Medical dictionary

What is a discectomy? Discectomy is a surgical procedure to partially or completely remove a spinal disc. The spinal disc is the cushion that separates the vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. Why is a discectomy performed? A discectomy is usually performed to treat a herniated spinal disc. A spinal disc hernia means that some of the fluid has leaked out and has begun to pres

There are a number of diseases which can affect the pituitary and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is part of the brain and the pituitary gland is situated just underneath. Both are responsible for the production and regulation of various hormones. When either of these glands are affected, a range of conditions can occur. What are the causes of diseases of the pituitary and hypothalamus?

What are disorders of nasal breathing? Nasal breathing disorders are relatively common and mainly cause difficulties in breathing properly through the nose. The most common nasal breathing disorders include: Sinusitis – swelling of the sinuses due to infection. Deviated septum – the nasal septum (the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity is crooked, which makes

What are disorders of sex development? Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), formerly known as intersex conditions, refer to a group of medical conditions where there is an atypical development of the reproductive or sexual anatomy. Individuals with DSD may have variations in chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex features that differ from typical male or female development.   &nb

What is daytime wetting (Diurnal Enuresis)? Daytime wetting, also know as Diurnal Enuresis, is defined as the uncontrolled passing of urine that occurs after the age of 5. This can occur in the day or at night. Daytime wetting can occur on its own or with bedwetting too. Enuresis can be distressing for children at any age.   What causes daytime wetting? There are a number

What is diverticular disease?Diverticular disease is a general term used to describe three conditions that can affect the large intestine: diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis. The condition is characterized by the presence of diverticula in the lining of the intestine due to an increase in intraluminal pressure. Diverticula are small sacs or bulges that appear on the lining of

What is diverticulitis?  Diverticulitis is a condition affecting the large intestine or bowel. It is inflammation, occasionally infection, of diverticula, which are bulging pouches that can form in weak parts of the lining of the digestive system, most commonly in the large intestine. Diverticula are common and often harmless, normally located in the lower-left side of the colon but they c

What is divorce? The end of a marriage can be a traumatic experience for divorcees. Sometimes, this trauma requires the help of a specialist to overcome. The objective of psychological help is to lessen the negative effect the divorce has on the patient. What are the stages of a divorce? The phases of mourning may not be presented in an orderly manner: they can be intermingled and ove

What is dizziness?Dizziness refers to feeling lightheaded, off-balance, faint, like you are spinning or like things are spinning around you (also called vertigo). Dizziness is very common and it’s not something which is usually a cause for concern. It can happen, for example, when we stand up too quickly after bending down, when we’re feeling particularly hot or even after starting