Medical dictionary

What is post-thrombotic syndrome?   Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a complication of chronic (long-term) deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. A blood clot in a leg vein can cause inflammation, and can damage the valves in the blood vessels which prevent blood from flowing backwards. This leads to a number of uncomfortable symptoms.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder? (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) describes a set of symptoms that appear after experiencing a traumatic or catastrophic event. Those who experience PTSD have difficulty overcoming an unpleasant experience. These symptoms lead to an alteration of physical life to such an extent that leading a normal life becomes very difficult.  

What is posturography? Posturography is a test that measures and assesses a patient's balance function using a computerised platform. It can be carried out in-clinic by an ENT specialist and usually takes around 20 minutes. What does posturography consist of? Posturography involves placing the patient on a platform and measuring their movements. The platform may be static, or it m

What is being analysed? Potassium levels in the body are being analysed. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance. What does the result mean? The result indicates the concentration of potassium in the bloodstream. Abnormal potassium levels can

What is PoTS syndrome? PoTS syndrome is a condition where your heart beats significantly faster when you become upright from a seated or lying position. Many of us will experience an elevated heart rate when standing up, but in patients with PoTS syndrome, the heart carries on beating faster for a sustained period of time. Unlike many heart conditions, however, PoTS syndrome does not involve an

What is analysed? Prealbumin is a protein produced mainly by the liver that helps transport thyroid hormones and vitamin A throughout the body. The prealbumin test measures prealbumin levels in the blood. What does the result mean? The result indicates the concentration of prealbumin in the blood. Prealbumin levels serve as a marker of nutritional status, with lower levels typically i

What is precocious puberty?   Precocious puberty is when a child’s body begins changing into that of an adult before the age of eight in the case of girls, or the age of nine in the case of boys.   It’s not always clear what causes precocious puberty, but sometimes diagnosis can reveal an underlying cause, such as a genetic disorder or tumour. Precocious pube

What is preconception care? Preconception care is an opportunity for you and your partner to improve your health before trying to have a baby. There is a greater chance of conceiving a healthy baby if both partners are healthy. Healthcare professionals can help you to assess your health, fitness and lifestyle and identify the areas of your life that need to be improved. Preconception care

What is pre-diabetes? Pre-diabetes is a term for people who are at a greater risk of diabetes but do not yet have a diabetes diagnosis. When is someone diagnosed with diabetes? A person is diagnosed as having diabetes if they show symptoms such as passing urine often, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss, as well as abnormal blood sugar levels. Our blood sugar levels fluctu