Spinal Cord Injury healthcare information in one catch

Glossary N

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Scroll down this list to find the medical term and its explanation, or click on the link below to jump straight to that section. Click on the table above to choose another letter. Na Nd Ne Ng Nh Nz Na Nd Narcotic analgesics A group of pain-relieving drugs that are frequently abused because of their ability to generate feelings of elation. Nasal spray Device that is used to spray a fine mist of liquid into the nose. Nasoduodenal tube A tube inserted through the nostril, down the throat and through the stomach, into the duodenum (part of the small intestine). This can be used to drain off the contents of the small intestine or to deliver food to it. Nasogastric tube A tube inserted through the nostril, down the throat and into the stomach. It is used to drain off stomach contents or to deliver food to the stomach. Natural methods When referring to contraception, this term refers to techniques that do not require the use of any external device or medication. They rely on the woman being able to calculate when her egg is released every month and therefore when she is fertile. If sex takes place outside these fertile times, pregnancy should not occur. Ne Ng back to top Nerve fibre The long thread-like outgrowth/extension of a nerve cell that carries messages away from the main part of the cell (the swelling called the cell body). Each nerve cell has one nerve fibre, which can travel long distances through the body, before passing on its message – either to other nerve cells, or to the message’s final destination, such as the brain, or a muscle. Also referred to as an axon. Nerve impulse The electrical signal that travels along a nerve to pass a message from one area of the body to another. Nerve root pain Type of pain that is due to damage to the areas (pathways) where the nerves enter and exit the spinal cord. Nervous system The network of thread-like nerves that make up the brain, spinal cord and that run throughout the rest of the body. The nervous system controls the activities of the body, and produces thought, emotions and sensations. The nerves send information from the brain (the body’s control centre) to the rest of the body – instructing action such as movement. In return, the senses (e.g., sight, touch) send information back to the brain. In this way, the body is able to move within, and react to, its surroundings. Neurogenic pain Pain due to damage to the nervous system itself. Neurological Related to the nervous system. E.g., neurological assessment refers to looking into the way in which the nervous system is working. Neutralise The process of removing any acidity (or alkalinity). Acidity is measured using pH. To neutralise something is to make it pH 7 – that is the same pH as pure water. Nh Nz back to top Nicotine Addictive drug that is found in tobacco, e.g., in cigarettes. Non-allergenic A substance that does not cause allergic reactions. Non-contractile bladder Also called a flaccid bladder. This refers to when the muscles in the bladder wall are limp and not able to contract, so that the bladder is not able to empty itself automatically. Non-invasive A medical procedure that does not involve any tools that break the skin, or physically enter the body. Examples of non-invasive treatment/investigations include X-rays, hearing aids and use of external splints. Nostrils The two openings of the nose that lead to the nasal cavity (the space inside the nose). back to top

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