Patient #4: Desiree

Desiree has an interesting syndrome:

Hydro-Contumelious Atalanta Syndrome (H-CAS)

H-CAS syndrome has actually been around for centuries but has recently been recognized by the medical community in 2012. The earliest known H-CAS case (based on symptoms) dates back to the 4^th century B.C. Intriguingly, the symptoms have not changed for this disorder.

A few of the main symptoms include:

-          Excessive drinking (usually water and/or beer). The known daily record for water consumption for someone who has H-CAS was reported as 100 liters (26 gallons). [NOTE: There have been disclaims about this amount; but regardless, it is well above the normal water consumption.] Although most people with H-CAS do not drink this much in a 24 hour period, they have been known to be addicted to water and beer, holding more than the average person (which is about 2-3 liters). People with H-CAS must be careful because they are more prone to hyponatremia (which is when you drink too much water that your sodium levels drop too low in your blood.)

-          Because people with H-CAS have increased hydration, they also find themselves addicted to things like watermelon—which consists of 92% water (6% sugar). Other foods consist of leafy greens, other melons, and tomatoes.

-          All H-CAS sufferers have contumelious behavior—meaning they speak sarcasm fluently. This is almost always accompanied by side eye behavior. This symptom, in particular, makes it harder to speak to the H-CAS sufferer than those without the syndrome. Hence, the person usually surrounds him/herself with people of similar behavior. By doing this, he or she has a better chance of maintaining relationships.

-          The last main symptom is running. H-CAS has an unnatural need to run long distances despite any other conditions. You can usually find these people in marathons and running outside at the ungodly hours of the morning.

Other symptoms that are common among H-CAS sufferers include: baking (in unusually large amounts) and supporting non-local sports teams.

A person can have all or just a few of these symptoms. Causes for H-CAS have yet to be determined.

There is still much research for H-CAS to be done. If you believe you have H-CAS or know someone who does and would like to participate as a lab rat, please contact Dr. Carm at drcarmelee@gmail.com. She will get you in touch with the right people. NOTE: Unfortunately, Dr. Carm is too busy to conduct the research for H-CAS, so it will be with another medical team.

Related Postings:
Patient #2: Sam
Patient #3: Lyra
Patient #5: Heather
Patient #9: OCBD
Sports Related Concussions