Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
-
Double simultaneous stimulation
In the neurological examination, a test of unilateral neglect. A light touch, audible signal, or visual cue is provided to both sides of the patient at the same time (e.g., both arms, both ears, both the left and right visual fields). Failure to detect one of the stimuli suggests a lesion in the opposite side…
-
Breast stimulation
In pregnancy, nipple rolling or the application of heat to the breasts to elicit release of endogenous oxytocin and to generate uterine contractions. The procedure also has been used to evaluate placental sufficiency in the third trimester and to increase contractions in patients with ruptured membranes and when contractions are absent, rare, irregular, or of…
-
Still’s murmur
A benign, functional mid-systolic murmur heard in children. The maximum sound is heard over the left lower sternal border.
-
Stigmatism
A condition marked by possession of stigmata. The state of possessing stigmata. The quality of a lens system where light rays from one point focus on a single focal point.
-
Stiff man syndrome
A rare central nervous system disease characterized by progressive muscular rigidity and spasms. The diagnosis is strongly supported by continuous motor unit activity during electromyography and by the presence of autoantibodies (antiglutamic acid antibody, for example). Treatments include benzodiazepines, for comfort, and immunological therapies such as high-dose corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, or plasma exchange.
-
Stiff baby syndrome
An inherited disorder marked by muscular rigidity that appears in the first days of life. It may be associated with an excessive startle response, apnea, gait disturbance, or regurgitation of foods.
-
Stevia
A genus of shrubs native to South America. A noncaloric sugar substitute is made from plants of this genus.
-
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
A systemic skin disease, probably identical to toxic epidermal necrolysis, that produces fevers and lesions of the oral, conjunctival, and vaginal mucous membranes. It is marked by a cutaneous rash that is often widespread and severe. Skin loss may lead to dehydration, infection, or death. A pronounced inflammatory skin outbreak that manifests due to an…
-
Stethospasm
A spasm of the pectoral or chest muscles.
-
Single stethoscope
A rigid or flexible stethoscope designed for one ear only.
Got any book recommendations?