Medical dictionary

What is being analysed? Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells in the body. It is primarily metabolised in the liver and then excreted in bile.   What does the result mean? The analysis of bilirubin levels in the blood helps assess liver function and detect conditions such as jaundice, liver disease, or haemolytic anaemia.   W

What is binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorder is a serious eating disorder and mental health illness characterised by the regular and compulsive overeating of food in a short amount of time, being unable to stop until uncomfortably full.  Even though everyone has overeaten on certan occasions (for example, during a holiday), what defines binge eating disorder is when this behavio

What is binocular vision disorder?Binocular vision disorder (BVD) occurs when the eyes do not work together effectively to produce a single, clear image. This lack of coordination can make everyday visual tasks more challenging, particularly those that require precise focus or depth perception.Common types include:Convergence insufficiency: difficulty maintaining eye alignment when focusing on nea

What is biofeedback?   Biofeedback is based on the idea that by becoming more aware of your body and the processes going on within it, you can actually control some of those processes. It involves using instruments that provide information on the various systems in your body, such as EMGs, thermometers and electroencephalographs to teach the patient how to control such things as their b

What is biological therapy? Biological therapy involves using living organisms or substances derived from living organisms in the treatment of diseases, in particular cancer. The treatment consists of using the body’s immune system to act against and destroy cancer cells. The therapy is used to treat numerous types of cancer by slowing down the growth of tumours and preventing the

What are biomarkers?   In medicine, biomarkers are biological substances that provide a measurable indicator of: The disease or condition someone has How the body is responding to a treatment, including medication The chances of developing a condition or responding to treatment in the future     Biomarkers are fundamental in all areas of medicine. Some

What is a biopsy?A biopsy is the removal of tissue from an area of the body. There are different types of biopsies:Percutaneous puncture biopsy – tissue is removed with a very fine needle. The specialist is guided by an x-ray or CT scanOpen biopsy – this is carried out during surgery in which local or general anaesthesia is used.Laparoscopic biopsy - very small incisions are made and then, using a

What is bipolar disorder?   Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition, in which the patient experiences both episodes of elation, high energy, or high productivity (mania), and episodes of feeling down or depressed, and, in some cases, episodes with symptoms of both. It used to be known as “manic-depression”, due to this duality. The highs and lows can both

What is birth asphyxia?   Birth asphyxia, also known as perinatal asphyxia or neonatal asphyxia, occurs when a baby doesn’t receive enough oxygen and blood supply before, during, or just after birth.     Disease prognosis   Birth asphyxia can be serious if it is not treated in time, since the consequences can lead to death or life-long health