Medical dictionary

What is tracheal stenosis?Tracheal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the trachea, more commonly referred to as the windpipe. It occurs as a result of the formation of scar tissue in the trachea, or due a malformation of the cartilage in the trachea. The narrowing, if mild in nature, may not be noticed, but if the narrowing becomes more severe (over 50 per cent of the airway) then complication

What is a tracheostomy? A tracheostomy involves opening up the trachea, or windpipe, through a surgically made hole. A tracheostomy tube or cannula is placed in the opening so the patient can breathe and so that any lung secretions are removed.       Why are they done? It tends to be done due to obstruction at the oropharynx, larynx, or upper part of the trach

What is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)? Chinese medicine is a traditional style of treatment and medicine which is based on over 2000 years of Chinese medical experience and practice. Over thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved and it is now increasingly being used as a complementary health approach or treatment form in both Europe and the United States. While we

What is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR)? TAVR is a minimally-invasive procedure used to repair the aortic valve that fails to open properly by inserting a tube into the damaged part. It is performed on patients who have aortic valve stenosis and who have been considered too high-risk for open-heart surgery.  What is aortic valve sten

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure used to treat depression and other forms of mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Often TMS is used when other treatment options have been exhausted and unsuccessful.   Why

What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)? Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves the use of small, low-voltage electrical currents to treat pain. The electrical currents are delivered from a battery-powered TENS machine which patients are given to use at home. The TENS machine is small and includes leads which are connected to sticky pads called electro

What is analysed? Transferrin and iron-binding capacity are crucial components in assessing the body's iron status. Transferrin is a protein that binds to iron, facilitating its transport through the bloodstream. Iron-binding capacity measures the amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin, reflecting the body's ability to manage iron.   What does the result mean? T

Not all transgender individuals will choose to medically transition, but those who do are likely to start the process by undergoing hormone replacement therapy. By taking hormonal substitutes and supplements, their bodies will start to change as they gain the secondary sexual characteristics of their aspirant gender appearance, ultimately reducing their gender dysphoria.    

What is a transient ischaemic attack? Transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) occur when blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time. Unlike a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), a TIA lasts only for a few hours and does not cause permanent brain tissue damage. TIAs are also unlike strokes where the blood flow remains blocked, causing brain damage. However, due their similarity