We would both like to take this opportunity to thank you for your diligence, dedication and compassion in helping to bring this case to a satisfactory conclusion.

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

Naevus: birthmark, a clearly defined malformation of the skin, present at birth. There are many different types of naevi. Some naevi slowly resolve. The capillary neavus (‘port-wine stain’) is permanent and can be treated by laser

Naloxone: a shortacting drug administered by injection that is specifically used as an antidote to morphine and other narcotic drugs

Narcolepsy: an extreme tendency to fall asleep in quiet surroundings or when engaged in repetitive activities. The patient can be woken easily and is immediately alert. Some patients may derive benefit from amphetamines

Narcotic: a drug which induces stupor and relieves severe pain. Often associated with morphine an other derivatives of opium, but is also applied to other drugs that may suppress brain function (e.g. general anaesthesia and hypnotics). In legal terms a narcotic is any addictive drug subject to illegal use

Naso-gastric tube: a tube passed from the nose to the stomach, used to extract fluid from the stomach or to introduce nutrition into the stomach. Often used for patients who are unable to swallow

Naturopathy: a system of medicine that uses only ‘natural’ substances for the treatment of disease, rather than drugs, e.g. herbs, food grown without artificial fertilizers or the use of preservatives

Nausea: the feeling when a person is about to vomit, as experienced in seasickness and in morning sickness in early pregnancy. Actual vomiting occurs subsequently

Nebulizer: an instrument used for administering liquid in the form of a fine spray which can be inhaled

Necrosis: the death of some or all of the cells in an organ or tissues, caused by disease, injury or interference with the blood supply (gangrene)

Necrotizing fasciitis: bacterial infection of the membranous layers beneath the skin by Streptococcus Type A. There is tissue necrosis and toxin production causing shock and organ failure. Symptoms appear rapidly after initial infection and include a rash with blistering and discolouration of the skin, pain and inflammation of the lymph nodes and fever. The elderly and those who have recently undergone surgery are particularly vulnerable to infection which requires prompt treatment with antibiotics and removal of diseased tissue.
Neonate: the term used for an infant during the first 4 weeks of life

Neoplasm: any new or abnormal growth (benign or malignant tumour)

Nephrectomy: surgical removal of a kidney

Nephroblastoma (Wilm’s tumour): a malignant tumour arising from the embryonic kidney and occurring in young children. Treatment consists of removing the kidney and giving chemotherapy

Nephrology: the branch of medicine concerned with the study, investigation and management of diseases of the kidney

Nephrostomy: drainage of urine from the kidney by a tube (catheter). Commonly used after surgery on the kidney

Nephroureterectomy: surgical removal of the kidney and its ureter

Nerve block: a method of producing anaesthesia in part of the body by blocking the passage of pain impulses in the sensory nerve supplying it. Minor operations can be carried out without the need for a general anaesthetic

Nerve entrapment syndrome: pressure on a nerve from surrounding structures. An example is carpel tunnel syndrome in the hand

Nervous breakdown: often used to explain a range of emotional crisis varying from a brief attack of hysteria to a major psychoneurotic illness with severe long-term effects on the sufferer

Neuralgia: a severe burning or stabbing pain often following the course of a nerve

Neurofibroma (Schwannoma): a benign tumour growing from the fibrous coverings of a peripheral nerve. There are usually no symptoms but when it develops from the sheath of a nerve it may cause pain and compress the spinal cord

Neurofibromatosis: congenital benign tumours tumours growing from the fibrous coverings of the nerves. Tumours may occur in the spinal canal where they can press on the spinal cord. They sometimes, but rarely, become malignant

Neurosurgery: surgery on the brain and spinal cord. It also includes the management of head injuries, the control of intracranial bleeding and the diagnosis and treatment of tumours

Night sweat: copious sweating during the night. This may be an early indication of TB, AIDS or other disease

Nitrous oxide: a colourless gas used in anaesthesia with good analgesic effect. It is administered by inhalation with oxygen and used to carry other anaesthetic vapours. Often used in dental procedures and childbirth. Historically referred to as ‘laughing gas’ because of its tendency to excite the patient when used alone

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a malignant tumour of the lymph nodes. Patients who do not respond to chemotherapy may be considered for a bone-marrow transplant

Nystagmus: rapid involuntary movement of the eyes that may be from side to side, up and down or rotatory. It may be congenital and associated with poor sight. It also occurs in disorders of the brain responsible for eye movement and in disorders of the organ relating to balance in the ear or the associated parts of the brain

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