Medical dictionary

What is being analysed? Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) analysis measures the concentration of soluble transferrin receptors in the blood. Transferrin receptors play a crucial role in transporting iron into cells, and their levels can indicate the body's iron status. What does the result mean? The result of sTfR analysis provides insights into the body's iron metabolism. E

What is somatic symptom disorder (SSD)? Somatic symptom disorder, which was previously known as somatization disorder or somatoform disorder, is a mental disorder that has an extreme focus on physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue that causes the individual severe emotion distress and anxiety. This causes disruption to their daily life, affecting their overall ability to function. The physi

What is it? A sonohysterography, or hysterosonography, is a particular type of transvaginal ultrasound which allows the doctor to analyse the uterine cavity. What is it for? This technique can identify uterine abnormalities such as:  polyps; fibroids;  uterine malformations;  congenital anomalies;  malignant tumours, or;  endometrial adhes

What is spasticity? Spasticity is a muscle disorder that involves an abnormal increase in muscle tone. Muscle tone is the amount of tension we have in our muscles, and “normal” muscle tone is the natural level of tension that is required to hold ourselves up. An increase in the tension in the muscles causes them to become stiff and can result in involuntary muscle spasms. How

What is specialist rehabilitation? Specialist rehabilitation encompasses a wide range of services and interventions aimed at optimising recovery and promoting independence for individuals with complex rehabilitation needs. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological support, social work and medical management, among other intervent

What is it? Developmental language disorder (DLD), previously known as specific language impairment (SLI), is a condition that affects language acquisition and can be serious and long-lasting. It starts in childhood and can last until adolescence, sometimes leaving traces in adulthood. The condition can affect children who have other developmental disorders. Language acquisition is condi

What is speech sound disorder? Speech sound disorder is a speech defect that inhibits the pronunciation of certain distinct sounds.  When might children show signs of speech sound disorder? Normally, after five years of age, children can pronounce all the phonemes well and without any difficulty, though in some children the development can take a little longer. If you have c

  What is speech therapy? Speech therapy aims to help children with different kinds of speech difficulties improve their communication and language abilities, including non-verbal communication. It is a common misconception that speech and language practitioners only see children for stutters or lisps, as in fact therapists can improve communication skills for different kinds of disabil

What is a sperm bank?A sperm bank, or cryobank, is found at a fertility clinic. It is a licensed facility where sperm is donated, frozen and stored so that it can be used to help women become pregnant through the process of artificial insemination, or intrauterine insemination (IUI).There are many fertility clinics in the UK that are licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Association (