Category: T

(T3) The substance which exerts the physiological action of thyroid hormone. It is formed in the body cells by the de-iodination of thyroxine (tetra-iodothyronine) which is the active principle secreted by the thyroid gland. It has also been synthesized, and is now available for the treatment of hypothyroidism. It is three times as potent as…

This group is one of three main types of drugs used to treat depression, and was the first to be introduced (in the 1950s). Tricyclic drugs work by blocking the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline, thus increasing the amount of the neurotransmitters at the nerve cell’s receptors. In people with depression, fewer neurotransmitters…

The normal working of the tricuspid valve in the heart is impeded by a narrowing of the opening, often as a sequel of rheumatic fever. As with tricuspid incompetence, heart failure may result and treatment is similar, with surgery to repair or replace the faulty valve an option. Narrowing of the opening to the tricuspid…

Failure of the tricuspid valve in the heart to close fully, thus permitting blood to leak back into the right atrium during contractions of the right ventricle. This reduces the heart’s pumping efficiency, and right-sided heart failure usually results. Treatment for heart failure (using diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors) usually restores function, but sometimes…

An operation in which a portion of the cranium is removed. Originally the operation was performed with an instrument resembling a carpenter’s brace and known as the trephine or trepan, which removes a small circle of bone; but now this instrument is only used, as a rule, for making small openings, whilst, for wider operations,…

This is a steep head-down tilt so that the patient’s pelvis and legs lie above the heart. It is used to improve access, and to limit blood loss, during surgery to the pelvis. It has been used to treat shocked patients, but, as the position increases pressure on the diaphragm and embarrasses breathing, raising the…

Sickness induced by any form of transport, whether by sea, air, motor-car or train.  

Many countries have reciprocal health arrangements with Britain under which British visitors may receive emergency treatment free or at reduced cost. Information about these arrangements is available from any local DSS office. General and specific advice for travellers on such matters as immunizations needed can be obtained from their general practitioner, through travel agents or…

An operation, also known as hysteroscopic endometrial resection and hysteroscopic endometrial ablation. Under general anesthesia, the lining membrane of the uterus (womb) is excised using a type of laser or diathermy surgery through a hiysteroscope (a type of endoscope) which allows the operator to see the inside of the uterus. The operation is done to…

The popular name for drugs which induces a mental state free from agitation and anxiety, and renders the patient calm. Tranquillisers are classified as major and minor. The former are used to treat psychotic illness such as schizophrenia; the latter are sedatives used to treat anxiety and emotional upsets and are called antianxiety drugs or…