Dys Health Dictionary

Indigestion... dyspepsia

Difficult or painful menstruation... dysmenorrhoea

Severe diarrhea, usually from a colon infection, and containing blood and dead mucus membrane cells.... dysentery

Abnormal tissue growth...classically midway between hyperplasia (overgrowth) and neoplasia.... dysplasia

Difficulty or pain while passing urine... dysuria

Dyslexia is di?culty in reading or learning to read. It is always accompanied by di?culty in writing, and particularly by diffculties in spelling. Reading diffculties might be due to various factors – for example, a general learning problem, bad teaching or understimulation, or a perceptive problem such as poor eyesight. Speci?c dyslexia (‘word blindness’), however, affects 4–8 per cent of otherwise normal children to some extent. It is three times more common in boys than in girls, and there is often a family history. The condition is sometimes missed and, when a child has di?culty with reading, dyslexia should be considered as a possible cause.

Support and advice may be obtained from the British Dyslexia Association.... dyslexia

Dyspareunia means painful or di?cult COITUS. In women the cause may be physical – for example, due to local in?ammation or infection in the vagina – or psychological; say, a fear of intercourse. In men the cause is usually physical, such as prostatitis (see PROSTATE, DISEASES OF) or a tight foreskin (see PREPUCE).... dyspareunia

Difficulty or pain in speaking... dysphonia

Difficulty in breathing... dyspnoea

Difficult parturition... dystocia

See MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF – Myopathy.... muscular dystrophy

A general term applied when weakness or incoordination of the speech musculature prevents clear pronunciation of words. The individual’s speech may sound as if it is slurred or weak. It may be due to damage affecting the centres in the brain which control movements of the speech muscles, or damage to the muscles themselves.

Examples of dysarthria may be found in strokes, CEREBRAL PALSY and the latter stages of PARKINSONISM, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) and MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND). Whatever the cause, a speech therapist can assess the extent of the dysarthria and suggest exercises or an alternative means of communication.... dysarthria

A condition commonly seen when the brain’s PARIETAL LOBE is diseased or injured, in which an individual ?nds it hard to carry out simple mathematical calculations.... dyscalculia

Abnormal movements of the muscles resulting from disorder of the brain. Movements are uncoordinated and involuntary and occur in facial as well as limb muscles. They include athetosis (writhing movements), CHOREA (jerking movements predominate), choreoathetosis (a combined type), myoclonus (spasms), tics and tremors.... dyskinesia

Di?culty in swallowing. This may be caused by narrowing of the oesophagus because of physical disease such as cancer or injury. Disturbance to the nervous control of the swallowing mechanism – for example, in STROKE or MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND) – can also cause dysphagia.... dysphagia

See APRAXIA.... dyspraxia

Dysphasia is the term used to describe the dif?culties in understanding language and in self-expression, most frequently after STROKE or other brain damage. When there is a total loss in the ability to communicate through speech or writing, it is known as global aphasia. Many more individuals have a partial understanding of what is said to them; they are also able to put their own thoughts into words to some extent. The general term for this less severe condition is dysphasia. Individuals vary widely, but in general there are two main types of dysphasia. Some people may have a good understanding of spoken language but have di?culty in self-expression; this is called expressive or motor dysphasia. Others may have a very poor ability to understand speech, but will have a considerable spoken output consisting of jargon words; this is known as receptive or sensory dysphasia. Similar diffculties may occur with reading, and this is called DYSLEXIA (a term more commonly encountered in the di?erent context of children’s reading disability). Adults who have suffered a stroke or another form of brain damage may also have di?culty in writing, or dysgraphia. The speech therapist can assess the ?ner diagnostic pointsand help them adjust to the effects of the stroke on communication. (See SPEECH THERAPY.)

Dysphasia may come on suddenly and last only for a few hours or days, being due to a temporary block in the circulation of blood to the brain. The effects may be permanent, but although the individual may have di?culty in understanding language and expressing themselves, they will be quite aware of their surroundings and may be very frustrated by their inability to communicate with others.

Further information may be obtained from Speakability.... dysphasia

Dystonia refers to a type of involuntary movement characterised by a sustained muscle contraction, frequently causing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures, and caused by inappropriate instructions from the brain. It is sometimes called torsion spasm, and may be synonymous with ATHETOSIS when the extremities are involved. Often the condition is of unknown cause (idiopathic), but an inherited predisposition is increasingly recognised among some cases. Others may be associated with known pathology of the brain such as CEREBRAL PALSY or WILSON’S DISEASE.

The presentation of dystonia may be focal (usually in adults) causing blepharospasm (forceful eye closure), oromandibular dystonia (spasms of the tongue and jaw), cranial dystonia/Meige syndrome/Brueghel’s syndrome (eyes and jaw both involved), spastic or spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia (strained or whispering speech), spasmodic dysphagia (di?culty swallowing), spasmodic torti/latero/ ante/retrocollis (rotation, sideways, forward or backward tilting of the neck), dystonic writer’s cramp or axial dystonia (spasms deviating the torso). Foot dystonia occurs almost exclusively in children and adolescents. In adults, the condition usually remains focal or involves at most an adjacent body part. In children, it may spread to become generalised. The condition has always been considered rare, but commonly is either not diagnosed or mistakenly thought to be of psychological origin. It may, in fact, be half as common as MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS). Similar features can occur in some subjects treated with major tranquillising drugs, in whom a predisposition to develop dystonia may be present.

One rare form, called dopa-responsive dystonia, can be largely abolished by treatment with LEVODOPA. Particularly in paediatric practice this drug will often be tried on a child with dystonia.... dystonia

Dystrophy means defective or faulty nutrition, and is a term applied to a group of developmental changes occurring in the muscles, independently of the nervous system (see MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF). The best-known form is progressive muscular dystrophy, a group of hereditary disorders characterised by symmetrical wasting and weakness, with no sensory loss. There are three types: Duchenne (usually occurring in boys within the ?rst three years of life); limb girdle (occurring in either sex in the second or third decade); and facio-scapulohumeral (either sex, any age). The three types have di?erent prognoses, but may lead to severe disability and premature death, often from respiratory failure. The third type progresses very slowly, however, and is compatible with a long life.

Diagnosis may be con?rmed by ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) or muscle biopsy. Although genetic research is pointing to possible treatment or prevention, at present no e?ective treatment is known, and deterioration may occur with excessive con?nement to bed. Physio-therapeutic and orthopaedic measures may be necessary to counteract deformities and contractures, and may help in coping with some disabilities.... dystrophy

Also known as orofacial DYSKINESIA, this is characterised by involuntary chewing and grimacing, usually the result of years of taking ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS, particularly in the elderly when these drugs are sometimes used to sedate troublesome patients.... tardive dyskinesia

An X-linked recessive disorder (that is, the abnormal gene is carried on the X chromosome). This means that the disease occurs almost exclusively in males, as its presence in a female is counteracted by the normal gene likely to be in her other X chromosome. The disorder is characterised by progressive muscular weakness and wasting. It is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, ocurring in 30 per 100,000 live male births, often – but not always – in families with other members having the disorder.

The disease usually appears within the ?rst three years of life, beginning in the pelvic girdle and lower limbs and later spreading to the shoulder girdle. The calf muscles become bulky (pseudohypertrophy). The weakness gives rise to a characteristic waddling gait and, when rising from the supine position, the child rolls on to his face and then uses his arms to push himself up. Death usually occurs by the middle of the second decade from respiratory infections. Prenatal screening of female carriers using gene probes is increasingly available. (See DYSTROPHY; MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF – Myopathy.)... duchenne muscular dystrophy

Constipation due to retention of FAECES in the rectum. This retention is the outcome of irregular habits, which damp down the normal re?ex causing defaecation.... dyschezia

Presently a term referring to inadequate synthesis of blood proteins by the liver, especially clotting factors. Formerly the term described an improper balance between blood and lymph in an organ or a whole person. Archaically, it referred to an imbalance between the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and the postulated black bile.... dyscrasia

A type of muscular dystrophy (see MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF) in which the affected person has weakness and wasting of the muscles, particularly those in the face and neck. Other effects are CATARACT, ptosis (see EYE, DISORDERS OF), baldness and malfunctioning of the endocrine system (see ENDOCRINE GLANDS). Both sexes may be affected by this inherited disorder.... dystrophia myotonica

A rare disease in which areas of bone are replaced by ?brous tissue (see CONNECTIVE TISSUE). This renders the bone fragile and liable to fracture. It may involve only one bone – usually the thigh bone or FEMUR – or several bones. This latter form of the disease may be accompanied by pigmentation of the skin and the early onset of PUBERTY.... fibrous dysplasia

Inadequate sexual response may be due to a lack of sexual desire (LIBIDO) or to an inadequate performance; or it may be that there is a lack of satisfaction or ORGASM. Lack of sexual desire may be due to any generalised illness or endocrine disorder, or to the taking of drugs that antagonise endocrine function (see ENDOCRINE GLANDS). Disorders of performance in men can occur during arousal, penetration and EJACULATION. In the female, DYSPAREUNIA and VAGINISMUS are the main disorders of performance. DIABETES MELLITUS can cause a neuropathy which results in loss of erection. IMPOTENCE can follow nerve damage from operations on the PROSTATE GLAND and lower bowel, and can be the result of neurological diseases affecting the autonomic system (see NERVOUS SYSTEM). Disorders of satisfaction include, in men, impotence, emission without forceful ejaculation and pleasureless ejaculation. In women such disorders range from the absence of the congestive genital response to absence of orgasm. Erectile dysfunction in men can sometimes be treated with SILDENAFIL CITRATE (Viagra®), a drug that recent research suggests may also be helpful to women with reduced libido and/or inability to achieve orgasm.

Sexual dysfunction may be due to physical or psychiatric disease, or it may be the result of the administration of drugs. The main group of drugs likely to cause sexual problems are the ANTICONVULSANTS, the ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS, and drugs such as metoclopramide that induce HYPERPROLACTINAEMIA. The benzodiazepine TRANQUILLISERS can reduce libido and cause failure of erection. Tricyclic ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS may cause failure of erection and clomipramine may delay or abolish ejaculation by blockade of alpha-adrenergic receptors. The MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIS) often inhibit ejaculation. The PHENOTHIAZINES reduce sexual desire and arousal and may cause di?culty in maintaining an erection. The antihypertensive drug, methyldopa, causes impotence in over 20 per cent of patients on large doses. The beta-adrenoceptorblockers and the DIURETICS can also cause impotence. The main psychiatric causes of sexual dysfunction include stress, depression and guilt.... sexual dysfunction

A psychiatric disorder in which a person suffers intense anxiety about an imagined defect in part of his or her body.... body dysmorphic disorder

A rare disorder, also called multiple enchondromatosis, that is present from birth and characterized by the presence of multiple tumours of cartilaginous tissue within the bones of a limb.

It is caused by a failure of normal bone development from cartilage.

The bones are shortened, resulting in deformity.

Rarely, a tumour may become cancerous (see chondrosarcoma).... dyschondroplasia

Problems with writing (see learning difficulties).... dysgraphia

Loss of the ability to perform rapid alternate movements, such as winding up a watch. It is a sign of a lesion in the cerebellum. (See BRAIN.)... dysdiadochokinesia

Disturbance of sweat secretion.... dysidrosis

(Greek) Born at sunset Dysiss, Dysisse, Dysys, Dysyss, Dysysse... dysis

Painful menstruation.... dysmenorrhea

Defective vision... dysopia

Air hunger with pained breathing. It occurs normally from physical exertion, and abnormally either from impaired respiration, emotional distress, or a breakdown in nerve responses... dyspnea

Hook. f.

Family: Meliaceae.

Habitat: Assam, Sikkim, Bengal and the Western Ghats.

Siddha/Tamil: Agunivagil, Cembil. Folk: Lassuni (West Bengal).

Action: Fruit—anti-inflammatory, diuretic, CNS depressant.

The bark from mature trees contain 15% tannin and that from young trees 10%. EtOH (50%) extract of fruit—anti- inflammatory, diuretic and CNS depressant.

The fruit contains a tetranortriter- penoid, dysobinin, a potential CNS depressant and inflammation inhibitor.

The stem bark contains an alkaloid, rohitukine, which exhibited anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory property.... dysoxylum binectariferum

Disturbance in the rhythmical contractions of the heart. It is also called ARRHYTHMIA.... dysrhythmia

A condition in which certain muscles enlarge owing to a fatty and ?brous degeneration, giving a false appearance of increased strength.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

A pathogenic bacterium of the genus pseudomonas – rod-like, motile gram-negative bacteria (see GRAM’S STAIN) – that occurs in pus from wounds and is associated with urinary tract infections. The bacteria mostly live in soil and decomposing organic matter and help to recycle nitrogen in nature. Most of the bacteria in this genus are harmless to humans.... pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy

Bernh.

Family: Asteraceae.

Habitat: Kashmir at 1,500-1,800 m.

Action: Plant—astringent, diuretic. Root—antidiarrhoeal. Leaf— antiasthmatic.... pulicaria dysenterica

Amoebiasis. Ulcerative colitis of the large bowel chiefly with entamoeba histolytica from infected food, water, or by ‘carriers’. Penetration through colon walls may lead to increased peristalsis. Period of infection – one to six months. Travelling upwards via the portal vein. Symptoms: may invade the liver causing abscess. Colic, changed bowel habits. Where severe – fever, bloody stools and pain in iliac fossa.

Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner.

Attention to water supply. Water should be boiled for five minutes to destroy cysts. Avoid fruits and salad materials from unhygienic sources and exposure to flies.

Alternatives. Agrimony, Balm, Bayberry, Bistort, Blue Flag, Burdock, Calamus, Catechu (black), Cranesbill, Echinacea, Fenugreek, Garlic, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Ipecacuanha, Ladies Mantle, Marshmallow, Mullein, Nettles, Pulsatilla, Raspberry leaves, Red Clover, Shepherd’s Purse, Slippery Elm, Spurge (hirta), Tormentil root, Thyme (garden), Wild Yam, Witch Hazel, Yarrow.

Tea. Equal parts: Holy Thistle, Marshmallow, Thyme. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily or every 2 hours acute cases.

Decoction. Combine, Wild Yam 1; Marshmallow root 1; Echinacea 2. One heaped teaspoon to two cups water. Simmer gently 20 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily: every 2 hours acute cases.

Formula. Equal parts: Bayberry, Burdock, Echinacea, Peppermint. Dose: Liquid extract: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: one to two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half teaspoon) in water, honey or fruit juice, thrice daily: every 2 hours for acute cases.

Practitioner. (1) Tincture Ipecacuanha (BP 1973). Dose: 0.25-1ml as prescribed.

(2) Formula. Liquid Extract Echinacea 15ml; Liquid Extract Monsonia ovata 4ml; Liquid Extract Marigold 4ml; Tincture Goldenseal 2ml; Oil Cinnamon 1ml. Distilled water to 240ml (8oz). Dose: 1 dessertspoon (8ml) every 3 hours. (A. Barker)

Preventative: two Garlic capsules at night.

Note: Fenugreek tea: frequent cupfuls. Good results reported. Drink plenty of fluids: milk, oatmeal porridge, vegetable juices. ... dysentery, amoebic

See amoebiasis.... amoebic dysentery

When it comes to erectile dysfunctions, not many men have the courage to accept the fact that there’s something wrong with their body and ask for medical assistance. However, you must know that there’s nothing to be ashamed of and that there’s a high percentage of men around the world who suffer from the same disorder you do. Scientists have proved that most erectile dysfunction causes are external and one could hardly be blamed for it. Also, the treatment is rarely painful and it’s best to cure your affection than wait for it to get worse. How a Tea for Erectile Dysfunction Works A Tea for Erectile Dysfunction’s main goal is to make your body produce enough natural enzymes and endorphins to induce a state of calmness to your male reproductive system. A Tea for Erectile Dysfunction must be rich in tannins, volatile oils, nutrients and minerals (manganese, magnesium, iron, sodium) and must not do you any harm. If you found out about a risky treatment, it’s best to avoid it and ask a specialist for assistance. Efficient Tea for Erectile Dysfunction In order to work properly, a Tea for Erectile Dysfunction needs to be both efficient and one hundred percent safe. Of course, traditional medicine has a various number of treatments in store for you, but they are not always effective, so it’s possible to ingest pills for no reason, putting your liver through an unnecessary stress. If you don’t know which teas to choose from, here’s a list for guidance: - Ginseng Tea – is best known for its contribution to a better sexual life. However, make sure you only use a small amount of herb when preparing this decoction in order to avoid nervous system ailments, such as nausea, hallucinations and severe headaches. - Gingko Tea – this Tea for Erectile Dysfunction is also a great help for memory loss, asthenia and anemia. You can drink as much as you want (however, it’s best to not exceed 6 cups per day or you’ll develop an acid foods and drinks gastric intolerance). - Catuaba Tea – is very popular in the South American regions and it’s mainly used as a sexual enhancer. However, this decoction has also healing properties, being able to induce sexual desire while calming the affected areas. Anyway, you need to pay attention to the amount of Catuaba Tea you’re ingesting, since it’s not a very safe remedy. Even better, ask for medical assistance before taking a treatment based on Catuaba Tea. - Black Cohosh- contains three classes of compounds and acts as a natural sexual enhancer, but it also has a lot of curative properties, being able to treat infertility in both men and women. However, since this treatment it’s not a very safe one, it’s best not to take it unsupervised. Tea for Erectile Dysfunction Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are one hundred percent safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may lead to a number of problems, such as gastric problems, nausea, headaches, migraines and upset stomach. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual symptoms, ask for medical assistance immediately! Do not take a Tea for Erectile Dysfunction if you’re on blood thinners, anticoagulants or preparing for a surgery (some of the active constituents found in these teas may elevate your heartbeat and cause cardiac arrest). If your doctor gives you the green light, choose a Tea for Erectile Dysfunction that fits best your problems and enjoy its great health benefits!... tea for erectile dysfunction

A disorder present at birth in which the head of the femur (thigh-bone) fails to fit properly into the cup-like socket in the pelvis to form a joint. One or both of the hips may be affected.

The cause of developmental hip dysplasia is not known, although it is more common in girls, especially babies born by breech delivery or following pregnancies in which the amount of amniotic fluid was abnormally small.

If dislocation is detected in early infancy, splints are applied to the thigh to manoeuvre the ball of the joint into the socket and keep it in position. These are worn for about 3 months and usually correct the problem. Progress may be monitored by ultrasound scanning and X-rays. Corrective surgery may also be required.

If treatment is delayed, there may be lifelong problems with walking. Without treatment, the dislocation often leads to shortening of the leg, limping, and early osteoarthritis in the joint.... developmental hip dysplasia

A medical term meaning disturbance of heart rhythm, sometimes used as an alternative to arrhythmia (see arrhythmia, cardiac).... dysrhythmia, cardiac

See developmental hip dysplasia.... hip dysplasia, developmental

A hypothetical condition thought to account for behavioural and other problems in children for which no physical cause is found. It may be a cause of some learning difficulties, difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.... minimal brain dysfunction

A disorder in which there is interference with the sexual response for no physical cause.... psychosexual dysfunction

see auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.... auditory dyssynchrony

a *sex-linked (X-linked) disorder in which affected males develop an increase in muscle size followed by weakness and wasting. It usually starts between the ages of 5 and 15, and 25 years after onset most patients are wheelchair-bound. Although most men become severely disabled, life expectancy is close to normal. The disorder is similar to Duchenne *muscular dystrophy but less severe. [P. E. Becker (20th century), German geneticist]... becker muscular dystrophy

a condition, seen usually in premature babies as a result of *respiratory distress syndrome, requiring prolonged treatment with oxygen beyond the age of 28 days. The babies have overexpanded lungs, which on X-rays show characteristic changes. Management consists of oxygen support and treating infections. Recovery is slow, sometimes over several years, but most babies do recover.... bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Severe watery diarrhoea caused by a microscopic single-celled organism of the genus shigella which may enter through the mouth, pass the stomach barrier and multiply in the lower intestine and bowel. Diarrhoea gives way to scanty slimy stools mixed with blood and shreds of mucous membrane due to abscesses on the villi. The classical bowel trouble of the armies of history. See: NOTIFIABLE DISEASES.

Symptoms. Fever, cramping abdominal pain, weight loss, serious fluid loss, appetite disappears. Treatment. Herbal antibiotics. These include carminatives to allay griping and deal with the infection.

Powerful astringents should not be given as they delay elimination of bacteria. Teas may be taken internally as supportive to primary treatment, and can also offer a soothing enema.

A daily gruel of Slippery Elm bark forms a soothing coating on the bowel and helps to carry off the bacillus in the stool. Cases require good nursing, warmth, and condition of the heart monitored.

Relief has been reported by the use of purgative doses of castor oil combined with Lobelia and Valerian (to relieve pain). Prescriptions would include an analgesic. Always beneficial is a daily wash- out of the bowel with a strong infusion of Boneset, Chaparral, Ladies Mantle or carrot juice.

Dr Melville Keith, physician, recommended Raspberry leaf tea in frequent drinks.

Alternatives. Agrimony, Balm, Bistort, Calamus, Catnep, Cranesbill, Echinacea, Fenugreek, Goldenseal, Ladies Slipper, Nettles, Raspberry leaves, Red Clover, Sage, Shepherd’s Purse, Smartweed, Wild Indigo, Wild Yam, Yarrow.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Yarrow, Shepherd’s Purse, Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to each cup water; bring to boil; simmer for 5 minutes; allow to cool; 1 cup every two hours.

Decoction. Formula. Equal parts, Fenugreek seeds, Cranesbill, Echinacea, Valerian. One heaped teaspoon to 2 cups water. Simmer gently 20 minutes; cool; 1 cup every two hours.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Cranesbill 1; Valerian 1; Peppermint half. Dose – Liquid Extracts: One 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). In water, honey or Fenugreek tea thrice daily. Acute cases: every 2 hours.

Clove of Garlic crushed in honey.

Enema. Any teas from above agents injected. Carrot juice as an enemata.

Practitioner. (1) Ipecacuanha BP (1973). Dose 0.25-1ml.

(2) Alternative. Combined tinctures – Aconite 10 drops; Ipecacuanha 20 drops, Wild Indigo 20 drops. Distilled water to 4oz. Dose: one teaspoon hourly. (Dr Finlay Ellingwood).

History. Dr Wooster Beach, New York Medical Society, writes: “500 Oneida Indians went down with dysentery in one season. All recovered by the use of Blackberry root while their white neighbours fell before the disease.”

Traditional. 2 teaspoons dried Blackberry root to each 2 teacups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup every 2 hours.

Diet. No solid foods. Plenty of fluids – oatmeal porridge, boiled rice, semolina, pasta, Slippery Elm.

Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner. ... dysentery, bacillary

a congenital defect of bone formation in which the skull bones ossify imperfectly and the collar bones (clavicles) are absent.... cleidocranial dysostosis

impairment of heart function due to increased stiffness of the left *ventricle, which results in reduced capacity of the heart to fill with blood during diastole. The clinical effects of this are described as heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HEFNEF). Compare systolic dysfunction.... diastolic dysfunction

n. the abnormal and sometimes unpleasant sensation felt by a patient with partial damage to sensory nerve fibres when the skin is stimulated. Compare paraesthesia.... dysaesthesia

n. any clinical syndrome due to a difference between the atmospheric pressure outside the body and the pressure of air or gas within a body cavity (such as the paranasal sinuses or the middle ear). See compressed air illness.... dysbarism

n. any defect of colour vision.... dyschromatopsia

n. any abnormality in the shape of the pupil.... dyscoria

(adiadochokinesis) n. clumsiness in performing rapidly alternating movements. It is often recognized by asking the patient to tap alternately between the front and back of one hand and the back of the other hand. Impairment of this task is indicative of disease of the cerebellum or its intracerebral connections.... dysdiadochokinesis

see menorrhagia.... dysfunctional uterine bleeding

n. faulty development. Gonadal dysgenesis is failure of the ovaries or testes to develop (see Turner’s syndrome).... dysgenesis

(germinoma, gonocytoma) n. a malignant tumour of the ovary, thought to arise from primitive germ cells; it is homologous to the *seminoma of the testis. About 15% of such tumours affect both ovaries; outside the ovary they have been recorded in the anterior mediastinum and in the pineal gland. Dysgerminomas may occur from infancy to old age, but the average age of patients is about 20 years. Treatment is by oophorectomy, with chemotherapy for residual disease.... dysgerminoma

n. a collection of inherited disorders of thyroid hormone synthesis resulting in low levels of *thyroxine and *triiodothyronine and high levels of *thyroid-stimulating hormone, with consequent *goitre formation. The result may be *cretinism with a goitre or milder forms of *hypothyroidism with a goitre. Several different stages of the production pathway for thyroid hormones can be affected.... dyshormonogenesis

n. the abnormal condition of a cell that has a nucleus showing the features characteristic of the earliest stage of malignancy, while retaining relatively normal cytoplasm. It may be seen, for example, in the squamous and columnar epithelial cells of a cervical smear (see cervical screening).... dyskaryosis

n. impaired coordination due to disorders of the cerebellum or its connections within the brainstem. In the *finger–nose test, the patient’s finger over- or undershoots or passes the target because of failure to control the movement accurately.... dysmetria

a disorder of memory in which new information is not learned but old material is well remembered. See Korsakoff’s syndrome.... dysmnesic syndrome

adj. describing a body characteristic that is abnormally formed. A dysmorphic feature can be a minor isolated feature, such a *clinodactyly, or it may be found in association with other features in more serious syndromes, such as *Down’s syndrome.... dysmorphic

n. the study of *malformations during embryogenesis.... dysmorphology

see body dysmorphic disorder.... dysmorphophobia

n. the abnormal formation of bone or the formation of bone in abnormal places, such as a replacement of cartilage by bone.... dysostosis

any developmental abnormalities resulting from anomalous metanephric differentiation (see metanephros). Most dysplastic kidneys are associated either with an abnormally located ureteral orifice or with urinary tract anomalies that are expected to produce unilateral, bilateral, or segmental urinary obstruction.... dysplastic kidneys

adj. see antisocial personality disorder.... dyssocial

n. a permanent state of mildly lowered mood. This never reaches the severity of clinical *depression but it can impair the person’s quality of life. It is often associated with *emotionally unstable personality disorder. Treatment options include *psychotherapy and *SSRIs in high doses. —dysthymic adj.... dysthymia

the calcification of injured or necrotic tissue in the absence of systemic *hypercalcaemia. Dystrophic calcification is a characteristic feature in some cancers of the breast, ovary, and thyroid gland. Compare metastatic calcification.... dystrophic calcification

inability in a male to obtain and/or maintain a penile erection to enable vaginal penetration for sexual intercourse. There are many causes and contributing factors; often a combination of physical causes and psychological factors is responsible for the condition. The physical causes include peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, certain medications, hypogonadism or other endocrine disorders, and anatomical abnormalities of the penis. Treatments that work by increasing blood flow to the cavernous sinuses of the penis include oral *sildenafil and injectable *alprostadil. Penile *prostheses can be surgically inserted into the penis when other treatments have not been effective.... erectile dysfunction

disruption of the cognitive processes that regulate, control, and manage other cognitive processes, leading to deficiencies in planning, abstract thinking, flexibility, and behavioural control. It can occur following damage to the frontal lobes following stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.... executive dysfunction

a hereditary condition in which the corneal endothelium loses its functional ability, usually with age. It may result in thickening and swelling of the cornea (*bullous keratopathy) and thus affect vision. Cornea guttata, small whitish deposits of hyalin, are seen on the inner surface of the cornea and signify a reduced number of endothelial cells. A corneal transplantation (see keratoplasty) may become necessary in certain cases. [E. Fuchs (1851–1913), German ophthalmologist]... fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy

a condition in which an individual belongs to one gender on the basis of physical appearance and genetics but identifies psychologically with the other gender. The name was introduced in DSM-5; in DSM-IV-TR it was called gender identity disorder. The condition is diagnosed only where there is evidence of strong and persistent cross-gender identification and discomfort about one’s sex, these cause significant distress and social impairment, and there is no concurrent endocrine disorder. Treatment may include counselling, hormone therapy, and gender reassignment surgery. See also transgender.... gender dysphoria

see Turner’s syndrome.... gonadal dysgenesis

(MODS, multi-organ failure, multiple organ failure, MOF) a common cause of death following severe injury, overwhelming infection, or immune deficiency states.... multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

(OAD, King–Kopetzky syndrome) hearing difficulty, especially in noisy environments, in an individual with a normal *audiogram: a form of *auditory processing disorder. Treatment includes *hearing therapy.... obscure auditory dysfunction

see complex regional pain syndrome.... reflex sympathetic dystrophy

a difficult birth (see dystocia) in which the anterior or, less commonly, the posterior fetal shoulder impacts on the maternal symphysis or sacral promontory. It is an obstetric emergency and is diagnosed when the shoulders fail to deliver after the fetal head and when gentle downward traction has failed. Additional obstetric manoeuvres (e.g. *McRobert’s manoeuvre) are required to release the shoulders from below the pubic symphysis. It occurs in approximately 1% of vaginal births. There are well-recognized risk factors, such as maternal diabetes and obesity and fetal *macrosomia. There can be a high *perinatal mortality rate and morbidity associated with the condition; the most common fetal injuries are to the brachial plexus, causing an *Erb’s palsy or *Klumpke’s paralysis. Maternal morbidity is also increased, particularly *postpartum haemorrhage.... shoulder dystocia

(SPD) pain in the region of the pelvic girdle, most commonly over the pubic bone in the front or in the lower back and usually caused by excessive movement of the symphysis pubis and other pelvic joints. This is common during pregnancy, hence the condition is also called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP). Treatment is usually with physiotherapy.... symphysis pubis dysfunction

impairment of heart function due to reduced contraction of the left *ventricle. It is most commonly secondary to *cardiomyopathy or *myocardial infarction and may result in heart failure. Compare diastolic dysfunction.... systolic dysfunction