Category: N

An unconscious release of nervous energy, e.g. as a result of shock. The involuntary release of nervous energy during surgical shock or following trauma.  

A lung infection which may metastasise to other tissue, caused by Nocardia. An uncommon infection that may be acute or chronic and is caused by the bacterium Nocardia asteroides, which is found in the soil in areas of decaying plants. Nocardiosis is usually transmitted via inhalation of bacteria into the lungs. In rare instances, bacteria…

A genus of bacteria found in soil, some species of which cause nocardiosis and maduramycosis. A genus of rodlike or filamentous Gram-positive nonmotile bacteria found in the soil. As cultures age, filaments form branches, but these soon break up into rodlike or spherical cells. Three or more spores may form in each cell; these germinate…

A drug which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria, used in the treatment of urinary infections. Antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, fever, and hypersensitivity reactions. An anti-infective drug. Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin) is used to treat infections of the urinary tract. It is thought to work by stopping…

A tranquilliser used in some sleeping pills. A hypnotic drug administered by mouth to treat insomnia and sleep disturbances. It is often preferred to other hypnotics since side-effects are not severe, though morning drowsiness sometimes occurs. A tranquilliser introduced as a hypnotic. It is long-acting and may produce drowsiness next day. Addiction can occur. A…

An egg or larva of a louse. The egg of a small insect, usually a louse. Head lice live on the scalp and are spread through close contact, especially among school children. Nits are tiny lice eggs that look like small flakes of dandruff. However, unlike dandruff, they are firmly attached to hair shafts and…

A number which a doctor asks a person to say so that he or she can inspect the back of the throat.  

Relating to or showing a belief in nihilism.  

The rejection of all the usual social conventions and beliefs, especially of morality and religion. In psychiatry, a delusion that certain things or everything, including the self, does not exist; associated with some forms of schizophrenia.  

A period of disturbed sleep, which a child does not remember afterwards. Episode, most often occurring in young children, in which the person awakens in terror with a panicky scream, feelings of fear and anxiety, and total inability to recall any dream or incident provoking the feelings, and typically does not recall the event the…