Medical dictionary

What is chorea? Chorea is an abnormal involuntary movement disorder characterised by the rapid movement of the hands or feet that are similar to when someone is dancing. These movements can range from minor and fidgety movements to movements that are more expansive, which can be fast or slow and the person can sometimes be seen to be moving in pain. The word chorea comes from the Greek wor

What is Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)? Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test. The test involves taking a sample of chorionic villi that is removed from the placenta to be tested. The sample can be taken via the abdominal wall (transabdominal) or the cervix (transcervical). During pregnancy, the placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby and removes waste pr

What is analysed in a chromosomal study? The chromosomal study evaluates the chromosomes in your cells to verify if you have a complete set of 46 chromosomes. Having too many or too few chromosomes can cause serious health and developmental issues, such as Down syndrome (extra chromosome 21) or Turner syndrome (missing X chromosome). The study also looks for changes in chromosome structures,

What is chronic bronchitis?  Chronic bronchitis is classed under the umbrella term COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes, the breathing tubes that supply oxygen to the lungs, become inflamed. When the bronchi are inflamed more mucus is produced, this is what leads to breathing difficulties and coughing. Bronchiti

What is a chronic cough? Most coughs cause discomfort, but they usually serve a use. When we cough, we expel germs, mucus and foreign material from our lungs. Most only last for a short time. However, sometimes they linger for weeks or even months - and this is when it becomes a chronic cough.  A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts for eight weeks or longer in adults or over

What is chronic diarrhoea?  The term chronic diarrhoea is used for cases in which diarrhoea has lasted for several weeks and is quite often linked to other health issues such as weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, high temperature or fever, or being unable to absorb nutrients.      Diarrhoea is the frequent passage of soft and watery stools. It is

What is a long-term condition? A long-term condition (sometimes known as a chronic condition) is an illness that does not currently have a cure. Instead, treatment aims to manage the symptoms and help the person live the best life possible with their condition. Around 15 million people in the UK have a long-term condition . The most common long-term conditions in the UK include: a

What is chronic fatigue syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition which involves long-term disabling tiredness. It affects about 200,000 people in the UK, and it generally develops between the ages of 20 and 40. It is three times as common in women as in men. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME. Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cu

What is a chronic headache?   Chronic headaches, also known as chronic daily headaches, are headaches experienced 15 or more days each month for more than three months duration. Chronic headaches can be different types of headache subtypes, including migraines, tension headaches and hemicrania continua headaches.     Prognosis   Due to the consistency