Category: V

  • Vaccinoid

    Resembling a local infection with vaccinia (cowpox) virus. A vaccinoid reaction is one of the possible results of vaccination against smallpox in individuals who already have partial immunity. The swelling, reddening, and blistering are considerably less than the so-called primary reaction that occurs after the inoculation of a person having no immunity against smallpox.  

  • Vulvar dystrophy

    A condition in which the skin of the vulva, or external female genitalia, becomes either abnormally thickened or thinned out. Dystrophy occurs when tissues do not function or develop properly because they are inadequately nourished. Vulvar dystrophy dystrophy is most common after menopause, when a drop in the estrogen level can cause changes in the…

  • Vocal card

    Two folds of mucous membrane overlying two vocal ligaments in the larynx (voice box) that vibrate to produce the sounds of speech. The cords are attached at the front to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). Muscles attached to the vocal cords alter their length and tension. As air expelled from the…

  • Violence

    The physical attack or abuse of one person by another. Violence may include many forms of aggressive behavior, including very excited action, displays of rage, and the use of physical force to combat unwanted activities. Crimes of violence are defined as those that involve physical force for the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing another…

  • Villous adenoma

    An abnormal growth of the mucosa of the large intestine. Villous adenomas are slow-growing tumors that become soft and spongy in texture. They are potentially malignant.  

  • Vibrational medicine

    The use of resonance to promote health. In vibrational medicine, different frequencies of sound waves are used to help restore balance to the body. Vibrational medicine is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that all matter vibrates to a precise frequency and that imbalances or blockages can be corrected with resonant vibration.…

  • Vertebrobasilar insufficiency

    A narrowing or partial blockage of either of the two arteries leading into the brain stem and cerebellum. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency results in temporary attacks of vertigo, double vision, jerky eye movements, slurred speech, and muscle weakness. Fatty deposits (plaque) or blood clots are the usual causes of the blockage. Episodic instances of dizziness, weakness, double…

  • Veganism

    A strict form of vegetarianism in which all animal products, such as eggs, dairy foods, gelatin, and honey are excluded, in addition to meats. A vegan diet consists of plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. A form of vegetarianism in which no forms of animal protein are consumed. The diet…

  • Valacyclovir hydrochloride

    An antiviral drug. Valacyclovir hydrochloride (Valtrex) is used to treat the symptoms of herpes zoster (shingles), a viral infection of the skin, and to treat and prevent genital herpes infections. Valacyclovir hydrochloride will not eliminate shingles or genital herpes, but it helps relieve pain and discomfort and helps sores to heal faster.  

  • Vaginal repair

    Surgical repair or reconstruction of a vagina. In colporrhaphy, a prolapsed vaginal wall is repaired. More extensive surgery is performed after disease has necessitated surgical removal of the original vaginal tissue or when radiation has resulted in a loss of tissue. A reconstructed vagina is essential for a woman who wants to remain sexually active.…