Medical dictionary

What are back injuries? Back injuries may be caused by work, exercising, or an accident. Back injuries and back pain normally happen in the lower back. Some common symptoms include: Lower back pain or lumbago Aching or sharp pains Inability to stand up straight Muscle spasms These injuries can cause pain and limit movement, depending on the severity of the injury. Wha

What is back pain? Pain in the back is fairly common and usually goes away after a matter of weeks or months. Individuals can experience pain in any part of the back, from the coccyx at the bottom of the spine to the neck. The most common complaint is low back pain (also known as lumbago). Depending on the cause of the back pain, a number of specialists may be involved in treating back pain,

What is a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid? A Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) is a surgically-implanted hearing device that transmits sound vibrations through the bone in the skull, directly to the inner ear containing the cochlea, bypassing the eardrum and middle ear. The BAHA system is an alternative to the conventional hearing aids that are operated by amplifying acoustic sounds that enter the ear

What is a Baker's cyst? A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that forms behind the knee. It occurs when excess synovial fluid, the lubricating fluid in the knee joint, accumulates in a bursa, which is a small sac near the joint. The cyst is typically located at the back of the knee, but its size and shape may vary, with some cysts being small and ot

What is it? Balanitis is a skin irritation on the glans penis (the head of the penis). The inflammation causes redness, pain, itching and swelling to the tip of the penis. It can affect men and boys. Balanitis can be caused by fungi (Candidal balanitis), by bacteria (Gardnerella or Trichomonas vaginalis), by a trauma or an irritation or by dryness (thus causing a contact allergic reaction).

What is a balloon enteroscopy? A balloon enteroscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to both diagnose and treat certain problems in the digestive system. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the body, either through the mouth or the rectum depending on which part of the digestive tract is being investigated or treated. The endoscope has either one or two balloons a

What is bariatric surgery?Bariatric surgery uses a set of techniques and surgical procedures that help fight obesity and improve a patient's health. It is not to be mistaken as cosmetic surgery and does not come without risk, so the specialist must always advise the patient of the best type of treatment and optimal aftercare.The procedures available either limit the amount you eat, reduce your bod

What is Barrett's oesophagus?Barrett's oesophagus (spelt “Barrett’s esophagus” in the US) is a condition in which the tissue that lines the bottom of the oesophagus undergoes a change, usually in response to acid reflux from the stomach. It is a relatively common complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).Normally, the oesophagus is lined with squamous epithelial

What is BBL surgery? A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery that uses liposuction to remove fat from different parts of the body (usually those surrounding the buttocks — hips, thighs and abdomen), to then be transferred through injections into the buttocks. This dual process works to both contour and tone the areas from which fat had been removed and enhance the appearance of