Category: F

Hemophilia B, or Christmas disease, a genetically inherited bleeding disorder characterized by inadequate amounts of clotting factor IX in blood plasma. Factor IX, a protein also known as plasma thromboplastin component (PTC), is involved in blood coagulation (clotting). Hemophilia B occurs in only about 70,000 men worldwide at any given time and occurs a fifth…

An abnormal neurological condition characterized by weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. One common form of facial palsy is Bell palsy, a condition caused by damage to or dysfunction of the facial nerve. Other possible causes of facial palsy include strokes, tumors, and infections (such as shingles). Any case of facial weakness, paralysis, or…

The presence of any object that is not part of the natural structure of the ear lodged inside the ear canal. Only a physician using the correct instrument should attempt to remove foreign bodies from the ears. Attempts to remove foreign objects from the ear at home are dangerous, especially if a household item is…

A break in one or several of the bones in the arm, generally caused by physical trauma, undue pressure, or other injury to the arm. Immediately following the event that produces the fracture, there may be acute pain, localized tenderness to the touch, muscle spasms, and greater pain or numbness with movement or use of…

A test done on blood to detect the presence of fungal infections or to monitor the treatment of such infections.  

Examination of the eye with an ophthalmoscope. Examination, especially visual, of the fundus of any organ. In ophthalmology, visual examination of the fundus of the eye.  

A sudden, overwhelming infection.  

A laboratory technique for measuring substances that become fluorescent in ultraviolet light or when exposed to strong radiant energy. It is used primarily when measuring in very small units such as micrograms or nanograms per milliliter, as occurs in tests for urinary estrogens and catecholamines.  

A laboratory test using fluorescein- labeled antibodies to detect and diagnose various infectious diseases.  

An eye test to detect injury or other abnormality in the cornea or to aid in fitting contact lenses.