Medical dictionary

What is it?         Acoustic neuroma surgery is a procedure in which a benign mass is removed from the inner ear canal. A tumour in this area may compress the cochlear nerve (the nerve for hearing). Consequently, the patient may experience some hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear). Patients quite often also have vertigo and vision and bala

Acquired brain injury, often abbreviated to ABI, refers to damage sustained to the brain at any time during a person’s lifetime, as opposed to a genetic or congenital disorder or damage occurring while in the womb. An acquired brain injury can have temporary or permanent effects on a person, causing impairments in cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioural functioning. Acquired br

What is it?   Acromegaly is a condition where the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone (GH), causing the bones to grow too much and too quickly. This condition usually affects men and women (equally) around the age of 40. Given its slow progression, it is quite hard to identify it before it starts showing any symptoms.   Prognosis   Acromegaly develops

What is analysed in an ACT test? The ACT measures the time it takes for blood to clot when heparin is added. It is particularly relevant in procedures where clot formation must be avoided, such as cardiac bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, and dialysis. What does the result mean? The ACT result is expressed in seconds. A prolonged value indicates that blood is taking longer to clot

What is acupuncture?    Acupuncture is a form of alternative or complementary medicine. It is derived from ancient Chinese medicine. There are many techniques used, the most famous using thin needles placed in specific areas known as acupuncture points. This procedure seeks to stimulate certain parts of the body, affecting their function. Acupuncturists say that these points co

What is acupuncture for fertility? Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese medicine which involves stimulating the body’s natural energy flow with small needles, targeting particular areas of the body depending on the health problem or the area affected. Acupuncture is traditionally used to relieve pain, as the needles used stimulate endorphins, which are naturally produced by t

What is being analysed? The acute hepatitis profile evaluates the presence of specific antibodies and antigens related to hepatitis viruses. The tests include hepatitis A (IgM anti-HAV), hepatitis B (anti-HBc IgM and HBsAg), and hepatitis C (anti-HCV).  What does the result mean? Negative or normal: Indicates that there is likely no active hepatitis infection. Positive or abnorma

What is kidney failure? Renal failure, or kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys are damaged so are no longer able to fully perform their functions, leading to accumulation of dangerous waste products in the body, elevation of blood pressure and retention of excess fluids. If your kidneys fail, you will need regular treatment sessions that carry out the functions they used to carry out. D

What is it?      The kidneys are located under the ribcage, on either side of the spine. They are the urinary tract organs that get injured most often. The kidneys are protected by the spine, the back muscles, and the lower ribcage, as well as a cushion of fat. A kidney injury may affect part of the kidney and severity may vary. There can be many causes for a kidney