Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyer - Medical Glossary

Acetamineophen

A medication prescribed by a doctor that is effective for relieving mild pain and fever. Acetamineophent is also used as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

Accolate

A Medicine prescribed by a medical processional for prophylaxis and treatment of chronic asthma in patients ages 12 years and older. Accolate has shown to cause liver dysfunction, particularly in females.

Acutane

Acutane is a brand medicine with the potential of being a dangerous drug, that is prescribed as medicine by a doctor to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments such as over the counter antibiotics. Accutane can potentially cause serious side effects, including fire, heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction or radiation. Serious birth defects as well as mental disorders.

Amputation

Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. There are times when the removal of a limb such as an arm or leg or another body part is the only option to save a person’s life after a severe accident, and this is without doubt a life-changing injury in many ways.

Analgesic

Analgesic is a generic term for any type of medication that relieve pain. Some analgesics such as aspirin have a low pain-relieving threshold, whereas others types like Oxycodone have a much higher ceiling and are highly dangerous.

Anesthesia Error

Anesthesia Error is a form of medical malpractice. An injury sustained from incorrectly administered anesthetics. Negligence, improper dosage, or failure to monitor the patient properly are all anesthesia related errors that a medical professional has the potential to commit, placing innocent patients at risk of serious injury and/or death.

Antidepressents

Antidepressents are a type of drug used to control or reduce depression in chilren and adults. Some antidepressants have been found to have serious and harmful side effects.

Articular Surface

The surface of a joint, that is lined with cartilage and synovial fluid to lubricate joint movement.

Asbestos

A fibrous mineral that had been used as insulation in buildings before it was banned in the 1980s. Scar tissue builds up in the lungs, causing breathing difficulty and an increased risk of infection.Individuals who have been the victim of asbestos exposure have been known to develop lung cancer, including mesothelioma, and other severe respiratory illnesses.

Arava

Arava is an oral medicine prescribed to slow the progress of rheumatoid arthritis. Arava has the potential of being a dangerous drug and may cause liver dysfunction and birth defects.

Baycol

Baycol was originally prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol. However, Baycol has been classified as an unsafe drug and has been recalled by Bayer Pharmaceuticals after 52 deaths were reported amongst users of the drug. The main cause of death in these cases was due to renal failure, a very serious condition that causes the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In addition to the 52 reported fatalities, 385 nonfatal cases of Rhabdomyolysis were also reported by patients.

Benzene

Benzene is a chemical that is frequently used in manufacturing and is present in many industrial fumes. Benzene exposure has the potential to cause cancer and other serious health complications.

Bextra

Bextra is a prescription painkiller meant to help with the treatment of several different conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and painful menstruation/menstrual symptoms. The was recalled after it was disclosed that users of Bextra were at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as many other serious and potentially life-threatening and fatal conditions.

Biopsy

A tissue sample that is removed and analyzed to determine the presence of cancer cells.

Blindness

Blindness is the lack or loss of ability to see. It can result from several types of specific injuries, including those to the eyes and the brain.

Brain Injuries

The most troubling aspect of brain injuries is that it can take an undetermined amount of time before they become evident and dealing with brain injuries in a medical sense remains a mystery in many situations.

Brain Mapping

Brain Electrical Mapping (BEAM) is a Version of EEG which permits computerized analysis of the brain's electrical activity. BEAM actually creates a picture of the EEG results.

Broken Bone

A broken bone is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity/angulation of the bone fragment. A broken bone can be the result of high force impact during an accident or injury.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are not only extremely difficult to treat, but also can regularly cause profound pain and discomfort for years. Burn Injuries can be caused by fire, heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction or radiation. Serious burn injuries, especially those covering large areas of the body, can be a cause of death.

Cancer Misdiagnosis

Cancer Misdiagnosis is a form of medical malpractice. Many unfortunate patients have been victims of cancer misdiagnosis by their physicians. Some examples of cancer misdiagnosis include: being diagnosed with the wrong form of cancer, being diagnosed with cancer when you do not have cancer, delay in cancer diagnosis, and complete failure of cancer diagnosis.

Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are injuries that have serious, long-term effects on the victim. A catastrophic injury can leave a person suffering from permanent disabilities for the rest of their life and can be caused by any number of different circumstances. If compensation is not received for the injury, the physical, emotional and financial strains can be devastating on the victim.

Celebrex

Celebrex is a brand of medication prescribed by a doctor to relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in older adults. Celebrex has the potential of being a dangerous drug as it can result in stomach bleeding and liver damage.

Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The Central Nervous System receives sensory impulses from the rest of the nervous system and then controls the body's response to those impulses.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a serious and permanent birth injury, which may cause slow development, involuntary movements of limbs, limited motion, poor coordination and head control, and other serious medical and physical problems. The cerebral palsy diagnosis is usually made shortly after birth, but may show up later in childhood.

Cognitive Functions

Cognitive Functions are the skills of the brain including attention, concentration, and memory.

Concussion

a Concussion is mild traumatic brain injury caused by a impact or blow resulting in a head injury, without any actual penetration into the brain or skull.

Chiropractic

Chiropractics, refers to a branch of the healing arts focused on human health, disease processes, and physiological and biochemical aspects of the body including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships. Chiropractic procedures include the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly of the spinal column. Included is the treatment of intersegmental dysfunction for alleviation of related functional disorders.

CT Scan

First introduced in 1973, CT Scans (Computed Tomography) and CAT Scans (Computed Axial Tomography) have rocketed in use and have evolved in capability and utilization.

During CT Scan, a series of x-ray beams pass through an area of the body and the extent to which the body tissues absorb the x-rays are thereupon measured. A computer transforms these measurements into two-dimensional anatomic "slices" of high-resolution quality.

One of the benefits of CT is the enhanced detail over regular x-rays. CT is able to depict portions of the body impossible to obtain by mere x-ray, and does so at ten to thirty times the detail of regular x-ray.

Other advantages of Computed Tomography include its cost effectiveness (when compared to MRI), and its ability to differentiate between soft tissue damage without regard to nearby structures on the image itself.

CT Scans are the diagnostic tools of choice for brain trauma due to their ability to capture collections of blood (hematoma), cerebral contusions (bruises), fractures, and edema (swelling).

As with x-ray, CT Scans are not limited for use in any one area of the body, but are used throughout.

DES, Diethylstilbestrol

Diethylstilbestrol was prescribed to pregnant women in the past who were believed to need more estrogen to maintain their pregnancies. Some of the daughters of these women, who were exposed in the womb to DES, developed a rare form of vaginal cancer.

Dangerous Drug Error

See medication error.

Dental Malpractice

Dental Malpractice is a form of medical malpractice. Dental Malpractice occurs when a dentist provides a patient with substandard care or neglect, resulting in serious physical injury and/or death.

Disc Bulge

A broad-based enlargement of the annulus fibrosis extending past the edges of the adjoining vertebral end plates with herniation of the nucleus pulposus into or through the annulus fibrosis. ie. Bulging Disc.

Duract

Duract is a brand of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Duract has been categorized as an unsafe drug as it was recalled after rare cases of sever hepatitis and liver failure were reported in people who took the drug longer than directed.

Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a speech disorder that often affects people who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. In mild cases, there may only be a slight slurring of speech. However, in more severe cases, the person may require a voice output system to speak properly. Dysarthia is caused by a weakness in the muscles that produce speech.

Dystonia

Dystonia is defined as involuntary slow, sustained muscle contractions that result in abnormal postures and twisting motions of the arms, legs, and trunk.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An Electroencephalogram records electrical activity in the outer layer of the brain (the cerebral cortex), using electrodes placed on the patient's scalp. Electrical impulses are then recorded as they move a pen or other writing device across graph paper. CT Scans have decreased the use of EEG over the past years, although EEG's are still used as a diagnostic tool.

One area of continued use of EEG is in the monitoring of seizure disorders. Since an EEG detects abnormality in electrical activities, it is an effective tool in the diagnosis of seizures. EEG likewise can be helpful in assessing the effectiveness of drug treatment on seizures.

EEG's have also proved effective in the diagnosis of intracranial infection, and in certain surgical procedures, EEG is used to monitor the flow of blood to the brain.

Enbrel

Enbrel is a medication prescribed by doctors for reducing signs and symptoms, and delaying structural damage in patients diagnosed with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Enbrel has the potential of being an unsafe drug as some patients treated with Enbrel are reported to have developed serious infections.

Emergency Room (ER)

The emergency room is the department of a hospital responsible for the provision of medical and surgical care to patients arriving at the hospital in need of the utmost immediate care. Emergency Room personnel may also respond to certain situations within the hospital that require immediate attention.

Ephedra

Ephedra contains ephedrine, which acts as a stimulant and bronchodilator. Ephedra was once used in a number of over-the-counter dietary supplements which could be purchased at your local drug store. While it may help those with asthma breathe, has since been classified a dangerous drug as it poses significant health risks for the casual user. Ephedrine has been reported to contribute to heart attack, seizures, stroke, psychosis and even death.

Fabere Tests

Fabere Tests refers to an orthopedic physical examination test with the patient on his or her back, the thigh and knee are flexed and one ankle is placed over the opposite knee; the knee is depressed, and if pain is produced thereby, arthritis of the hip, psoas muscle or SI joint is indicated.

Facet Joints

A set of paired joints representing the articulation of the back portions of two adjoining vertebrae at the back of each singular vertebra. An injured or degenerative facet joint may be the source of spinal cord pain and stiffness. ie. Zygapophyseal Joint.

Failure to Diagnose

Failure to Diagnose is a form of medical malpractice committed on behalf of a medical professional. Minnesota failure to diagnose has the potential to cause serious damage and even death to patients who are not propely diagnosed thereby preventing prompt and adequate medical care.

Fen Phen; Fenfluramine Phentermine

Fed Phen is a drug combination used for weight loss purposes. Fen-Phen has been classified as an unsafe drug as it was linked to heart valve disease in numerous cases.

Full Spine Radiology

A method of x-ray commonly used in chiropractic practice in Minnesota in which a patient’s entire spine and pelvis are produced on a single x-ray film in both the anterior to posterior (AP) and lateral projections.

Gadolinium

Gadolinium is a heavy metal used in MRI studies. Gadolinium was classified as a dangerous drug after the FDA began requiring strong warning notice informing that when Gandolimium based contrast agents are used in an MRI study, there is “risk for developing a debilitating and a potentially fatal disease known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)”. In addition, Gadolinium has been linked to kidney disease.

Glascow Coma Scale

A standardized system used to assess the degree of brain impairment and to identify the seriousness of injury in relation to outcome. The system involves three determinants: eye opening, verbal responses and motor response - all of which are evaluated independently according to a numerical value that indicates the level of consciousness and degree of dysfunction. Scores run from a high of 15 to a low of 3. Persons are considered to have experienced a “mild” brain injury when their score is 13 to 15. A score of 9 to 12 is considered to reflect a “moderate” brain injury and a score of 8 or less reflects a “severe” brain injury.

Hazardous Exposure

The term hazardous exposure refers to physical contact with toxic agents or proximity to airborne agents, such as asbesto, hazardous chemicals, hazardous waste materials, lead, mold, natural gas, asbestos or other agents potentially harmful to health.

Head Injury

A head injury is another type of injury that has the unfortunate potential of going undiscovered for years. The most important consequence of head trauma is traumatic brain injury. There are two types of head injury - closed, such as the head hitting a motor vehicle's windshield, or penetrating, such as when a bullet penetrates a person's skull. Both have the potential to cause damage ranging from mild to extremely profound. Very severe head injury can be fatal because of profound brain damage. of financial, physical, mental and emotional difficulties.

Heparin

Heparin was a very popular blood thinner that was used in surgery and dialysis, and therefore it was a big money maker for Baxter Pharmaceuticals. Baxter was aware of the manufacturing defects that caused their Heparin products to cause serious and often fatal reactions in patients. However, they were slow to react essentially standing by as more and more people were hurt by their deadly drug. By the time the drug was finally recalled, the FDA believed that at the time at least 400 life threatening reactions and as many as 25 deaths were caused by Baxter's Heparin products.

Herceptin

Herceptin is a medical agent prescribed by doctors for the treatment of certain forms of breast cancer in patients. Herceptin has been classified as a dangerous drug as injection can cause fatal pulmonary effects in patients who have preexisting lung conditions.

Hospital Malpractice

Hospital Malpractice is a form of medical malpractice. Hospital Malpractice is defined as any form of malpractice or negligence taking place in a hospital and causes physical injury to a patient. This form of malpractice may be the caused by the negligence of any hospital staff member, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and aids.

Inflammation

A general way in which the body reacts to infection , irritation or other forms injury. The key features that will be evidence is redness, warmth, swelling and pain . Inflammation is now recognized as a type of nonspecific immune response. See the entire definition of Inflammation

Informed Consent

For certain medical procedures, doctors and nurses are required to have patients sign an informed consent form, stating that the patient has been informed of the medical procedure, allows the procedure to be performed, and is aware of any alternatives to the procedure and risks that may be involved.

Involuntary Movement

Involuntary Movement is defined as movement that is not under the control of the brain. Involuntary movement is caused by electrical stimulation of the muscle, and in individuals with cerebral palsy, the involuntary movement can happen so frequently, that it interferes with their ability to function at a normal level.

A joint is referred to as the area where two bones are attached for the purpose of motion of a specific body parts. A joint is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. An articulation or an arthrosis is the same as a joint.

Kemp's Test

An orthopedic test during which a patient is in a seated position and placed into simultaneous rotations and extentions of the lumbar spine. A true positive test produces numbness or tingling radiating to the legs. This indicates disc involvement.

Ketek

Ketek was a brand medicine prescribed quite frequently by doctors to treat chronic bronchitis, forms of pneumonia, and bacterial sinusitis. The dangerous drug is most recently the subject of a congressional investigation after it was disclosed that the clinical trials that were used to get the drug approved were fraudulent. The FDA hasince confirmed at least 55 cases of liver damage, including at least 5 deaths, as a result of the antibiotic Ketek.

Lateral

Laterals are X-rays views taken from the side. Also, referred to as the body or an anatomical part from the side.

Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that forms in the bone marrow, causing abnormal white blood cell development. Leukemia can be caused by exposure to certain toxic carcinogenic substances.

Locum Tenens

Locum Tenens is defined as a healthcare provider who is serving as a temporary relief or substitute for another healthcare provider.

Lotronex

Lotronex was a prescription drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women. The medication has since been classified as a deadly and dangerous drug. The manufacturer withdrew Lotronex after it was associated with reports of serious side effects such as intestinal damage, severely ruptured bowels, and even death.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbarspinal nerve that is impingemently caused by a herniated disc, resulting in severe pain and possibly numbness and tingling, as well as weakness sensation into one or both of the legs.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is type a type of cancer that forms in the lymph nodes of the body. Lymphoma can be caused by exposure to certain toxic carcinogenic substances.

Medicare

A federal government programs that assists older people, as well as some who suffer from a disability in paying their medical costs. The program is divided into two parts - Part A is called hospital insurance and covers most of the costs of a stay in the hospital, as well as some follow-up costs after time that is spent in the hospital. Part B, called medical insurance, pays some of the cost and fees associated with doctors and outpatient medical care.

Medication Error; Dangerous Drug Error

A dangerous drug and/or medication error is any type of medicine related mistake made by a health care professional that may severely impact a patient, causing serious injury.

Medical Lien

A medical lien is the right of a medical professional or health care provider to assert an interest in personal injury recoveries to the full extent of the cost of the treatment provided.

Medical Malpractice

The term medical malpractice refers to the failure of a medical professional to act as a reasonable and prudent medical expert would so act under similar circumstances. When a person is a victim of an injury due to the malpractice of a health care professional, the injured person may be able to pursue a medical malpractice claim against the negligent person as well as his or her clinic or hospital.

Medical Negligence

Medical negligence is defined as a medical professional's failure to exact the degree of care, skill, and prudence that a reasonable medical professional would in a similar situation.

Mellaril

Mellaril is an antipsychotic medicine for prescribed for schizophrenics. Mellaril has been associated with causing cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.

Meridia

Meridia is a prescription diet drug containing the active ingrediant Sibutramine. Sibutramine has been associated adverse cardiovascular effects and, in some instances, even death.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis is defined as a doctor or other medical professional's failure to properly identify and diagnose a patient's medical condition. A doctor and/or healthcare provider can be held liable for any damages resulting from a misdiagnosis if the medical mistake was a direct result of medical negligence.

MRI Scans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is another type of sophisticated diagnostic imaging which examines body tissues by subjecting the atomic nuclei of the tissues through a magnetic field. The procedure is non-invasive and is thought to be safer than many other procedures.

MRI studies are extremely effective, and produce high-resolution images giving information as to the metabolic status of tissues and organs, as well as structural information regarding the body itself. The MRI picture is of such a good contrast that biochemical information about abnormal tissue can often times be derived.

MRI's are especially effective in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, and other abnormalities involving tissues of the brain. Its use is not limited to the brain, and MRI's are often used in order to diagnose problems with the spine, eyes, liver, kidneys, pancreas, pelvic structures, temporomandibular joint, liver and spleen, pericardium, heart, and various joints.

Negligence

Somewhat analogous to liability, negligence is a failure to act within a generally acceptable range of care or caution in a way that ends up resulting in some sort of injury or damage to a third party. A breach of an owed duty of care causing damages/injuries.

Negligence Per Se

Conduct, either by an act or omission, that may be declared and treated as negligence without argument or proof of negligence, usually because the conduct violates a statute. A finding of negligence per se satisfies the plaintiff's burden of proof that the defendant's conduct was negligent. However, the burden remains on the plaintiff to establish that his or her injuries were proximately caused by the statutory violation.

Non-Moving Party

The party to a lawsuit that is not presenting a motion to the court. A non-moving party may or may not contest or oppose the motion. Compare with moving party.

Notice; Legal Notice.

Legal Notification required by law or agreement. The procedure for informing a party that a legal action or motion is pending before a court.

On or About

Approximately, at or around the time specified. This language is used in a pleading to prevent a variance between the pleading and the proof, usually when there is any uncertainty about the exact date or time of an injury or accident.

Opening Statement

The initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial.

Order

Written direction or command made by a court or judge, and not included in a judgment. See also decree.

Outlays

The expenses incurred in pursuing a personal injury claim such as medical report fees, mediation fees, search fees (company searches,, registration searches, police report searches), expert witness fees, courier fees, court filing fees, etc.

Paralysis

Paralysis is usually the result of a spinal cord injury, but can also occur as a result of another injury. Regardless of the cause of the paralysis, anyone who suffers this life-changing consequence as a result of someone else’s actions will face a lifetime of adjustments and medical care.

Paraplegia

The medical term Paraplegia generally refers to an injury victim’s inability to move or control their legs and/or other extremities below the waist. Paraplegia is often the result of an injury to the spinal cord.

PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography is a new test that studies brain function - not brain structure. It is the only test that can measure functions as opposed to tissue damage, changes in blood flow or other structural anomalies.

The patient is injected with minuscule positrons that make visual to a computer the brain's function when it is using or failing to properly use glucose or sugar.

The patient is injected with positrons and then, after the positrons take effect, given glucose by intravenous drip. As the sugar reaches the brain, the scan measures normal from abnormal patterns of use.

When correlated with neuropsychological test results, PET becomes an effective demonstrative diagnostic tool that objectively defines abnormal brain function.

Pharmaceutical Injury

Prescription drugs, when thoroughly tested have the full potential of being hugely beneficial to patient health. Sometimes, however, these drugs are harmful and can have permanent side effects and in extreme cases even result in death. There are the potential for serious health complications resulting from the use of defective or unsafe pharmaceutical drugs.

Plastic Surgery Malpractice

Plastic Surgery Malpractice is a form of medical malpractice. Plastic Surgery Malpractice is defined as any death or injury caused by the negligence of a plastic surgeon or surgery staff, which may include disfigurement, blindness, and brain damage.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleuro Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in people suffering from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma occurs in the pleura of the body, a sac lining the lungs, and as of yet has no known cure.

Prescription Error

Prescription Error is a form of medical malpractice that occurs when a patient does not receive the correct medication, at the right dose, and at the right time. A Minnesota prescription error can often cause significant harm to a patient, and in some circumstances, can even lead to death.

Propulsid

Propulsid is a heartburn medication that was prescribed by doctors and health professionals to relieve the symptoms of nighttime heartburn that is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Propulsid was found to be an unsafe drug and was recalled by the FDA after a report linked it to heart rhythm abnormalities, and even deaths among patients who were prescribed the deadly medicine.

Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia generally results from an injury to the upper spine, and the patient loses all control and the ability to move any part of the body below the neck.

Referral Provider

The term Referral Provider refers to the medical service provider to whom a participating provider has chosen to refer a member of a health care plan.

Rezulin

Rezulin is a prescription diabetes drug that was prescrined by doctors to control Type 2 diabetes in combination with insulin. The FDA recalled the dangerous drug Rezulin after it was linked to deadly liver failure.

Serzone

Serzone is a dangerous medication that was prescribed by doctors to treat depression. This medication has been related to liver dysfunction. Cases of life-threatening liver failure have been reported in patients that were treated with Serzone.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic Cerebral Palsey is a form of cerebral palsy that causes tightness in the muscles making it difficult for a patient suffering from this condition to control their movement.

Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy is a type of treatment used to increase the communication skills of a person who has suffered a speech related injury due to an accident. It may also include teaching an injured party sign language or instructing them on how to properly use a communication device.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries involving the spinal cord are not only severe, but life-changing in terms of their results and prognoses. Almost any spinal cord injury has the potential of leaving the victim unable to walk, talk, move or function normally on even the most basic level.

Seizures

Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which may produce a physical convulsion. Seizures can be caused by head injuries, brain tumors, lead poisening, maldevelopment of the brain, birth injuries, infectious illnesses, and fevers.

SPECT

SPECT or Single Photon Emission Tomography produces a computerized image of the brain through utilization of radioactive isotopes. SPECT does not generally produce an image of the same quality as that produced by PET. Nonetheless, SPECT scanning can be an effective diagnostic tool.

Surgical Error

Surgical Error is a form of medical malpractice. A surgical error is caused by the preventable negligence of surgeons and/or hospital staff, resulting in severe injury or death to patients. Some examples of surgical error would include unnecessary surgery, surgeries performed on the wrong patients, and surgery on the wrong area of the body.

Terminal Illness

A terminal illness is a medical condition which is expected to result in a person's death within one half year, with no recovery expected.

Trauma

The term Trauma, refers to any injury, whether physically or emotionally inflicted. "Trauma" has both a medical and a psychiatric definition. Medically, "trauma" refers to a serious or critical bodily injury, wound, or shock, that is often associated with trauma medicine practiced in emergency rooms and hostpitals.

Traumatic Brain Injury

The term Traumatic Brain Injury refers to the damage caused to the human brain as a result of sudden trauma to the head, typically either a violent or sudden blow to the head or a piercing of the skull. Victims may experience symptoms days or even weeks after the injury is sustained.

There are currently no terms of this letter

Vegitative State

The term Vegistative State, refers to a condition in which the victim of an injury utters no words and does not follow commands or make any response that is psychologically meaningful. The transition of a person who remains unconscious from a state of “coma” to one of “vegetative behaviors” reflects subtle changes over a period of numerous months from a condition of no response to the internal and/or external environment .

Ventricles; Brain

Four natural cavities in the brain which are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The outline of one or more of these cavities may change when a space-occupying lesion (hemorrhage, tumor) has developed in a lobe of the brain.

Videx

Videx is a medication that is prescribed by a licensed medical professional to treat HIV. The dangerous drug has been known to cause liver toxicity and has been linked to fatal lactic acidosis and pancreatitis.

Wadell's Test

A series of five tests used by insurance comapnies to assess whether a patient is faking or exaggerating their pain responses. Three of five must be positive for the test to be significant.

Whiplash Injury

The over-extension of the next leading to injury, often the result of being struck from behind, such as in a car accident. The mechanics of whiplash injury are thought to be as follows: The victim is accelerated forward, which pushes the body forward, leaving the head momentarily rocking up and back during which ligaments and muscles are stretched or torn. There may be overcompensation when the head is traveling in a forward direction as the driver of the vehicle reacts to the car accident and decelerates. This may rock the head violently forward, tearing even more ligaments and muscles.

X-Ray

X-rays are electromagnetic waves. Unlike light waves, x-rays are stopped by solids or other dense radiopaque objects, including bone. X-rays pass through the body and exit from the opposite side where difference in density appear in shades of gray on x-ray film.

An x-ray is a useful diagnostic tool available for visualization of structures within the body. X-rays are limited, however, when compared to other sophisticated imaging now available. X-rays are an excellent starting point, however. The most frequent application for x-ray is the diagnosis of fractures and dislocations, certain tumors, tuberculosis, osteoarthritis, and other structural anomalies. 

Skull x-rays may be used when the patient complains of headaches or other neurological symptoms.

An x-ray test is said to be "positive" if the x-ray film reveals an alteration in normal anatomical structure (fracture, etc.), an invasion by a new growth such as a tumor, or displacement of brain structures such as that caused by a subdural hematoma.

There are currently no terms of this letter

Z-Joint

An acronym for zygapophyseal joint.

Zelnorm

Zelnorm was originally prescribed by doctors to relieve pain. However, FDA advisories reported that patients who had been prescribed Zelnorm experienced heart problems and even severe heart attacks. After strong pressure from the FDA, Novartis withdrew the unsafe pharmaceutical drug from the market.