Category: S
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Seizure
The physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A sudden misfire among nerve cells in the brain that impairs normal brain function. Seizures are the most common symptom of epilepsy. Petite mal and grand mal seizure. A fit, convulsion or sudden contraction of the…
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Secretagogue
A substance that causes another substance to be secreted. Causing secretion. A substance that stimulates secretion. An example is pentagastrin, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juice. That which stimulates secreting organs. Any substance that encourages the production of glandular secretions.
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Scurf
Abnormal skin condition in which small flakes or sales become detached. Small scales on the epidermis. Dandruff-like superficial scales. A branny desquamation of the epidermis, especially on the scalp.
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Scrofula
A tuberculous infection of the skin on the neck caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Primary tuberculosis of the cervical lymph nodes; the inflamed structures being subject to a cheesy degeneration. A tuberculous condition of the lymphatic glands characterized by enlarged suppurating abscess and cheese-like degeneration. A form of tuberculosis in the lymph nodes in…
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Scleroderma
A disease of the body’s connective tissue. The most common symptom is a thickening and hardening of the skin, particularly of the hands and face. A collagen disease which thickens connective tissue and produces a hard thick skin. A skin disease characterized by increased thickness. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the skin…
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Sciatica
A condition characterised by pain deep in the buttock often radiating down the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve. Nerve that begins in the lower back and runs through the buttock and down the lower limb. It is the longest and widest single nerve in the human body. This is neuralgia of the…
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Schizophrenia
A psychotic disorder (or a group of disorders) marked by severely impaired thinking, emotions, and behaviors. A group of psychotic disorders characterized by both positive and negative symptoms associated with disturbance in one or more major areas of functioning, such as work, academic development or achievement, interpersonal relations, and self-care. Positive symptoms include delusions, which…
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Schistosomiasis
Is a parasitic disease caused by several species of fluke of the genus Schistosoma. Also known as bilharzia, bilharziosis or snail fever. Infection with Schistosoma (blood flukes) which causes infection in man by penetrating the skin of people coming in contact with infected waters. A parasitic worm infestation that becomes imbedded in the bladder causing…
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Scarlatina
Scarlet fever, an acute, contagious disease caused by infection with group A streptococcal bacteria. An infectious disease with a fever, sore throat and a red rash. It is caused by a haemolytic streptococcus and can sometimes. have serious complications if the kidneys are infected.
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Scabies
A transmissible ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows, intense pruritus (itching) and secondary infection. A contagious skin disease characterised by itching, inflammation, hair loss and secondary bacterial infection. A contagious skin disease caused by a mite that burrows in the horny layer of the skin. A skin infestation caused by the itch mite (Sarcoptes…