Petit Mal: From 3 Different Sources
A type of seizure that occurs in epilepsy. Petit mal attacks occur in children and adolescents but rarely persist into adulthood. There is momentary loss of awareness, occasionally with drooping eyelids. Treatment is with an anticonvulsant drug.
An out-of-date term for less severe type of epileptic seizure (see EPILEPSY) that occurs usually in children or adolescents but less often in adults. The type of seizure is now referred to as an absence attack.
see epilepsy.
Threatening life or tending to cause death... malignant
A protozoan disease of humans caused by blood parasites of the species, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale or P. malariae and transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes. P. falciparum is most likely to cause death, if untreated,. and can also be a great mimicker in its presentation. Malaria should be suspected in anyone with a fever or who is otherwise unwell and has returned from a malarious area.... malaria
A fretful and low energy state, often considered an early sign of infection or low fever. Ask someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Multiple Chemical Sensitivities...they’ll tell you how it feels.... malaise
The condition arising from an inadequate or unbalanced DIET. The causes may be a lack of one or more essential nutrients, or inadequate absorption from the intestinal tracts. A diet that is de?cient in CARBOHYDRATE usually contains inadequate PROTEIN, and this type of malnutrition occurs widely in Africa and Asia as a result of poverty, famine or war.... malnutrition
Improper utilization of needed and available nutrients, either from impaired digestive function (such as B12 being unabsorbed because of gastritis), impaired absorption (poor Vitamin E absorption because of an inflamed ileum) or impaired transport (the diminished blood proteins of the advanced alcoholic). There are other causes as well, but you get the idea.... malabsorption
Malacia is a term applied to softening of a part or tissue in disease: for example, OSTEOMALACIA or softening of the bones.... malacia
Organophosphorus insecticide which is a preferred scabicide and pediculocide; applied externally; resistance is rare.... malathion
See DEFORMITIES.... malformation
See MELANOMA.... malignant melanoma
Malingering is a term applied to the feigning of illness. In the great majority of cases, a person who feigns illness has a certain amount of disability, but exaggerates the illness or discomfort for some ulterior motive – for example, to take time o? work or to obtain compensation.... malingering
Deformation of a ?nger due to sudden forced ?exion of the terminal joint, leading to rupture of the tendon. As a result the individual is unable to extend the terminal part of the ?nger, which remains bent forwards. The middle, ring and little ?ngers are most commonly involved. Treatment is by splinting the ?nger. The end result is satisfactory provided that the patient has su?cient patience.... mallet finger
The hammer-shaped lateral bone of the group of three that form the sound-transmitting ossicles in the middle ear. (See EAR.)... malleus
(Gaelic) Woman from the river; resembling the flowering plant Mallowe, Mallo, Malloe, Malow, Malowe, Maloe... mallow
Professional misconduct or failure to apply ordinary skill in the performance of a professional act.... malpractice
A situation during childbirth in which a baby is not in the customary head-?rst position before delivery. The result is usually a complicated labour in which a caesarean operation may be necessary to e?ect the birth. (See PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)... malpresentation
See BRUCELLOSIS.... malta fever
This term includes a multiplicity of diseases, all of which are characterised by faulty absorption from the INTESTINE of essential foodstu?s such as fat, vitamins and mineral salts. Among the conditions in this syndrome are COELIAC DISEASE, SPRUE, CYSTIC FIBROSIS and pancreatitis (see PANCREAS, DISORDERS OF). Surgical removal of the small intestine also causes the syndrome. Symptoms include ANAEMIA, diarrhoea, OEDEMA, vitamin de?ciencies, weight loss and, in severe cases, MALNUTRITION.... malabsorption syndrome
Malignant hypertension has nothing to do with cancer; it derives its name from the fact that, if untreated, it runs a rapidly fatal course. (See HYPERTENSION.)... malignant hypertension
Name of either of the two bony prominences at the ANKLE.... malleolus
n. a mixture of carbohydrates, predominantly maltose, produced by the breakdown of starch contained in barley or wheat grains. As well as its use in brewing and distilling, malt has been used as a source of nutrients in wasting diseases.... malt
Malt extract; contains alcohol; sometimes added to herbal preparations.... extracto de malta
Palm beach-bells (Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri).Plant Part Used: Leaf.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaf: decoction, orally, for pain, infection, inflammation; as a douche, for vaginal infection; added to multi-herb preparations for menstrual disorders, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, menopausal symptoms and tumors.Safety: Animal studies have shown moderate- to low toxicity when administered orally.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: antifertility and contraceptive effects on sperm (leaf juice).* See entry for Mala madre in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... mala madre
Adhatoda beddomeiAcanthaceaeSan:Vasaka, Vasa;Hin:Adusa; Mal:Chittadalotakam;Tam:Adutota; Tel:AddasaramuImportance: Malabar nut or Adhatoda is a large evergreen glabrous perennial shrub, 1.2m in height. It is cultivated for medicinal uses, fencing, manure and as an ornamental plant in pots also. The shrub is the source of the drug vasaka well known in the indigenous systems of medicines for bronchitis. Vasaka leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are extensively used for treating common cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. It has sedative, expectorant, antispasmodic and anthelmintic actions. The juice of the leaves cures vomiting, thirst, fever, dermatosis, jaundice, phthisis, haematenesis and diseases due to the morbidity of kapha and pitta. The leaf juice is especially used in anaemia and haemorrhage, in traditional medicine. Flowers and leaves are considered efficacious against rheumatic painful swellings and form a good application to scabies and other skin complaints. Many ayurvedic medicines are traditionally prepared out of vasaka like vasarishtam, vasakasavam and vasahareethaki which are effective in various ailments of respiratory system. The drug VASA prepared from this plant forms an ingredient of preparations like Valiya rasnadi kasayam, Chyavanaprasam, Gulgulutiktakam ghrtam, etc. The alkaloid vasicinone isolated from the plant is an ingredient in certain allopathic cough syrups also.Distribution: Vasaka is distributed all over India upto an altitude of 2000m. This plant grows on wasteland and sometimes it is cultivated also.Botany: Adhatoda beddomei C.B.Clarke Syn. Justicia beddomei (Clark) Bennet belongs to the family Acanthaceae. This is a large glabrous shrub. Leaves are opposite, ovate, lanceolate and short petioled upto 15cm long, 3.75cm broad, main nerves about 8 pairs. Flowers are white with large bracts, flower heads short, dense or condensed spikes. Fruits are capsules with a long solid base.Another plant Adhatoda zeylanica Medicus, syn. Adhatoda vasica Nees, Justicia adhatoda Linn. of the same genus is a very closely related plant which is most commonly equated with the drug VASA. This is seen growing wild almost throughout India while A. beddomei is seen more under cultivation. The latter is called Chittadalodakam because of its smaller stature, smaller leaves and flowers.Agrotechnology: Vasaka is seen almost in all types of climate. It prefers loamy soils with good drainage and high organic content. It can be grown well both in hilly and plain lands. Commercial propagation is by using 15-20cm long terminal cuttings. This is either grown in polybags first, then in the field or planted directly. The plant is cultivated as a pure crop or mixed with plantation crops. The land is ploughed repeatedly to a good tilth and the surface soil is broken upto a depth of 15cm and mixed with fertilizers. The beds are prepared with 1m breadth and 3-4m length. The cuttings are planted during April-May into the beds at a spacing of 30x30cm. FYM is given at 5-10t/ha in the first year. Regular irrigation and weeding are necessary. Harvesting is at the end of second or third year. Roots are collected by digging the seedbeds. Stems are cut 15cm above the root. Stems and roots are usually dried and stored.Properties and activity: Leaves yield essential oil and an alkaloid vasicine. Roots contain vasicinol and vasicinone. Roots also contain vasicoline, adhatodine, anisotine and vasicolinone. Several alkaloids like quinazoline and valicine are present in this plant.The plant is bitter, astringent, refrigerant, expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic, febrifuge, depurative, styptic and tonic. Vasicine is bronchodilator, respiratory stimulant and hypotensive in action, uterine stimulant, uterotonic, abortifacient comparable with oxytocin and methyligin. Uterotonic action of vasicine is mediated through the release of prostaglandins.... malabar nut
(Hawaiian) A lighthearted woman Malanah, Malanna, Malannah... malana
Xanthosoma caracuDescription: This plant has soft, arrow-shaped leaves, up to 60 centimeters long. The leaves have no aboveground stems.Habitat and Distribution: This plant grows widely in the Caribbean region. Look for it in open, sunny fields.Edible Parts: The tubers are rich in starch. Cook them before eating to destroy a poison contained in all parts of the plant.... malanga
(Hebrew) A great ruler Malanne, Mallann, Mallanne... malann
Anything relating to the cheek. For example, the malar (zygomatic) bone is also known as the cheek bone, and a malar ?ush is reddening of the cheeks.... malar
Allspice (Pimenta dioica).Plant Part Used: Unripe, dried fruit (“seeds”).Dominican Medicinal Uses: Seeds: tea (decoction), orally for diabetes, depression, lack of energy, menstrual disorders, internal cleansing, post-partum depression, gastro-intestinal ailments, nausea, stress, anxiety, sinus infection, allergy and respiratory infection.Safety: Widely used as a culinary spice, generally considered safe; low toxicity shown in animal studies.Contraindications: No information available on use in children or during pregnancy or lactation.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: anti-hemorrhage due to snake venom (organic plant extract).In vitro: antioxidant (seed/berry constituents).* See entry for Malagueta in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... malagueta
Measures taken for protection against malaria, e.g. administration of a drug and personal protective measures that prevent a person from becoming infected with the disease.... malaria prophylaxis
(Spanish) An independent woman; one who is free Malayah... malaya
(Scottish) Feminine form of Malcolm; devotee of St. Columba Malcomeena, Malcomyna, Malcominia, Malcominea, Malcomena, Malcomeina, Malcomiena, Malcomeana... malcomina
(Hungarian) An industrious woman Malcsie, Malcsee, Malcsey, Malcsy, Malksi, Malksie, Malksy, Malksee, Malksey, Malcsea, Malksea... malcsi
See under TESTICLE, DISEASES OF.... maldescended testis
Refers to either a surplus or a shortage of the type of health providers (typically medical practitioners) needed to maintain the health status of a given population at an optimum level. Maldistribution can occur both geographically and by specialty.... maldistribution
(Thai / Welsh) Resembling a flower / form of Molly, meaning “star of the sea / from the sea of bitterness” Malie, Malee, Maleigh, Maly, Maley... mali
(Hawaiian) Form of Mary, meaning “star of the sea / from the sea of bitterness” Maliah, Malea, Maleah, Maleia, Maliyah, Maliya, Malya, Malyah... malia
See MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA.... malignant hyperpyrexia
This disorder is a rare complication of general ANAESTHESIA caused, it is believed, by a combination of an inhalation anaesthetic (usually HALOTHANE) and a muscle-relaxant drug (usually succinycholine). A life-endangering rise in temperature occurs, with muscular rigidity the ?rst sign. TACHYCARDIA, ACIDOSIS and SHOCK usually ensue. About 1:20,000 patients having general anaesthesia suffer from this disorder, which progresses rapidly and is often fatal. Surgery and anaesthesia must be stopped immediately and appropriate corrective measures taken, including the intravenous administration of DANTROLENE. It is a dominantly inherited genetic condition; therefore, when a case is identi?ed it is most important that relatives are screened.... malignant hyperthermia
See LYMPHOMA.... malignant lymphoma
(Arabic) Destined to be queen Malikah, Malyka, Maleeka, Maleika, Malieka, Maliika, Maleaka... malika
(Hawaiian) A peaceful woman Malinah, Maleena, Maleenah, Malyna, Malynah, Maleina, Maliena, Maleana... malina
(Indian) A gardener Malinie, Maliny, Malinee, Maliney, Malinea... malini
(Russian) As sweet as a little berry Malinkah, Malynka, Maleenka, Malienka, Maleinka, Maleanka... malinka
(Gaelic) A dark beauty Malyse, Malese, Melusina... malise
(Swahili) An accomplished woman Malizah, Maleeza, Malyza, Malieza, Maleaza... maliza
(Hebrew) A queenly woman Malcah, Malkah, Malke, Malkia, Malkie, Milcah, Milka, Milke, Milca, Malha, Malhah... malka
The condition in which it is not possible to extend the terminal part of the toe. It is usually due to muscular imbalance but may be caused by congenital absence of the extensor muscle. A callosity (see CALLOSITIES) often forms on the toe, which may be painful. Should this be troublesome, treatment consists of removal of the terminal phalanx.... mallet toe
(Indian) Resembling jasmine Mallikah, Malleeka, Malleika, Mallieka, Mallyka, Malleaka... mallika
(Scottish) A dark-skinned beauty Malmurie, Malmuria, Malmura, Malmuri... malmuira
(Lithuanian) By the grace of God Malona, Malonne, Maloni, Malonie, Malonia, Malony, Maloney, Malonee, Malonea... malone
A combination of PYRIMETHAMINE and DAPSONE which is used for the prevention of MALARIA in limited circumstances. It has the advantage of only needing to be taken once weekly. It should not be taken by anyone hypersensitive to sulphonamides, and should not be used for the treatment of an acute attack.... maloprim
Malt beverage; malt beverage; used as a remedy by itself or combined with other ingredients; two main brands: Malta India and Malta Morena; often added to botellas or bebedizos.... malta
German malt beverage; strong, bitter taste; used as a remedy by itself or combined with other ingredients; often added to botellas or bebedizos.... malta alemana
(Hawaiian) A peaceful woman... malu
(Hawaiian) One who rises above Maloona, Malunia, Malunai, Maloonia, Maloonai, Malouna, Malounia, Malounai... maluna
(Greek) One who is soft and slender Malvah, Malvia, Malvea... malva
(English) Having a smooth brow Malvinah, Malveena, Malveenah, Malviena, Malveina, Malveana, Malvyna, Malvine, Malvyne... malvina
(Latin) A beloved friend Malvenia, Malvinea, Malvenea, Malvynia, Malvynea, Malviniya... malvinia
A sudden increase in the number of people sick with malaria in a particular area (village, town, district).... outbreak of malaria
A beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drug which is of value in the treatment of ANGINA PECTORIS, myocardial infarction (see HEART, DISEASES OF) and HYPERTENSION. It is also used in the treatment of GLAUCOMA. (See also ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS.)... timolol maleate
The most severe form of malaria, caused by the parasitic protozoan PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM.... falciparum malaria
A rapid rise in body temperature to a dangerously high level, brought on by general anaesthesia. The condition is rare. In most cases, susceptibility is inherited; people suffering from certain muscle disorders may also be at risk. The patient’s body temperature rises soon after the anaesthetic is given. Emergency treatment and intensive care are needed.... hyperthermia, malignant
(DC) Schott & Endl.
Synonym: Bombax ceiba Linn. Bombax malabaricum DC. Gossampinus malabarica (DC.) Merr.
Family: Bombacaceae.
Habitat: The hotter parts of India, up to 1,350 m.
Ayurvedic: Shaalmali, Mochaa, Mochaahva, Pichhila, Raktapushpa, Sthiraayu, Kankataadhya, Tuulini. Shaalmali-veshtaka (gum).
Unani: Semal. Mochras (gum).
Siddha: Mul Ilavam. Ielavampisin (gum).
Folk: Semar.
Action: Young roots (Semul- musali)—astringent, (used for dysentery) stimulant, demulcent. Fruits—stimulant, diuretic, expectorant. Used for chronic inflammation of bladder, kidney also for calculus affections. Flowers— astringent and cooling, applied to cutaneous affections. Leaves— anti-inflammatory. Stem bark— demulcent, styptic. Aqueous extract with curd is given for blood- dysentery. Bark—paste is applied to skin eruptions, boils, acne, pimples. Seeds used for chickenpox, smallpox, catarrhal affections, chronic cystitis and genitourinary diseases. Gum—astringent, demulcent, styptic. Used for diarrhoea, dysentery, haemoptysis, bleeding piles, menor- rhagia, spermatorrhoea. Root and pod—used for the treatment of low vitality and debility.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the stem bark in bleeding disorders and in acne vul- garis.All parts of the plant gave beta- sitosterol and its glucosides; seeds, bark and root bark, lupeol; flowers, hentri- acontane, hentriacontanol; root bark, in addition, gave 7-hydroxycadalene. The seed oil yields arachidic, linoleic, myristic, oleic and palmitic acids; seeds contain carotenes, n-hexacosanol, et- hylgallate and tocopherols; the gum contains gallic and tannic acids, yields L-arbinose, D-galactose, D-galacturo- nic acid and D-galactopyranose.Younger roots contain more sugars (arabinose and galactose 8.2%) and peptic substances (6.0%) than the older ones. They contain mucilage, starch (71.2%), mineral matter (2.1%), tannins 0.4 and non-tannins 0.1%, along with other constituents.The Musali compares favourably with the nutritive value of Pueraria tuberosa, Dioscorea bulbifera, Ipomoea digitata and Butea monosperma (all used in sexual debility).A related species, Salmalia insig- nis (Wall.) Schott & Endl., synonym Bombax insigne Wall. (Assam, Western Ghats and the Andamans); is known as Semul; Dumboil (Assam), Didu (Andamans) and Kal-ilavu (Tamil Nadu).
Dosage: Stem bark—5-10 g powder. (API, Vol. III.) Flower, bark root— 3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... salmalia malabarica
See vasectomy. ... sterilization, male
a congenital disorder in which there is distortion of the base of the skull with protrusion of the lower brainstem and parts of the cerebellum through the opening for the spinal cord at the base of the skull (see banana and lemon signs). It is associated commonly with *neural tube defects, *hydrocephalus, and a *syringomyelia. [J. Arnold (1835–1915) and H. Chiari (1851–1916), German pathologists]... arnold–chiari malformation
see angioma.... arteriovenous malformation
(Roger’s disease) a form of congenital heart disease in which there is a small *ventricular septal defect that produces a loud heart *murmur. It usually causes no symptoms. [H. L. Roger (1809–91), French physician]... maladie de roger
n. a rare form of chronic inflammatory disorder due to the defective destruction of phagocytosed bacteria. It is characterized by the formation of soft yellow plaques and nodules composed of foamy macrophages containing basophilic cytoplasmic inclusions (Michaelis–Gutmann bodies). Malakoplakia occurs most commonly in the urinary tract but can also occur in the skin.... malakoplakia
see zygomatic bone.... malar bone
n. see proguanil.... malarone
(Pityrosporum) n. a genus of yeasts producing superficial infections of the skin. The species M. furfur (including P. orbiculare and P. ovale) causes *pityriasis versicolor.... malassezia
see neurocardiogenic syncope.... malignant vasovagal syndrome
large irregular masses abnormally located in the hepatocytes of the liver. They are found in patients with alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, Wilson’s disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, clinical obesity, and hepatoma. [F. B. Mallory (1862–1941), US pathologist]... mallory bodies
a histological stain consisting of water-soluble aniline blue or methyl blue, orange G, and oxalic acid. Before the stain is applied the tissue is mordanted, then treated with acid fuchsin and phosphomolybdic acid. Nuclei stain red, muscle red to orange, nervous tissue lilac, collagen dark blue, and mucus and connective tissue become blue. [F. B. Mallory]... mallory’s triple stain
trauma of the mucosal lining at the junction of the oesophagus (gullet) and stomach following protracted vomiting and retching. It is associated with *haematemesis and rarely perforation of the oesophagus. [G. K. Mallory (1926– ), US pathologist; S. Weiss (1899–1942), US physician]... mallory–weiss syndrome
see MUST.... malnutrition universal screening tool
the part of a *nephron comprising the blood capillaries of the glomerulus and its surrounding Bowman’s capsule. [M. Malpighi (1628–94), Italian anatomist]... malpighian body
the stratum germinativum: one of the layers of the *epidermis.... malpighian layer
n. (in obstetrics) an abnormal position of the fetal head when this is the presenting part in labour (see presentation). The head is in such a position that the diameter of the skull in relation to the pelvic opening is greater than normal (e.g. occipital transverse, occipital posterior: see occiput). This is likely to result in a prolonged and complicated labour.... malposition
n. an enzyme, present in saliva and pancreatic juice, that converts maltose into glucose during digestion.... maltase
(MALT lymphoma) n. a mucosal associated lymphoid tissue tumour of low-grade malignancy, treated by chemotherapeutic agents.... maltoma
n. a sugar that consists of two molecules of glucose. Maltose is formed from the digestion of starch and glycogen and is found in germinating cereal seeds.... maltose
a form of extrinsic allergic *alveolitis seen in people who work with barley.... malt-worker’s lung
n. *union of the fragments of a fracture in an unsatisfactory position. It occurs if fracture *reduction is inadequate or the splintage is inadequate to maintain the bone fragments in the correct position until healing occurs. Malunion may require surgical correction with *osteotomy.... malunion
a life-threatening syndrome seen after starting *antipsychotic medication. It is characterized by confusion, muscle rigidity, fever, pallor and sweating, urinary incontinence, and a high level of *creatine kinase. Its symptoms can appear similar to *catatonia. Treatment in a high-dependency unit with high-dose benzodiazepines and immediate cessation of antipsychotic drugs is usually indicated.... neuroleptic malignant syndrome
(RMI) a scoring system that combines ultrasound findings, menopausal status and age, and serum CA125 levels to give an estimate of the risk of malignancy in a woman with a mass in the Fallopian tubes or ovaries. If the total RMI score is <200 the risk of malignancy is considered to be low. If the total RMI score is >200 the chances of malignancy are raised and management should be planned with a gynaecological oncologist.... risk of malignancy index
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