16/04/24

“Metastasis“

Cancer cells spreading from the original site to other parts of the body, forming new tumors.

09/04/24

“Status Epilepticus”

Any seizure that lasts a long time (greater than 30 minutes), or a series of seizures where the person does not regain consciousness in between.

04/04/24

“Nocturia“

Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate. Can often be a symptom of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

26/03/24

“Ketones”

Ketones are organic compounds produced when the body metabolises fat for energy, typically detected in urine, blood, or breath. High ketones levels can make blood acidic.  

21/03/24

“Endocarditis”

An inflammation of the heart lining or valves, usually caused by bacterial infection.

12/03/24

“Jaundice”

Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes. It occurs due to an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, in the bloodstream.

27/02/24

“Dyspnoea”

Dyspnoea is a medical term referring to difficulty breathing also known as shortness of breath or breathlessness. Dyspnoea can be caused by various factors such as respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma), cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure), anaemia, obesity, anxiety, or physical exertion.

20/02/24

“Neoplasms”

Abnormal new growth of tissue. Neoplasms may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

13/02/24

“Syndrome”

A syndrome is a collection of symptoms and signs that tend to occur together and characterize a particular condition, disease, or abnormality. It is essentially a recognizable pattern of symptoms or abnormalities that occur concurrently and are indicative of a specific medical or psychological disorder

06/02/24

“Thrombosis”

Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. This condition can occur in arteries or veins throughout the body and may lead to serious complications.

30/01/24

“Ablation”

A treatment method that employs electrical energy, heat, cold, alcohol, or alternative techniques to eliminate a small area of damaged tissue.

23/01/24

“Agonist”

1. A substance that triggers physiological response when combined with a receptor e.g. Salbutamol is a Beta2-Agonists as it triggers a response when combined with Beta2 cells. 2. A muscle when contracted is opposed by another muscle e.g. contracted bicep is the agonist and the relaxed tricep is the antagonist.

16/01/24

“Idiopathic”

Relates to any disease or condition which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown e.g. Idiopathic epilepsy

09/01/24

“Dysphasia”

Dysphasia refers to the impairment of speech often from a brain injury. Dysphasia is very similar to Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). An easy way to remember the difference is Dysphasia has an S for Speech.

02/01/24

“Chronic”

Chronic refers to a condition or illness that persists over an extended period, often lasting for months or years. It indicates a long-lasting or recurring nature of a health issue, rather than a short-term or acute problem.

19/12/23

“Dysphagia”

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. This condition can occur at any point along the swallowing process and may result from various causes particular brain damage due to strokes, infections, head injuries or tumours.

12/12/23

“Iatrogenic”

“Iatrogenic” refers to any illness, injury, or adverse condition that arises as a result of medical treatment or intervention. The patient’s prolonged hospital stay led to an iatrogenic infection, complicating their recovery process.

05/12/23

“Pathological”

The term “pathological” refers to something that is caused by or involves a disease or an abnormal condition. For example, a pathological fracture occurs as a result of weakened or diseased bones, rather than due to direct trauma or injury.

28/11/23

“Prodrome”

A prodrome is the initial phase or early set of symptoms that precede the full onset of a disease or a medical condition, often serving as an early warning sign or indicator. An example of a prodrome is the aura experienced by some individuals with migraines.

21/11/23

“Haemoptysis”

Haemoptysis refers to coughing up blood that originates from the respiratory tract. It can be caused by various conditions, such as respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, or even certain cardiovascular issues.

14/11/23

“Pertussis”

Pertussis, also known as Whooping cough, is a highly contagious acute respiratory tract infection.  Whooping cough can lead to various complications, particularly in infants and young children, including pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and respiratory failure.

Read more here

07/11/23

“Xiphisternum”

The xiphisternum, also known as the xiphoid process, is a small, cartilaginous extension at the lower end of the sternum (breastbone) in the ribcage. It is a useful landmark in determining the correct placement for chest compressions.  

Read more on chest compressions here