Medical dictionary

What is a transient ischaemic attack? Transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) occur when blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time. Unlike a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), a TIA lasts only for a few hours and does not cause permanent brain tissue damage. TIAs are also unlike strokes where the blood flow remains blocked, causing brain damage. However, due their similarity

What is transient synovitis? Transient synovitis, also called toxic synovitis, is a disease that affects children (especially between three and eight years) and causes pain in the hip or groin area and weakness. It is caused by virus that causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, which surrounds the hip joint. Transient synovitis is more common in boys than in girls. What are the sym

What is a transoesophageal echocardiogram?   A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is an ultrasound test that is used to look at the heart and its nearby blood vessels without other organs blocking the view. A special flexible tube is inserted into your mouth and passed down the throat into the gullet to check how well the structure of your heart is functioning. 

What is it?       Cranial endoscopies, or transsphenoidal surgeries, are increasingly being used in neurosurgery. A cranial endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to endoscopically access the cranium. Small holes are made which allow the surgeons access to areas that required a more complex procedure in the past in which the skull had to be opened complet

What is a transvaginal ultrasound? An ultrasound is a type of scan carried out by a sonographer which uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture inside your body. A transvaginal ultrasound looks specifically at female productive organs including the uterus, cervix, and vagina, by passing the scanner through the vagina. What does it involve? A transvaginal ultrasound is an int

What is a trapeziectomy? Osteoarthritis can occur in the trapezium, which is the cube-shaped bone in your wrist that is joined to the base of your thumb (the trapeziometacarpal joint). This can be a very painful condition, causing pain when you use your thumb and limiting you from normal activities. A trapeziectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to relieve pain and to enable the

What is radiculopathy (trapped nerve)? Radiculopathy, or in simpler terms, a trapped nerve, is a condition in which one or more nerves in the vertebrae are compressed or 'pinched'. This trapped nerve being compressed leads to impaired movement. Radiculopathy can occur in any level of the spinal column, and there are many different types. The main types of radiculopathy

What is traumatic brain injury?Traumatic brain injury (TBI), or intracranial injury, is when a head injury causes damage to the brain. This may be caused by any sort of bump, blow, or jolt, and commonly results from vehicle collisions, falls, or violent incidents. While the term “head injury” is a broad term that can include damage to the scalp or skull, the term “traumatic brain injury” specifica

What is a traumatic injury?A traumatic injury is a physical injury which occurs suddenly, with a certain degree of severity. These types of injury typically require immediate medical attention and may first be dealt with in A&E, with later referral to a particular specialist if ongoing treatment is needed or rehabilitation is necessary. Major trauma has the potential to be severe, causing disa