entries address the different types of autism, causes and treatments, institutions, associations, leading scientists and research, social impact, and much more. The book tackles a complex and daunting subject in clear language suitable for the general reader. Appendixes include major relevant organizations, sources for further reading and research, a glossary, and a bibliography. Entries include: Atypical autism; Asperger's Syndrome; Causes of autism; Developmental disability; Early intervention program; Genes and autism; High-functioning autistic disorders; Individualized education program; Language delay; Mainstreaming; Nonfluent aphasia; Patterning; Safety issues; Tactile defensiveness; and Vitamins and autism.