Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Vibration sense
The ability to feel vibrations against various parts of the body. Vibration sense is tested (with a tuning fork) as part of the sensory portion of the neurologic exam.
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Urine culture and sensitivity
A diagnostic procedure to test for urinary tract infection and identify the appropriate treatment. Bacteria from a mid-stream urine sample are allowed to grow for three days in a laboratory medium and then tested for sensitivity to a variety of antibiotics.
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Urinary sphincter
The muscle closing the urethra which, in a state of flaccid paralysis, causes urinary incontinence, and in a state of spastic paralysis, results in an inability to urinate.
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Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
TENS is a nonaddictive and noninvasive method of pain control that applies electric impulses to nerve endings via electrodes that are attached to a stimulator by flexible wires and placed on the skin. The electric impulses block the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
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Tandem gait
A test of balance and coordination that involves alternately placing the heel of one foot directly against the toes of the other foot.
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Straight catheter
A straight but flexible, hollow plastic tube of variable length and diameter, which can be inserted through the urinary opening into the bladder to drain excess urine that cannot be excreted normally. The straight catheter is the type used for intermittent self-catheterization (ISC).
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Suppressor T-lymphocytes
White blood cells that act as part of the immune system and may be in short supply during an MS exacerbation.
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Secondary progressive MS
A clinical course of MS that initially is relapsing remitting and then becomes progressive at a variable rate, possibly with an occasional relapse and minor remission.
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Remyelination
The repair of damaged myelin. Myelin repair occurs spontaneously in MS, but very slowly. Research is currently underway to find a way to speed the healing process.
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Relapsing-remitting MS
A clinical course of MS that is characterized by clearly defined, acute attacks with full or partial recovery and no disease progression between attacks.
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