Common Medical Conditions Flashcards

Flashcards to help you review common medical terminology.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A condition caused by HIV infection that weakens the immune system, making individuals susceptible to life-threatening diseases.

Aneurysm

A ballooning or distention of the artery wall due to a weakened area in the vessel wall.

Atherosclerosis

A narrowing of the artery due to a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the vessel.

Autoimmune Disease

The body's immune system attacks healthy cells. Examples: Rheumatoid Arthritis; Lupus; Celiac Disease; Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Cerebrovascular Accident

Also known as 'stroke'. Blood flow to the brain is interrupted and brain cells begin to die.

Decubitus Ulcer

Also known as 'bed sore, pressure sore, pressure ulcer'. An open wound on the skin, typically around bony areas.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of diseases where the body cannot properly process sugar in the blood (high blood sugar). Examples: Type 1 & Type 2.

Hematoma

A mass of blood trapped in soft tissue or a cavity of the body as a result of internal bleeding.

Herpes

A contagious viral infection causing blisters on or around the mouth (oral herpes) or genitalia (genital herpes).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Virus which can destroy a part of the body's immune system. It is the cause of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Osteoarthritis

Also known as 'degenerative joint disease (DJD)'. Deterioration of tissue around the ends of bones, restricts joint movement.

Hyperkyphosis

Also known as 'hunchback'. An exaggerated outward curve of the thoracic spine.

Hyperlordosis

Also known as 'swayback'. An exaggerated inward curve of the lumbar spine.

Scoliosis

Any lateral curve in the spine.

Osteoporosis

A condition in which bones become weak and brittle due to a loss in bone density.

Lupus

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder causing redness, pain, inflammation and tissue damage.

Psoriasis

An autoimmune disorder; skin cells produced too quickly, causing red, scaly, itchy patches.

Eczema

Also known as 'atopic dermatitis'. A skin inflammation which presents as red, dry and itchy patches.

Raynaud's Syndrome

Excessive constriction of small arteries in the skin causes numbing and cold sensation.

Morton's neuroma

Tissue around nerve endings leading to the toes thickens due to excess pressure.

Meniere's disease

A disorder of the inner ear which causes symptoms of vertigo, intermittent hearing loss, tinnitus, pressure and pain.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged, swollen veins typically in the legs which may be caused by damaged valves.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Blood vessels and nerves are compressed between the clavicle and the first rib, causing numbness, pain, and weakness.

Spondylosis

A general term used to describe degenerative joint disease in the spine.

Sprain

An injury to the soft tissue ligaments of a joint from over stretching or tearing.

Strain

An injury to the tissue (tendon) which connects a muscle to a bone.

Stress Fracture

A small crack in the bone from overuse and repetitive stress.

Whiplash

A collection of symptoms including pain, numbness and lack of range of motion following a neck injury.

Trigger Finger

A tendon in the hand becomes inflamed causing contracture, pain and a popping sensation when trying to extend the affected finger(s).

Necrosis

Tissue death due to disease, injury or lack of blood flow (ischemia).

Compartment Syndrome

Increased pressure within a space in the body, commonly in the lower leg and forearm.

Plantar Fasciitis

An inflammation of the plantar fascia causing sharp, stabbing pain in the plantar surface of the foot.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation in the joints causing pain, redness, swelling and loss of range of motion.

Muscular Dystrophy

A group of diseases which cause muscle degeneration and subsequent loss of muscle mass and strength.

Multiple Sclerosis

An autoimmune disease damaging the coverings of nerves in the central nervous system, causing pain, numbness and lack of function.

Subluxation

An incomplete dislocation of a joint or organ.

Gout

A type of arthritis which causes sharp, severe pain, redness and swelling due to uric acid crystals in the joint.

Migraine headache

Caused by changes in the brain, symptoms include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, visual and auditory disturbances.

Impetigo

A highly contagious skin condition forming around the mouth, develops from staph or strep bacterial infections.

Hematoma

An abnormal pooling of blood in the body outside of the blood vessel.

Tinea corporis

Also known as 'Ringworm of the skin'. A superficial fungal infection appearing on the body.

Lymphedema

A collection of lymphatic fluid causing swelling due to a blockage or damage to the structures of the lymphatic system.

Congestive Heart Failure

Condition in which the heart does not pump blood efficiently. Symptoms: shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue and swelling.

Celiac disease

An autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of wheat gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine.

Adhesive capsulitis

Also known as 'frozen shoulder'. Characterized by painful, stiff shoulder with progressive increase in pain and decrease in range of motion.

Bell's Palsy

A temporary unilateral condition affecting facial muscles causing weakness and possible paralysis.

Bunion

A joint disorder of the great toe, causing the 1st MCP joint to become enlarged, deformed, inflamed and painful.

Crohn's disease

A chronic inflammatory condition of the lining of the digestive tract causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, weight loss, fatigue and anemia.

Shingles

A viral skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus (same virus as chicken pox). Appears unilaterally as a painful, blistering rash.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial infection resistant to many antibiotics. Symptoms vary with location.