Spinal Cord Injury healthcare information in one catch

Glossary Q R

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 it's explaination, or click on the link below to jump straight to that section or to choose another letter, click on the table above. Ra Rd Re Rf Rg Rz Ra Rd Radiological Describes the use of X-rays to create images of inside the body, particularly the bones. Re Rf back to top Realignment The adjustment of broken bones into their correct position. Rebound hypotension Low blood pressure that occurs when treatment for raised blood pressure has lowered it so far that it falls below the normal range. Rectal Relating to the rectum – part of the large intestine (large bowel). Rectal muscles Muscles in the wall of the rectum (end of the bowel). Rectal prolapse The inside lining of the rectum – pink moist tissue – becomes visible on the outside, due to loss of muscle tone around the rectum and anus. Rectal stimulation Stimulation of the muscles in the walls of the rectum (bowel) by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger through the anus – aimed at encouraging the passing of stools. Rectum The end part of the large intestine (bowel) that is found immediately inside the anus. It receives stools from higher up the digestive tract and stores them before defecation (process of stools leaving the body through the anus). Recurring/recurrent Repeated occurrence of something, e.g., a medical condition such as urinary tract infection. Red blood cells Disc-like cells that are present in the blood and which contain haemoglobin (the red pigment that transports oxygen around the body). Red blood cells make up about 45% of the volume of the blood. Reflex An automatic, involuntary response of the body to a trigger, e.g., blinking when an object moves too close to the eye, or moving a hand away from a hot object. It involves a simple pathway of nerve impulses. The brain is not necessarily conscious of the response that has taken place. Reflex (bladder) emptying Automatic emptying of the bladder in response to increasing urine pressure within the bladder. Reflex bladder Term describing a bladder in which the automatic (reflex) contraction still takes place following an SCI, although voluntary control over emptying is lost. Reflex bowel Term describing a bowel (e.g., following an SCI) in which automatic (reflex) contractions still take place, moving the stools along the bowel towards the outside. However, voluntary control over the removal of the stools is lost. Reflex contraction Automatic (involuntary) contraction of muscles. In the case of the muscle in the bladder wall, an automatic ‘reflex’ contraction occurs when it becomes full of urine, in order to push urine out of the bladder. Reflex voiding centre Part of the spinal cord (found in the sacral region) involved in ‘automatic’ or reflex urination in response to bladder fullness. Reflexology Involves massaging specific areas of the foot with the aim of restoring the body’s overall energy balance, and promoting the removal of toxic substances. Reflexologists believe that areas of the foot correspond to particular areas of the body, and the massage can help to calm or stimulate the nervous system, open the airways, and improve communication between body parts. Reflux The flow of liquid back to where it originally came from. For example, there may be back-flow/reflux of urine from the bladder back up to the kidneys. Rehabilitation The process of recovering from injury or disorder. With respect to spinal cord injury, rehabilitation involves becoming proficient in as many of the skills of normal daily living as possible. This may be relearning skills, such as control over certain movements, or finding new ways of doing tasks, such as those involved in managing the bladder and bowel. The aim of rehabilitation is to achieve independent living. Rehydration The process of giving a combination of fluids and salts to a person whose body is currently lacking the correct amount or balance of fluid. Relax When the muscle is resting (it is not contracted) it is said to be ‘relaxed’. It involves a reduction of tension in the muscle. Renal Associated with the kidneys, e.g., renal stones. Renal ultrasound A non-invasive technique for creating an image of the kidney using high frequency sound waves. Reproductive tract The organs and tissues involved in the process of reproduction. Residual urine The urine that remains in the bladder after urination. Respiratory To do with the processes of breathing and supplying the body with the oxygen it needs to survive, e.g., respiratory muscles are the muscles needed to breathe. Respiratory infection Bacteria or viruses causing an infection in parts of the respiratory tract – that is the lungs, or the tubes leading to the lungs such as the windpipe (trachea) or bronchi. Examples of respiratory infections include colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. Resuscitate resuscitation Medical treatment aimed at restarting breathing and heart function when it has just stopped, either due to a heart attack, electrical shock, road accident or other injury. Retrograde ejaculation Where the semen is released, but flows back towards the bladder, rather than being squirted out of the penis. Rg Rz back to top Rheumatoid arthritis A medical condition in which the joints become inflamed, stiff and painful. Rib One of 12 pairs of thin curved strips of bone that encase and protect the heart and lungs. Rigid immobilisation Method of support for fractured bones, especially the spine, that prevents all movement of the bones while they are healing. back to top

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