Medical dictionary

What are cataracts, and why do they occur?Cataracts occur when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, either completely or partially. Cataracts occur most commonly due to age, inflammation, or steroid use.There are many types of cataracts. The main ones include the following:Congenital or infantile cataracts: These occur in children under a year old. The cause is usually unknown, but i

What is it?The lens of the eye is usually clear, allowing it to bend light onto the back of the eye (the retina), which allows us to see. When the lens, or part of the lens, becomes cloudy or opaque, we call this a cataract. Cataracts distort the light that passes through, causing the signals sent by the retina to form a blurred or distorted image in the brain. If left untreated, cataracts ca

What are cataracts? Cataracts occur when the lens in the eyes become cloudy, either completely or partially. Cataracts occur most commonly due to age, inflammation, or steroid use.  What main symptoms can the appearance of cataracts cause? When the lens becomes cloudy, you may notice your vision is more hazy and that you notice glare from bright lights. You ma

What is being analysed? Catecholamines are neurotransmitters and hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The analysis typically involves measuring the levels of these substances in the blood or urine.   What does the result mean? The results of catecholamine analysis provide insight into the functioning of the sympathet

What is a catheter?   A catheter is a thin tube usually made of soft, flexible plastic. It is a medical device used to transfer liquids into or out of the body. Due to the broad number of possible applications of such a device, there are several different types of catheters.     Why is it done?   Urinary catheters are used to drain urine from the bladde

What is a caudal epidural? A caudal epidural, also known as a caudal nerve block, is an injection which contains a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid (hydrocortisone). Where exactly is a caudal epidural injected? It is injected into the patient's inflamed areas of the spinal canal. In other words, these injections are administered into one's lower back. 

What is a cavernoma? A cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels, usually found in the brain and spinal cord. They are also known as cavernous angiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, or cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). A typical cavernoma looks like a raspberry and is filled with blood that flows slowly through vessels that are like caverns.   What are the symptoms? Ofte

What is cavus foot? Cavus foot (sometimes known as Pes cavus) is a type of foot deformity. In cavus foot, the arch of the foot is higher than normal and can’t flatten. Sometimes, the toes might be curled up and the heel drawn in. Cavus foot usually affects both feet. What distinguishes cavus foot from other foot deformities involving a high arch is that the front part of the foot is dr

What is dental CBCT? A dental CBCT scan is a type of CT scan used by a specialist dentist or prosthodontist. First, it is useful to understand what the terms “CT” and “CBCT” mean. CT stands for computerised tomography. It is also known as a CAT scan (computed axial tomography or computer aided tomography). It is a type of scan to see insi