Medical dictionary

What is being analysed? Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic blood disorder affecting haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen. The test analyses the presence of abnormal haemoglobin, specifically HbS. When is it requested? The test is typically requested when there's a suspicion of sickle cell anaemia due to symptoms like fatigue, pain, or anaemia. It is also part of

What is tethered spinal cord syndrome? Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a congenital malformation characterised by scar tissue that fixes the spinal cord to the dura (the soft tissue membrane surrounding it), preventing the normal flow of spinal fluid around the cord and the normal movement of the fluid within the membrane. This tethering (fixation) causes cysts to appear. Tethered spinal co

What is tetraparesis? Tetraparesis or quadriparesis is a condition in which the patient’s four limbs suffer from muscle weakness. Some patients may not be able to control motor function of their limbs, while others may experience partial paralysis of some of their limbs. Tetraparesis can come in both spastic (unusual stiffness or tightness of muscles and tendons) and flaccid (the muscles

What is thalassaemia? Thalassaemia is a hereditary blood disorder in which the body produces an abnormal amount of haemoglobin (red blood cell protein responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide). This disorder causes large amounts of red blood cells to be destroyed, which leads to anaemia. To understand the existing types of thalassemia, it is important to know that thala

What is the common cold? The common cold, which is often referred to simply as a cold, is a viral disease of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the nose, throat and sinuses. It is the most frequent infectious disease among humans. There are over 200 strains of the cold virus with around 50 percent being rhinoviruses. A rhinovirus is a type of virus that grows in temperatures of 33-35 &de

What is therapeutic aftercare? Aftercare is the continued care a patient receives after their therapeutic rehabilitation. It offers continued support to patients who have undergone therapy for psychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction, anxiety, etc. to continue the progress made during therapy. It’s also used to minimise potential situations of social risk to the patient. I

What is a therapeutic mammoplasty? A therapeutic mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove breast cancer (therapeutic) and reshape (mammoplasty) the breast by removing tissue and skin. This operation is carried out as both a form of treatment of breast cancer and to try to preserve a normal breast shape. After the cancer has been removed and your breast has been remodelled by a surge

What is therapeutic yoga? Yoga in general is therapeutic in that it is both physical exercise, as well as meditative which has benefits for your state of mind. Therapeutic yoga takes a gentler approach that focuses on supportive postures, breathing exercises and guided meditation that can be helpful for patients dealing with a certain illness or injury. Therapeutic yoga classes can be personali

What is the Therasuit? Therasuit is a lightweight orthopaedic suit used in physiotherapy in an intensive treatment for children with neurological and sensory disorders. Using this system, an improvement in external stability can be seen and consequently, more natural and coordinated movements can be achieved.   Why is it done? The goals of Therasuit treatment are to reduce mus