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Medical Terminology - Cardiovascular
Medical Terminology - Cardiovascular
127
Education
Undergraduate 1
06/25/2025

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Cards

Term

(CARDIOVASCULAR PREFIXES)

 

brady-

 

Definition

 

Meaning: Slow

 

Example: Bradycardia – a slow heart rate (below 60 beats per minute).

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR PREFIXES)

 

 

endo-

Definition

 

Meaning: Inside, within

 

Example: Endocarditis – inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR PREFIXES)

 

 

epi-

Definition

 

Meaning: Upon, over, on top

 

Example: Epicardium – the outer layer of the heart.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR PREFIXES)

 

 

hyper-

 

Definition

Meaning: Excessive, above normal

 

Example: Hyperlipidemia – elevated levels of lipids in the blood.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR PREFIXES)

 

hypo-

 

Definition

Meaning: under or below

 

Example: orthostatic hypotension – low blood pressure that occurs upon standing up.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR PREFIXES)

 

 

peri-

 

Definition

Meaning: Around

 

Example: Pericardium – the membranous sac that contains the heart

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR PREFIXES)

 

 

tachy-

 

Definition

Meaning: Fast

 

Example: Tachycardia – a fast heart rate (over 100 beats per minute).

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

a-

 

Definition

Meaning: Without

 

Example: Aphasia – a condition characterized by the complete loss of ability to speak or understand language.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

an-

 

Definition

Meaning: Without, not

 

Example: Anencephaly – a condition where a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp is absent.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

dys-

 

Definition

Meaning: Difficult, painful, abnormal

 

Example: Dysphasia

difficulty speaking.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

hemi-

 

Definition

Meaning: Half

 

Example: Hemiparesis – weakness on one side of the body.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

hyper-

 

Definition

Meaning: Excessive, above normal

 

Example: Hyperreflexia – exaggerated reflexes.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

in-

 

Definition

 

Meaning: Not, inward

 

Example: Insomnia – inability to sleep.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

inter-

 

Definition

Meaning: Between

 

Example: Interneuron – a neuron that transmits signals between other neurons.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

intra-

 

Definition

 

Meaning: Within, inside

 

Example: Intracranial – located or occurring within the skull.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

pan-

 

Definition

Meaning: All, entire

 

Example: Panhypopituitarism – decreased function of all pituitary hormones, affecting the nervous system.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

para-

 

Definition

 

Meaning: Beside, abnormal

 

Example: Paraplegia – paralysis of the lower half of the body.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

poly-

 

Definition

Meaning: Many

 

Example: Polyneuropathy – damage or disease affecting multiple nerves.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

post-

 

Definition

 

Meaning: After

 

Example: Postictal – the state following a seizure.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

pre-

 

 

 

Definition

Meaning: Before

 

Example: Presynaptic – relating to the area before a synapse.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM PREFIXES)

 

 

sub-

 

Definition

 

Meaning: Under, below

 

Example: Subdural – located beneath the dura mater, a membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Term

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

-crasia

Definition

Meaning: A mixture or blending (often used in relation to blood)

 

Example: Dyscrasia – an abnormal condition of the blood.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-emia

 

Definition

 

Meaning: Blood condition

 

Example: Ischemia – a condition where the blood supply to a part of the body, often the heart, is restricted or reduced.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

-ectomy

Definition

 

Meaning: Surgical removal

 

Example: Atherectomy – removal of plaque from an artery.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

-graphy

 

Definition

Meaning: Process of recording

 

Example: Electrocardiography – recording the electrical activity of the heart.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-itis

Definition

Meaning: Inflammation

 

Example: Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-lysis

 

Definition

Meaning: Destruction, breakdown

 

Example: Thrombolysis – the breakdown of a blood clot.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-megaly

Definition

 

Meaning: Enlargement

 

Example: Cardiomegaly – enlargement of the heart.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-osis

Definition

Meaning: Abnormal condition

 

Example: Arteriosclerosis – hardening of the arteries.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-penia

Definition

Meaning: Deficiency

 

Example: Leukopenia – a deficiency of white blood cells.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-plasty

Definition

Meaning: Surgical repair

 

Example: Valvuloplasty – surgical repair of a heart valve.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-rrhage

Definition

Meaning: Bursting forth, excessive flow

 

Example: Hemorrhage – excessive bleeding (in a short amount of time).

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

-stasis

Definition

Meaning: Stopping, controlling

 

Example: Hemostasis – stopping of blood flow.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-cytosis

Definition

Meaning: Condition of cells

 

Example: Thrombocytosis – an abnormal increase in the number of platelets.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-algia

Definition

Meaning: Pain

 

Example: Neuralgia – nerve pain.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-cele

Definition

Meaning: Hernia, swelling

 

Example: Meningocele – hernial protrusion of the meninges.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-cyte

Definition

Meaning: Cell

 

Example: Gliocyte – a glial cell.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-ectomy

Definition

Meaning: Surgical removal

 

Example: Ganglionectomy – surgical removal of a ganglion.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-genic

Definition

Meaning: Producing, originating, or causing

 

Example: Myogenic – originating in muscle tissue but affecting the nervous system.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-gram

Definition

Meaning: Record or image

 

Example: Myelogram – an imaging record of the spinal cord.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-graph

Definition

Meaning: Instrument used to record

 

Example: Electroencephalograph – an instrument for recording brain activity.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFXIES)

 

 

-graphy

Definition

Meaning: Process of recording

 

Example: Myelography – imaging of the spinal cord.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-iatrist

Definition

Meaning: Specialist in treatment

 

Example: Psychiatrist – a specialist in treating mental disorders.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-iatry

Definition

Meaning: Field of medicine, treatment

 

Example: Psychiatry – the medical field focusing on mental health.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-itis

Definition

Meaning: Inflammation

 

Example: Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-lepsy

Definition

Meaning: Seizure

 

Example: Epilepsy – a condition characterized by recurrent seizures.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-logist

Definition

Meaning: Specialist in a field of study

 

Example: Psychologist – a specialist in the study of the mind and behavior.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-malacia

Definition

Meaning: Abnormal softening

 

Example: Encephalomalacia – softening of the brain tissue.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-mania

Definition

Meaning: Madness or excessive preoccupation

 

Example: Pyromania – excessive preoccupation with fire (can involve neurological or psychiatric evaluation).

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-oid

 

Definition

Meaning: Resembling or like

 

Example: Myeloid – resembling or related to the spinal cord or bone marrow.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-oma

Definition

Meaning: Tumor, swelling

 

Example: Glioma – a tumor of glial cells.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES) 

 

 

-pathy

Definition

Meaning: Disease

 

Example: Radiculopathy – a disease or disorder affecting a nerve root.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

phobia

Definition

Meaning: Fear

 

Example: Agoraphobia – fear of open or public spaces, related to mental health.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-rrhaphy

Definition

Meaning: Suturing or stitching

 

Example: Myelorraphy – suturing of the spinal cord.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-tomy

Definition

Meaning: Cutting or surgical incision

 

Example: Neurotomy – surgical incision into a nerve.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM SUFFIXES)

 

 

-tropic

Definition

Meaning: Having an affinity for, influencing

 

Example: Psychotropic – substances that affect mental activity, behavior, or perception.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

angi/o

Definition

Meaning: Vessel (usually blood or lymph)

 

Example: Angioplasty – a procedure to mechanically widen a narrowed or blocked blood vessels.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

aort/o

Definition

Meaning: Aorta

 

Example: Aortostenosis– narrowing of the aorta.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

arteri/o

Definition

Meaning: Artery

 

Example: Arteriogram– an xray of an artery.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

ather/o

Definition

Meaning: Fatty plaque

 

Example: Atheroma– a fatty deposit or plaque within the wall of an artery.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

capillar/o

Definition

Meaning: Capillaries (the smallest blood vessels)

 

Example: Capillaroscope – an instrument used to examine capillaries.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

cardi/o

Definition

Meaning: Heart

 

Example: Cardiomyopathy – the general term for diseases that affect the heart muscle.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

chrom/o, chromat/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Color

 

Example: Hemochromatosis – a condition where excess iron is stored in the body, affecting skin color.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

erythr/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Red

 

Example: Erythrocyte – a red blood cell.

Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

hem/o, hemat/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Blood

 

Example: Hemoglobin– a protein in red blood cells.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

isch/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Restriction, deficiency

 

Example: Ischemic– a condition or process involving restricted blood flow to a part of the body.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

leuk/o

 

Definition

Meaning: White

 

Example: Leukocyte – a white blood cell.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

my/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Muscle

 

Example: Myocardium – the muscular tissue of the heart.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

phleb/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Vein

 

Example: Phlebotomy – the process of making an incision into a vein, typically to draw blood.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

scler/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Hardening

 

Example: Sclerotherapy – a treatment method used to harden and close off abnormal or damaged blood vessels such as varicose veins.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

sten/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Narrowing

 

Example: Stenocardia - a condition of chest pain caused by the narrowing of blood vessels to the heart.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

thromb/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Clot

 

Example: Thrombosis – formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

valvul/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Valve

 

Example: Valvulopathy – a disease or disorder affecting the heart valves.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

vas/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Vessel

 

Example: Vasospasm – A sudden constriction of a blood vessel.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

ven/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Vein

 

Example: Venous – related to the veins.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

alges/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Sensitivity to pain

 

Example: Analgesic – a medication that reduces or eliminates pain.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

cephal/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Head

 

Example: Cephalalgia – a headache.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

cerebr/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Brain, cerebrum

 

Example: Cerebrospinal – relating to the brain and spinal cord.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

cerebell/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Cerebellum (part of the brain)

 

Example: Cerebellitis – inflammation of the cerebellum.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

concuss/o

 

Definition

Meaning: To shake violently

 

Example: Concussion – a violent shaking of the brain, often due to injury.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

crani/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Skull

 

Example: Craniotomy – a surgical incision into the skull.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

dur/o

Definition

Meaning: Dura mater (outermost layer of the meninges)

 

Example: Subdural – located beneath the dura mater.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

encephal/o

Definition

Meaning: Brain

 

Example: Encephalopathy – a disease of the brain.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

esthesi/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Sensation, feeling

 

Example: Anesthesia – loss of sensation, typically induced for medical procedures.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

gangli/o, ganglion/o

Definition

Meaning: Ganglion (a cluster of nerve cell bodies)

 

Example: Ganglioneuroma – a tumor of a nerve ganglion.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

hydr/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Water, fluid

 

Example: Hydrocephalus – an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

lob/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Lobe

 

Example: Lobectomy – surgical removal of a lobe of the brain.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

ment/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Mind, chin

 

Example: Dementia – a decline in mental abilities, typically due to disease or injury.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

mening/o, meningi/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Meninges (membranes covering the brain and spinal cord)

 

Example: Meningitis – inflammation of the meninges.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

mon/o

 

Definition

Meaning: One, single

 

Example: Monoplegia – paralysis of one limb.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

myel/o

Definition

Meaning: Spinal cord, bone marrow

 

Example: Myelitis – inflammation of the spinal cord.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

neur/o, neur/i

 

Definition

Meaning: Nerve

 

Example: Neurology – the study of the nervous system.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

phas/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Speech

 

Example: Paraphasia – a condition in which a person substitutes incorrect words, sounds, or non-words in their speech.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

poli/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Gray matter (of the brain or spinal cord)

 

Example: Poliomyelitis – an infectious disease affecting the gray matter of the spinal cord.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

pont/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Pons (a part of the brainstem)

 

Example: Pontocerebellar – relating to the pons and cerebellum.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

psych/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Mind

 

Example: Psychiatry – the study and treatment of mental illness.

Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

radic/o, radicul/o, rhiz/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Nerve root

 

Example: Radiculodynia – pain caused by irritation or injury to the nerve roots.

Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM WORD ROOTS)

 

 

vag/o

 

Definition

Meaning: Vagus nerve (a cranial nerve)

 

Example: Vagotomy – surgical cutting of the vagus nerve.

Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

A-fib (Atrial Fibrillation)

Definition
A-fib is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. The atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat chaotically, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart-related complications.
Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

 

Definition
An AED is a portable device that can detect life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm, typically used during sudden cardiac arrest.
Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)

 

Definition
CABG is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked coronary artery, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle.
Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)

 

Definition
CAD is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart. It is the most common cause of heart attacks.
Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

Card cath, CC (Cardiac Catheterization)

 

Definition
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions by inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the heart through blood vessels, often used to examine blockages or perform treatments like angioplasty.
Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)

 

Definition
CVI occurs when veins in the legs don’t allow blood to flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes.
Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

EKG, ECG (Electrocardiogram)

 

Definition
An EKG (or ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the myocardium to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, structure, or function.
Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

HTN (Hypertension)

 

Definition
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)

 

Definition
An ICD is a device implanted in the chest or abdomen to monitor heart rhythm and deliver shocks if dangerous arrhythmias are detected, preventing sudden cardiac arrest.
Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

MI (Myocardial Infarction)

 

Definition
A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. This is often caused by a blockage in one or more coronary arteries.
Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease)

 

Definition
PAD is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, commonly the legs. It can cause leg pain and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease)

 

Definition
PVD is a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, often causing reduced blood flow to the arms and legs, leading to pain or cramping.
Term

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

Tpa (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

 

Definition
Tpa is a clot-dissolving medication used in the treatment of stroke or heart attack by breaking down blood clots that obstruct blood flow to vital organs.
Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

TST (Treadmill Stress Test)

 

Definition
A TST is a diagnostic test that involves walking on a treadmill while monitoring heart activity to assess how the heart functions during physical stress.
Term

 

 

(CARDIOVASCULAR ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

V-fib (Ventricular Fibrillation)

 

Definition
V-fib is a life-threatening arrhythmia in which the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, often leading to cardiac arrest.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

AD (Alzheimer's Disease)

 

Definition
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It primarily affects older adults and is the most common cause of dementia.
Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

 

Definition
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure.
Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

 

Definition
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that interfere with daily functioning or development.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

CP (Cerebral Palsy)

 

Definition
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, or posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, typically before or at birth.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)

 

Definition
Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and acting as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

 

Definition
An EEG is a diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp, often used to detect seizures, brain disorders, or sleep disturbances.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

ICP (Intracranial Pressure)

 

Definition
Intracranial pressure refers to the pressure inside the skull and brain. Elevated ICP can result from head injury, brain swelling, or other neurological conditions and can lead to serious complications if not managed.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

LOC (Level of Consciousness)

 

Definition
Level of consciousness refers to a person's state of awareness, ranging from full alertness to deep coma. It is often used to assess a patient's neurological function after injury or illness.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

LP (Lumbar Puncture)

 

Definition
A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing, often used to diagnose conditions like meningitis or multiple sclerosis.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

Definition
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with coordination.
Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

 

Definition
OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety.
Term

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

 

Definition
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

Sz (Seizure)

 

Definition
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. Seizures can vary in severity and are often associated with epilepsy.
Term

 

 

(NERVOUS SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS)

 

 

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

 

Definition
A TIA, or mini-stroke, occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within a few minutes to hours without permanent damage.
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