Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Bather’s Itch
Bather’s itch, also called schistosome dermatitis, is the term given to a blotchy rash on the skin occurring in those bathing in water which is infested with the larvae of certain trematode worms known as schistosomes. The worm is parasitic in snails. The skin rash is caused by penetration of the skin by the free-swimming…
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Bat Ears
The term commonly applied to prominent ears. The condition may be familial, but this is by no means the rule. In the first few months of life it may be possible to correct bat ears with appropriate splints but in later life, if the condition is an embarrassment, surgery (otoplasty) may be advised.
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Basal ganglion
Grey matter near the base of the cerebral hemispheres, consisting of the corpus striatum (caudate nucleus and lenticular nucleus [globus pallidus and putamen]), claustrum, and amygdaloid nucleus. The basal ganglia are involved in the subconscious regulation of voluntary movement, and disorders in this region cause dyskinesias. A mass of gray matter beneath the third ventricle…
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Barrier Creams
Substances, usually silicone-based, applied to the skin before work to prevent damage by irritants. They are also used in medicine for the prevention of bedsores and napkin rashes, for example. A topical compound for limiting or preventing contact with irritants such as allergens, parasites, or toxins. A protective cream is applied to the skin to…
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Barany’s Test
A test performed by ENT surgeons (otorhinolaryngologists) to test the efficiency of the balancing mechanism (the vestibular apparatus) by introducing hot or cold air or water into the ear canal.
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Backup
This stands for the British Association of Cancer United Patients and their families and friends. It was founded by Dr Vicky Clement-Jones after she was treated for ovarian cancer. It became fully operational on 31 October 1985 — merging since with Macmillan Cancer Support. The aim is to provide an information service to cancer patients…
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Auto-Suggestion
A self-induced receptive, hypnotic state which is believed to improve the body’s ability to help itself. Doctors have long realised that if they suggested to a patient that a particular treatment would work, it often did — a type of placebo effect. Some techniques now make use of this idea. For instance, people can be…
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Asynergia
The absence of harmonious and coordinated movements between muscles having opposite actions — for example, the flexors and extensors of a joint. Asynergia is a sign of disease of the nervous system. Lack of coordination among parts or organs normally acting in unison; in neurology, lack of coordination between muscle groups.
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Astroviruses
Small round viruses with no distinctive features, which have been isolated from the stools of infants with gastroenteritis. Most adults have antibodies against these viruses; this suggests that infection is common. There is no treatment. A group of single-stranded RNA viruses distributed worldwide. They are an important cause of gastroenteritis. Clinical symptoms include anorexia, headache,…
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Aspirin poisoning
Clinical features of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, flushing, sweating, hyperventilation, dehydration, deafness and acid-base and electrolyte disturbances. In more severe cases individuals may be confused, drowsy and comatose. Rarely, renal failure, pulmonary oedema or cardiovascular collapse occur. Severe toxicity may be delayed, as absorption of the drug may be prolonged due to the formation of…
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