Medical dictionary

What are myeloproliferative disorders? Myeloproliferative neoplasms or disorders are a group of rare diseases that affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. Depending on the type of myeloproliferative disorder, it may cause the overproduction of red blood cells (RBCs, which carry oxygen), platelets (which help in the coagulation of blood), and leukocytes (white blood cells, which

What is myocarditis?Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, known as the myocardium. It can affect the heart muscle and electrical system. It reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood and produces abnormal or fast heart rhythms, which are known as arrhythmias.      PrognosisSevere myocarditis can significantly weaken the heart, meaning the rest of the body

What is myofascial pain syndrome?Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is muscle pain in the body’s soft tissues and affects the musculoskeletal system. The chronic condition affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles) with certain areas being more sensitive than others. As pressure is applied to these trigger points, there is pain (known as "referred pain") in a different part of the

What is myofascial release? Myofascial release is a type of manual therapy performed by physiotherapists and massage therapists. It is often used to treat pain, whether chronic pain or acute pain as a result of injury. Massage therapists who practice myofascial release can be found across the UK, and it is a treatment that has been practised since the 1940s. Many people report being satisfie

What is myofunctional therapy (MFT)? Orofacial myofunctional disorders are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. The disorders may affect facial skeletal growth, chewing, swallowing, speech, oral hygiene, sleeping and more. Myofunctional therapy is a program of specific exercises that target these facial muscles that are used to chew and swallow. They are designed t

What is analysed? Myoglobin is a protein found in muscle tissues, and the analysis involves measuring its levels in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate muscle damage or injury. What does the result mean? The result of the myoglobin analysis provides insights into potential muscle-related issues. High levels may suggest conditions such as heart attack, muscular trauma, or other dis

What is a myomectomy? A myomectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove uterine fibroids, which are common non-cancerous growths that appear in the womb. Your gynaecologist might recommend shrinking the fibroids if they are causing persistent symptoms, such as heavy bleeding and pain. In some women, however, uterine fibroids are asymptomatic and treatment isn’t necessary. A

What is myopathy? Myopathy is a generic term, referring to a muscle disease, in which the muscle fibres are affected and do not function properly, leading to muscle weakness.   What are the symptoms of myopathy? General symptoms include a progressive weakening of the muscles and an overall loss of strength, even in the most common situations, such as raising your arms, climbin

What is myopia? Myopia means short-sightedness. People with myopia cannot see things clearly in the distance without wearing glasses or contact lenses, but can see things clearly at close range. Myopia is usually caused by the eyeball growing a little longer than it should. Over the past fifty years, the proportion of people with myopia in the general population has doubled. Now around twent