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Glossary

Showing 1081-1090 out of 1202 Terms

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  • Stroke

    stroke

    In medicine, a loss of blood flow to part of the brain, which damages brain tissue. Strokes are caused by blood clots and broken blood vessels in the brain. Symptoms include dizziness, numbness, weakness on one side of the body, and problems with talking, writing, or understanding language. The risk of stroke is increased by high blood pressure, older age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty material and plaque inside the coronary arteries), and a family history of stroke. Also called cerebrovascular accident and CVA.

  • Sudden infant death syndrome

    (suh-DEN in-FUNT deth SIN-drome)

    A disorder marked by the sudden and unexpected death of a healthy child who is younger than one year old, usually during sleep. The cause of sudden infant death syndrome is not known. Also called crib death and SIDS.

  • Superior vena cava

    (soo-PEER-ee-er VEE-nuh KAY-vuh)

    The large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest to the heart.

  • Superior vena cava syndrome

    (soo-PEER-ee-er VEE-nuh KAY-vuh SIN-drome)

    A condition in which a tumor presses against the superior vena cava (the large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest to the heart). This pressure blocks blood flow to the heart and may cause coughing, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of the face, neck, and upper arms.

  • Supplemental nutrition

    (SUH-pleh-MEN-tul noo-TRIH-shun)

    A substance or product that is added to a person’s diet to make sure they get all the nutrients they need. It may include vitamins, minerals, protein, or fat, and may be given by mouth, by tube feeding, or into a vein.

  • Suppository

    (suh-PAH-zih-TOR-ee)

    A form of medicine contained in a small piece of solid material, such as cocoa butter or glycerin, that melts at body temperature. A suppository is inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra and the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream.

  • Surgery

    A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. Also called operation.

  • Survival rate

    (ser-VY-vul ...)

    The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who are still alive for a certain period of time after they were diagnosed with or started treatment for a disease, such as cancer. The survival rate is often stated as a five-year survival rate, which is the percentage of people in a study or treatment group who are alive five years after their diagnosis or the start of treatment. Also called overall survival rate.

  • Survivorship

    (ser-VY-ver-ship)

    In cancer, survivorship focuses on the health and life of a person with cancer post treatment until the end of life. It covers the physical, psychosocial, and economic issues of cancer, beyond the diagnosis and treatment phases. Survivorship includes issues related to the ability to get health care and follow-up treatment, late effects of treatment, second cancers, and quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience.

  • Susceptible

    Tendency to develop a disease if exposed to it; not having immunity.