Spinal Cord Injury healthcare information in one catch

Glossary H

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. Ha Hd He Hx Hy Hz Ha Hd H2-blockers Drugs that block the release of digestive juices in the stomach, by blocking the receptors (called H2-receptors) that are involved in this process. Haematoma A collection of blood (usually a blood clot) in body tissue, caused by bleeding from a damaged blood vessel. Haemodialysis Haemodialysis is a method used to filter the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. It involves the blood passing from the person’s body through a tube to a machine called an artificial kidney or dialyser. The blood flows past a membrane in the machine, which allows waste products to move from the blood, across the membrane into a special fluid on the other side. The purified blood is then returned to the body. Haemoglobin The red pigment present in blood that is used to transport oxygen around the body. Haemorrhoids An abrupt swelling of a vein near the surface of the rectum (end of the bowel) or anus. In people with spinal cord injury haemorrhoids may be caused by straining to pass stools during constipation, changes in blood flow, or lying or sitting too long in one position. Symptoms include visible swelling around the anus, burning or itching (if sensation is present), spots of blood on the toilet paper or bleeding during the bowel programme. Hair follicle The tiny pit in the skin where the end of a hair is embedded. Halo brace Following injury to the cervical spine (neck) this is a brace that is used to support and prevent movement of the head and neck, while the injury is healing. The halo brace consists of a ring (halo) that is attached to the skull using metal pins. The ring is connected to a body jacket by metal rods, thus holding the head in a fixed position. Harrington rods Type of supportive device that is used to fix the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine in position following a fracture, or to correct or stabilise a spinal deformity. He Hx back to top Heart attack Caused by an interrupted flow of blood to the muscle of the heart. It results in the death of an area of heart muscle. A patient experiencing a heart attack feels a sudden, severe chest pain that may spread to the arms and throat. Heart disease Any disorder of the heart that affects the function of the heart itself or its blood vessels. Hinge joint Specific type of moveable joint that allows movement in two dimensions only. Examples of hinge joints include the elbow and the knee. Hormones Natural chemicals of the body that are released into the blood by a gland or tissue and which have specific effects on tissues elsewhere in the body. Example of hormones include testosterone and insulin. Humidified Commonly refers to air that is full of moisture. Humidity The moisture content of air. Hy Hz back to top Hydration A measure of the water content of the body tissues. Hydrocolloid dressings Dressing made of an adhesive wafer-like film that provides a barrier to water or micro-organisms. Fluid from the wound combines with the adhesive to make a gel that promotes wound healing. Hydrogel dressing Type of dressing that is supplied as a gel or a sheet. It may be used in dry wounds to provide moisture, or to absorb moisture from wounds producing small amounts of fluid. Hydrophilic Describing a substance that ‘likes’ water, i.e., it does not repel water, but will absorb it. Hypercalcaemia Condition where there is an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. Hyperchlorhydia The presence of too much acid in the stomach because too much of the digestive juices that contain the acid have been produced. It can lead to stomach ulcers, heart burn and indigestion. Hypersensitivity The condition of being excessively sensitive (overreacting) to the effects of an action or a substance, e.g., the immune system can become hypersensitive to foreign particles such as dust or pollen, which can lead to an allergic reaction. The nervous system may also become hypersensitive to stimulation. Hypertension High blood pressure. Hypnosis Method used to transform a person into a trance-like state. Hypotension Low blood pressure. Hypothalamus Area at the front of the brain that is involved in controlling many things, such as body temperature and sexual function. It also helps to control hormones produced by the pituitary gland, which are very important in regulating many body processes. Hypovolaemia Lower that normal volume of blood in the body. It may be as a result of blood loss following an injury. back to top

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