Spinal Cord Injury healthcare information in one catch

Glossary I

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. Ia Im In Io Ip Iz Ia Im Ileal conduit A surgical procedure using part of the gut (specifically, part of the ileum) to create an artificial bladder. Ileum The lowest section of the small intestine. It is involved in absorbing digested food into the body. Immobilisation Generally implies that something is prevented from moving. People confined to bed rest after a spinal injury are said to be immobilised. Similarly, broken bones that are prevented from moving by plaster casts, splints or braces, are also said to be immobilised. Immobility The inability to move. Can be used to describe the period after a spinal cord injury, when a person is confined to bed rest and is unable to move around. Alternatively, it could be used to describe the limbs (immobility of the limbs) following paralysis. Immune cells Cells (white blood cells) of the body’s immune system, i.e., the system that recognises foreign particles in the body and helps to fight off infection. Impulse The electrical activity that travels along the long, thread-like nerve cells. It is a way of sending messages from one part of the body to another. In Io back to top Incidence Term used to describe how common a condition is over a given period of time. Incomplete SCI An incomplete SCI is the term used to describe partial damage to the spinal cord. It leaves some function below the level of the injury, so that some sensation and/or movement remain. There may be more function on one side of body than the other. Incontinence Involuntary leakage of urine or faeces from the body. Independent living advocate Individual who is experienced in promoting and helping achieve independence in people with disabilities. Indwelling catheter A drainage tube (catheter) inserted into the bladder that is left in place all of the time to allow continuous urine drainage. Indwelling catheterisation Method of draining urine from the body by insertion of a drainage tube (catheter) into the bladder. The tube is left in place all of the time to allow continuous urine drainage. Indwelling suprapubic catheterisation Method of draining urine from the bladder by insertion of a drainage tube (catheter) through a surgical incision in the wall of the abdomen. The catheter is left in place all of the time to allow continuous urine drainage. Indwelling urethral catheterisation Method of draining urine from the body by insertion of a drainage tube (catheter) through the urethra into the bladder. The tube is left in place all of the time to allow continuous urine drainage. Inflammation This is the body’s response to injury or infection. It causes the affected area to become red, hot, painful and swollen. Infusing The slow injection of a fluid into a vein or artery. Inhalation Breathing in. Inhibitory control Nerve impulses that act to damp down or stop a particular activity or response. For example, the brain sending messages to stop the bladder from spontaneously emptying when it is becoming full. Intermittent catheter A drainage tube (catheter) inserted into the bladder only when urine needs to be drained from it. After urine drainage, the catheter is removed from the body. Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) Process of a person carrying out intermittent catheterisation on themselves, rather than by an assistant or by medical staff. Intermittent catheterisation is the process of periodically inserting a drainage tube (catheter) into the bladder when urine needs to be removed. After urine drainage, the catheter is removed from the body. Internal anal sphincter This is a ring of muscle that lines the anus and acts like a valve. It works in conjunction with another valve (the external anal sphincter) to control the passage of faeces from the rectum (bowel) to the outside. The internal anal sphincter is controlled involuntarily (subconsciously). It is normally contracted, and when faeces need to be removed, it relaxes. Internal urethral sphincter A valve-like structure, made of a ring of muscle, which is found where the urethra joins the base of the bladder. This valve can open and close, and along with another valve called the external urethral sphincter, it controls when urine leaves the bladder, i.e., when urination takes place. Intestine The part of the digestive system that extends from the stomach to the anus. It is divided into two parts, the small intestine, and the large intestine. Intrauterine devices Forms of contraception used by women that involve inserting the contraceptive device into the womb itself. Intubated Having a tube inserted into the body to provide medical treatment, or to allow diagnosis of a problem. For example, a tube may be inserted into the windpipe to help people with breathing difficulties. Alternatively, a tube might be inserted into the stomach to allow a sample of stomach contents to be removed and analysed. Invasive An invasive medical procedure involves either making a surgical cut in the skin or inserting an instrument, such as a needle or a tube, into the body. The procedure may be a form of treatment or investigation. This term may also be used to describe a disease that has a tendency to spread to surrounding tissues. Involuntary Refers to activities of the body (or muscles) that are not under conscious control, e.g., digestion. Ip - Iz back to top Iron An element that is essential to the body’s healthy function. Most of the iron in the body is found in the red blood cells where it is needed to help the transfer of oxygen between the blood and the rest of the body. A lack of iron can lead to a medical condition known as anaemia. Red meat provides a good source of iron in the diet. Irrigation The process of washing out a wound, hollow body structure (such as the bladder), or artificial device (such as a catheter) with water or other fluid. back to top

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