Medical dictionary

What is microsurgery? Microsurgery covers any procedure that involves the use of a specialised operating microscope and precision instrumentation to perform complex, small-scale operations. Microsurgery techniques represent a great advance over traditional surgical methods, where large incisions and bone openings were often necessary, and some conditions were simply impossible to treat becau

What is microvascular angina?   Microvascular angina is a type of chest pain caused by abnormalities found in the small arteries of the heart. It is often called small vessel heart disease or coronary microvascular disease. The larger arteries can become narrower or blocked because of fat build-up, known as atherosclerosis. 

What are middle ear implants? A middle ear implant is a small device that is inserted into the middle ear and attached to the parts of the ossicle or oval window in order to improve hearing. Unlike other hearing aids, a middle ear implant does not require a speaker. Simply put, middle ear implants work by transmitting sounds to the inner ear via small microphone worn behind the ear. These sound

What is middle ear surgery? Middle ear surgery is a series of surgical interventions to treat problems in the tympanic membrane, in the chain of tiny interconnected bones (the hammer, anvil and stirrup) and in the mastoid cells (cavities of the temporal bone). There are two major surgical procedures: tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy. Tympanoplasty involves ossiculoplasty (repairing the bones)

What is a mid-facelift? The first signs of facial ageing appear around the lower eyelid and cheek and the signs of this are remarkably consistent in men and women. These signs are ‘droop' in the volume and position of the cheek, lengthening of the vertical height of the lower eyelid, and deepening of the “Y-shape of shadow” between the lower eyelid and the cheek - all of w

What is a migraine? A migraine is a type of headache which occurs due to a chronic nervous system disorder. It is a debilitating headache which normally comes with other symptoms, such as nausea or photophobia (light sensitivity).   It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people are affected by migraines globally. Migraines tend to affect women more than men, so it’s thought t

What is mild cognitive impairment? Mild cognitive impairment is a stage of ageing that is marked by memory failure and objective memory impairment. This cognitive impairment does not affect the performance of daily activities, nor does it meet the criteria for dementia. It is an age-related pathology, since it occurs in 1 in 10 people over 65 years of age. The disorder occurs to a different ext

What are mindfulness techniques? Mindfulness techniques are mental exercises to reduce stress. This type of meditation can be beneficial in alleviating difficult thoughts and emotions. It’s about being conscious and aware of the moment, regardless of the emotional and physical environment. You can practise mindfulness at any time. The practice is based on paying attention to the m

What is Mini-IVF? Mini-IVF or micro in vitro fertilization is a milder assisted reproduction treatment than in vitro fertilization. The patient receives fewer injections and the dose of hormones is lower. The goal is to get between three and five high-quality oocytes to be able to fertilise them in the laboratory and transfer them to the uterus. It requires anaesthesia during some steps of the