Pathological facial symptoms you should know

Okay, this may be a little out of norm from the usual things that I like to post about. However (unfortunately for you readers), as a medical student (who's supposed to study more than posting in my blog) I would like to share my knowledge with you all!

The first thing we look at when we see someone is their faces. It's important to know that by looking at a person, we can identify whether that person is in good health or if he/she is suffering from a disease. Here are four facial expressions that can may indicate a pathological effect related to endocrine diseases that the person may have.

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1. Acromegaly
Excessive growth hormone excreted in the body.

Yes, too much growth hormone leads to gigantism. Personally I think the animated movie Shrek is a good example of a hero who has acromegaly. But then again, it's purely fictional.

2. Cushingoid face (moon face)

Excessive glucocorticoids.

 No, this is not a case of obesity. Glucocorticoids play an important role by helping the body respond to stress and changes in the environment.

3. Tetanic face

Patients who have tetanus -  is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. Tetanus is caused by bacteria called Clostridium Tetani.

 

 A noticeable symptom is gritting of the teeth (lockjaw). This is usually due to muscle spasms in the jaw.This is a almost always a fatal disease..please get vaccination, people! And careful when you injure yourselves with splinters, nails, insect bites or any other puncture wounds.

4. Thyrotoxic face

Hyperthyroidism, or overexcessive secretion of thyroid hormones.

Characterised by a frightened expression of the face, eyelid tremor, and exophthalmos (bulging of eye anteriorly out of orbit).

 There are so many facial expressions that can indicate a problem in your health, these are only four out of so many. I find them interesting, don't you? So if you happen to walk around in a hospital and find patients with these facial expressions, DON'T STARE! They need moral support, comfort and help just like the rest of us.

Yup, I need to get back to my books. Feedback is much appreciated!