Medical Mystery Jeopardy

Symptoms and Diagnosis

100

Clue:

This skin condition is caused by an overproduction of sebum, leading to red, itchy patches, often found on the scalp and other oily areas.

dandruff

200

Clue:

This skin condition is common in teenagers and is caused by clogged pores that can result in pimples, blackheads, and cysts.

acne

300

Clue:

This condition is characterized by excessive thirst, frequent urination, and high blood sugar levels. It can be managed with insulin or oral medications.

diabetes

400

Clue:

This disease attacks the liver and can be caused by a virus, often leading to symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

hepatitis

500

Clue:

This condition is often diagnosed with a blood test showing high levels of creatinine and urea, and is characterized by the kidneys’ inability to filter waste products properly, leading to swelling, fatigue, and confusion.

Kidney failure or acute renal failure

Mystery Medical Cases

100

Clue:

A high school student suddenly experiences sneezing, a stuffy nose, and watery eyes. They recently spent time outdoors in the spring. This is likely caused by allergens in the air.

seasonal allergies

200

Clue:

 A teenager feels tired all the time, has frequent thirst, and needs to go to the bathroom often. A doctor tests their blood sugar levels and finds that they are very high.

Type 1 diabetes

300

Clue:

A student complains of severe headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light. They report seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights before the headache starts.

Migraine 

400

Clue: 

A teen suddenly experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness after running. The doctor suspects a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, often due to a blocked artery.

heart attack

500

A high school football player collapses on the field after experiencing severe fatigue, muscle weakness, and a cramp-like feeling, being in the sun for to long. The doctor suspects this condition, which affects the muscles and is often caused by electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or overexertion.

heat stroke or exertional heat illness

Rare Medical Conditions

100

Clue:

 This disorder affects a person’s ability to focus and causes them to be easily distracted. It often appears in childhood and can impact academic performance.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

200

Clue:

 This disease, which can cause paralysis, was once a widespread epidemic but is now preventable thanks to vaccines.

polio

300

Clue: 

This condition is characterized by sudden, uncontrollable movements of the limbs and body. It is more common in children and can sometimes result in learning disabilities.

Tourette syndrome

400

This condition causes a person’s skin to turn blue or purple, especially in the fingers and toes, due to poor circulation or lack of oxygen in the blood.

Raynaud’s disease

500

Clue: This rare genetic disorder causes the skin to be extremely fragile, leading to easy bruising, scarring, and blisters, often from the slightest injury.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Medical Mystery Scenarios

100

Clues:

1. A 16-year-old student has been coughing for over a week. The cough is dry and persistent, and they often feel like something is stuck in their throat.
2. The student also feels a little short of breath, especially after climbing stairs, and sometimes experiences a mild sore throat.
3. The student has no fever, and the cough seems to get worse at night.

Allergies

200

Clues:

1. A 15-year-old student feels extremely tired throughout the day, even after sleeping 9-10 hours each night.
2. They have trouble concentrating in class and feel sleepy during afternoon periods.
3. They have also gained a few pounds recently, despite eating the same amount and not changing their exercise routine.

Sleep Apnea

300

Clues:

1. A 16-year-old student athlete suddenly feels sharp pain in their leg during a game, after sprinting and making a quick change in direction.
2. The pain is localized to the calf and feels like a muscle pull.
3. The student notices swelling and bruising in the area, and they have difficulty walking without limping.

Muscle Strain or Torn Muscle

400

• A 17-year-old student has lost 10 pounds in the last month, despite eating more than usual.
• They complain of feeling very thirsty all the time and often need to use the bathroom, especially at night.
• The student sometimes feels blurry vision and gets tired easily after small tasks.

Type 1 Diabetes

500

Clues:

1. A 17-year-old student develops a red, itchy rash that appears suddenly on their arms and legs. The rash is made up of small bumps that seem to spread and get worse over a few days.
2. The student recently went on a camping trip and spent a lot of time outdoors, especially in areas with tall grass and shrubs.
3. The student mentions that the rash is very itchy, and they’ve been scratching it a lot. They also noticed some swelling around the rash and small blisters forming in a few spots.

Poison Ivy