Medical Dictionary: Medical Procedures, Diseases, Tests and Treatments
24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitor
A 24-hour blood pressure monitor tracks blood pressure throughout the day and night, providing a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk.
A surgical procedure to treat shoulder joint injuries or disorders involving the acromioclavicular joint
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
An ACL injury involves a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, commonly caused by sports-related movements.
A medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the abdominal organs
Congenital conditions where abdominal organs protrude through openings in the abdominal wall, requiring surgical repair.
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Abnormal smears refer to atypical results from a cervical screening test, which may indicate the presence of precancerous cells or infection, requiring follow-up or further investigation.
Abscess incision and drainage is a minor surgical procedure used to release pus from an infected area and promote healing.
A bacterial infection that can occur in the root of a tooth, most commonly caused by untreated tooth decay or injury.
Abuse refers to physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological harm, often resulting in long-term mental health consequences such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Acellular dermal matrix is used in reconstructive surgery to support soft tissue, particularly in implant-based breast reconstruction.
Achalasia is a rare disorder of the oesophagus where the muscles fail to relax, making swallowing difficult and causing food to become stuck.
A surgical procedure to repair a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon
A digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort.
A skin condition involving blocked hair follicles and oil glands, resulting in pimples, blackheads, and inflammation.
A cosmetic procedure that helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars on the skin.
A benign tumour on the vestibular nerve that can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems.
A rare hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.
Acromioclavicular Joint (ACJ) Stabilisation
Surgery to stabilise the AC joint after dislocation or ligament injury, restoring shoulder alignment and strength.
Actinic keratoses are precancerous skin lesions that can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
A manual therapy applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
ACS refers to a group of conditions, including heart attacks and unstable angina, that result from sudden reduced blood flow to the heart.
A sudden decline in kidney function, often caused by dehydration, toxins, or reduced blood flow.
A chronic psychological and physiological dependence on substances or behaviors, requiring structured therapy and support.
A disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and aldosterone, causing fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.
A surgical procedure to remove the adenoids, which are small glands located in the back of the throat
Adenomyosis is a condition where the inner lining of the uterus breaks through into the muscle wall, leading to heavy, painful periods and an enlarged uterus.
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form between internal organs and tissues, often following surgery or infection, which may lead to pain or complications such as infertility.
Adjustment disorder is a stress-related condition where emotional or behavioural symptoms occur in response to a specific life event or change.
Adolescent hip preservation includes surgical and non-surgical strategies to maintain healthy hip joints in young patients at risk of early arthritis.
Conditions affecting the adrenal glands, including tumours, adrenal insufficiency, or hormone overproduction.
Adult Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery
Adult ear, nose, and throat surgery addresses a range of ENT conditions, including tonsillectomy, sinus surgery, and procedures for hearing and voice disorders.
Advanced endometriosis refers to severe stages of the condition, involving deep infiltrating lesions, ovarian cysts, and extensive pelvic adhesions, often requiring complex surgical treatment.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A leading cause of vision loss in older adults, causing damage to the macula and central vision impairment.
Aged and sun-damaged skin refers to changes in skin texture, elasticity, and pigmentation caused by prolonged UV exposure and natural ageing.
A severe form of alcohol dependence characterized by compulsive drinking, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
All-on-Four dental implants are a full-arch restoration technique using four strategically placed implants to support a complete set of prosthetic teeth.
An allergic response to airborne allergens causing sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
Allergy blood tests measure the immune system’s response to specific allergens by detecting allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the bloodstream.
A medical test to determine if a person has allergies to specific substances
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden, patchy hair loss.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, and is the most common form of dementia.
A type of filling material that is made of a combination of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
Amenorrhoea is the absence of menstrual periods in women of reproductive age, which may result from hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical conditions.
Amnesic syndrome is a memory disorder marked by severe short-term memory loss, often due to brain injury, stroke, or alcohol abuse.
A medical test to examine the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus during pregnancy
Age-related decline in testosterone levels in men, causing fatigue, mood changes, and reduced libido.
Anger management refers to techniques and therapeutic strategies used to recognise, control, and express anger in a healthy and constructive way.
Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically triggered by exertion or stress.
An angiogram is a diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays to view blood vessels after injecting a contrast dye.
A procedure to widen narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart.
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat ankle joint conditions such as impingement or cartilage damage.
An ankle ligament injury occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn, commonly due to twisting injuries.
A surgical procedure to replace a damaged or arthritic ankle joint with an artificial joint
An ankle sprain is a common injury involving overstretching or tearing of ligaments that support the ankle joint.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced flexibility, particularly in the lower back.
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image, leading to restricted food intake and malnutrition.
Antenatal education provides expectant parents with knowledge and practical advice on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care, aiming to improve confidence and outcomes.
Anti-fungal therapy involves medications, topical or systemic, to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails, or mucous membranes.
A surgical procedure to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, commonly performed for severe GORD.
An anti-snoring device is a medical appliance, often worn in the mouth, designed to keep airways open during sleep and reduce or eliminate snoring.
Anxiety is a feeling of unease or worry that can be experienced in response to real or perceived threats. It is a natural human response to stress or danger and can help individuals stay alert and focused. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or uncontrollable, it can interfere with daily life and become a mental health disorder. Symptoms of anxiety may include feelings of tension, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition involving excessive and persistent worry or fear that can interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life.
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, reducing blood flow and potentially requiring replacement.
Aortic valve degeneration refers to wear and tear of the heart valve, often requiring surgical intervention.
Aortic valve regurgitation occurs when the valve leaks, allowing blood to flow backwards into the heart.
Aortic valve stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
A surgical procedure that involves removing the tip of the root of a tooth to treat a persistent infection.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, often requiring urgent surgical removal to prevent rupture.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms.
Arm pain may result from musculoskeletal injuries, nerve compression, or referred pain from the neck, and requires evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
An armpit lump may indicate swollen lymph nodes, infection, or other conditions requiring clinical assessment to determine the underlying cause.
Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat, which may be too fast, too slow, or erratic, and can affect blood flow and lead to complications.
Painful open sores caused by poor arterial blood flow, typically found on the feet or lower legs.
A general term for joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammation or degeneration of the elbow joint, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Inflammation or degeneration of the joints in the foot, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Joint inflammation or degeneration in the hand, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Wear and tear or inflammation of the shoulder joint causing pain and restricted movement.
Degeneration or inflammation of the wrist joints causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
A procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems using an arthroscope, which is a small camera that is inserted into the joint.
Assessment for Acquired Head & Skull Deformity
Assessment for Acquired Head and Skull Deformity involves evaluating structural abnormalities of the skull due to trauma or developmental conditions.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
A common refractive error where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision.
Ataxia is a neurological condition affecting coordination and balance, often due to damage to the cerebellum or its pathways.
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow and lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Athlete’s heart is a benign condition where the heart enlarges due to intense physical training.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
A congenital heart defect characterised by an opening in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers, causing abnormal blood flow.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
A hearing condition where the brain struggles to process sound correctly, causing difficulty understanding speech.
Acupuncture targeting specific points on the ear to treat pain, anxiety, and various health conditions.
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior. People with autism may have challenges in understanding and responding to social cues, expressing themselves verbally or non-verbally, and forming and maintaining relationships. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors or have intense interests in specific topics. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that individuals can vary widely in their symptoms and level of functioning. Early diagnosis and intervention can help individuals with autism thrive and improve their quality of life.
An autism assessment is a structured evaluation process used to diagnose autism spectrum disorder, involving behavioural observation, developmental history, and standardised tests.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation, organ damage, and a wide range of symptoms depending on the condition.
Autonomic disorders affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
Autonomic mediated syncope is a type of fainting caused by a sudden drop in heart rate or blood pressure due to nervous system responses.