M

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

Macular degeneration: a reduction or loss of central vision due to a reduction in blood supply to the macula, a common cause of blindness in the elderly

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): diagnostic tool based on the absorption and transmission of high frequency radiowaves through water molecules in body tissues in a strong magnetic field. Useful for diagnosis of a wide range of diseases as it does not use potentially harmful radiation

Malabsorption: reduced absorption of in the small intestine. Commonest causes are celiac disease, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, surgical removal of a part of the small intestine

Malaise: general feeling of being unwell

Malformation: congenital or developmental defects

Malignant: used to describe a tumour which invades and destroys the tissue where it grows and which can spread to other sites in the body via the blood or lymphatic system

Malingering: pretending to be ill

Malnutrition: an imbalance between what a person eats and what they require to maintain health

Malocclusion: an abnormal arrangement of the teeth either in one jaw or in one jaw in relation to the other. If severe, orthagnathic surgery may be required to improve facial appearance

Malpractice: Professional misconduct. Treatment falling short of the standards of skill and care that can reasonably be expected from a qualified medical/nursing practitioner

Malunion: deformity of the bone resulting from a poorly aligned fracture

Mammography: X-ray examination of the breast

Mammoplasty: plastic surgery of the breasts to change their size or shape

Mandible: lower jaw bone

Mania: a state of mind characterised by excessive cheerfulness and increased activity

Manipulation: use of the hands to produce a desired movement or therapeutic effect in part of the body

Medication: treatment of a patient using drugs

Medicine: the science or practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease

Medico-legal: relating to the legal aspects of the practice of medicine

Medullablastoma: malignant brain tumour that develops in the cerebellum and which occurs during childhood. Treatment involves surgery followed by radiotherapy

Megacolon: dilatation and sometimes lengthening of the colon caused by obstruction, Hirschsprung’s disease, longstanding constipation or ulcerative colitis

Mendelson’s syndrome: inhalation of regurgitated stomach contents by an anesthetised patient. It is a well recognised hazard of general anaesthesia for Caesarean section

Meningioma: A tumour arising from the fibrous coverings of the brain and spinal cord causing progressive neurological disability

Meningitis: inflammation of the meninges due to the infection by viruses or bacteria causing intense headache, fever, loss of appetite and an intolerance to light and sound. Immunization against certain types of meningitis is now routine. Meningococcal septicaemia is characterised by a rash anywhere on the body and unless rapidly diagnosed can cause death within a week

Menopause: when the ovaries cease to produce an egg cell every 4 weeks and menstruation ceases and the woman is unable to bear children

Menorrhagia: abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation which may be associated with hormonal imbalance, pelvic inflammatory disease, tumours in the pelvic cavity, endometriosis

Mental illness: a disorder of one or more functions of the mind (e.g. emotion, perception, memory or thought) which causes suffering to the patient or others

Metabolism: all the chemical and physical changes that take place in the body to enable continued growth and functioning

Metastasis: the spread of malignant tumour from its sight of origin through the blood stream, lymphatic system or across body cavities

Midazolam: one of the benzodiazepine drugs administered by injection as a sedative for minor surgery

Midwifery: the profession of providing assistance and medical care to women undergoing childbirth

MMR vaccine: a combined vaccine against measles, mumps and German measles (rubella)

Morphine: a potent analgesia and narcotic drug used mainly to relieve severe and persistent pain. Tolerance develops rapidly and dependence may occur

Multi-organ failure: the terminal stage of serious illness

Multiple sclerosis: a chronic disease of the nervous system affecting young and middle-aged adults in which the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. Symptoms can include unsteady gait and shaky movement of the limbs, rapid involuntary movements of the eyes and defects in speech. The underlying cause of the disease remains unknown

Mutism: the inability or refusal to speak

Myocardial infarction: death of the heart muscle following an interruption of the blood supply. The patient experiences what is often referred to as a ‘heart attack’ involving sudden severe chest pain which may spread to the arms and throat. Most survivors are able to return to a full and active life, including those who have been successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest where the heart has stopped beating

Myomectomy: surgical removal of benign tumours (fibroids) from the muscular wall of the uterus

Myringoplasty: surgical repair of a perforated eardrum

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