Medical dictionary

What is immunotherapy? Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, biotherapy or biological response modifying therapy (BRM therapy), is a set of treatment techniques that boost the body’s natural defences-the immune system to fight cancer and certain infections. Some immunotherapy treatments boost the immune system overall, while others try to teach it to attack specific types of cell

What is an impacted tooth? A tooth is referred to as ‘impacted’ when it fails to fully erupt and remains fully or partially inside the gums. This may be due to a lack of space and result in the tooth becoming stuck or growing at the wrong angle. Most frequently, it’s the wisdom teeth that become impacted and these are the third group of molars which grow at the back of yo

What is impetigo? Impetigo is a highly contagious infection of the skin which is usually caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. It enters through a crack in the skin such as a wound, scratch, cut or bite of an insect. It is not generally serious and generally clears within a few days to a few weeks with the right treatment. It can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or (altho

What is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)? An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device used as a preventative treatment for people thought to be at risk of cardiac arrest due to ventricular arrhythmia. It is similar to a regular pacemaker, but it is implanted and linked to the heart. A specialist in fitting an implantable cardioverter de

Understanding implantation failureOne of the most common treatments of infertility is implantation. Techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are usually very successful methods of implantation.However, the methods are not fail proof, and there are a number of factors that can cause implantation failure. Repeated implantation failure (RIF) can

What is imposter syndrome?   Imposter syndrome is an internal experience commonly felt by people who are often well accomplished and feel undeserving of their success. It is the conflict between your self-perceptions and how you anticipate others perceive you. It is the inability to recognise your own achievements, crediting them to good timing, luck, or other external factors. Pressure

What is impulse control disorder?  Impulse control disorders are conditions where individuals repeatedly fail to resist an impulse or urge to perform an act that is rewarding, in the short-term, despite damaging consequences in the long term. This may include severe distress or harm to themselves or others, significant life disruption and legal and financial difficulties. Impulse control d

What is IMSI? Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI), also called “Super ICSI”, is an in vitro fertilization technique that aims to select the best sperm to increase the chances of successful implantation. It requires local anesthesia with sedation in the ovarian puncture procedure. You should see a fertility specialist for this treatment. Why

What is an independent medical examination? During an independent medical examination, a medical expert evaluates and gives a verdict on the state of health of a person who has suffered physical or psychological damage. The medical expert must have an unbiased and objective approach to the examination and the final verdict regarding the cause, the extent of the injury/illness, and the length of