Medical dictionary

What is peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the peripheral nerves become damaged resulting in numbness, pain and weakness, usually in the hands and feet. Two components make up the nervous system in humans: The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The primary function of the peripheral nervous system is to connect the central nervous s

What is peritoneal carcinomatosis? Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), also known as peritoneal cancer, is the spread of cancer that originates in the peritoneum, the thin membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes the rectum, uterus and bladder. Peritoneal carcinomatosis generally occurs as a consequence of a tumour of the appendix, colon-rectum, or the ovaries, but it can also orig

What is tested in a peritoneal fluid analysis? Peritoneal fluid analysis involves the examination of various components present in the fluid surrounding the abdominal organs. These components may include cells, proteins, glucose, and other biochemical markers. How are the results interpreted? Interpreting the results of peritoneal fluid analysis is crucial for understanding the patien

What is self-esteem and personal development? Self-esteem is the measure of your own self-worth, self-love, and self-acceptance. It evolves during the formative years of childhood and adolescence when individuals compare their authentic selves to an aspirational "ideal self" and to the standards set by those around them. Personal development encompasses deliberate actions and

Maintaining a balanced diet, practicing exercise and not consuming products that could become risk factors for health are the three basic components to maintaining a good quality of life. A diet is not only based on the foods consumed, but also on the healthy upkeep of the body. In a personalised diet, a balanced diet is prescribed, and a suitable amount of physical exercise is recommended, taking

What is personalised medicine? Personalised medicine is a medical model that emphasises the importance of tailoring treatment to each individual patient according to their needs and circumstances. While this idea has existed for centuries, modern personalised medicine aims to use all the information available, including genetic analysis of the patient, using technological and scientific advance

What are personality disorders? Personality disorders are a group of mental health problems in which your behaviours, thoughts, attitudes and emotions present a long deviation from the personality patterns considered "healthy". These culminate to cause your long-term problems in your life. Frequently, someone with a personality disorder will struggle to relate to other people and to s

What is Perthes disease? Perthes disease, also known as Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD), is a condition affecting children's hip joints, most commonly from ages four to ten. It is a rare condition that affects the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint), which can lead to the death of bone cells, causing it to collapse and deform. Perth

What is analysed? Pertussis analysis involves detecting the presence of Bordetella pertussis bacteria or pertussis antibodies in the blood or respiratory samples to diagnose whooping cough. When is it requested? Pertussis analysis is requested when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of whooping cough, such as severe coughing fits, "whooping" sound during coughing, a