Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
-
Strawberry naevus
A vividly red and elevated mark that emerges during the initial stages of infancy. Strawberry nevi belong to the category of hemangiomas. Typically, treatment isn’t necessary, except when they manifest near the eye, potentially impacting visual maturation.
-
Straight leg raising
A neurologic examination conducted as part of the assessment for lower back or leg discomfort. The patient is positioned in a reclined posture, and their leg is gradually lifted by the examiner to attain a 90º angle relative to the horizontal. The patient’s responses are observed at each degree of elevation. The examination is concluded…
-
Stork mark
A benign, minor skin imperfection seen in numerous newborns, often appearing as a small, flat, pinkish-red mark around the eyes or on the back of the neck. Stork marks, a variant of hemangioma, are typically transient in nature.
-
Stimulant drug
Medications that enhance brain function by triggering the release of noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine). There exist two categories of stimulant drugs: central nervous system stimulants (like amphetamines), employed to address narcolepsy and ADHD; and respiratory stimulants, which promote breathing.
-
Sterile abscess
This refers to an abscess where the contents lack pyogenic (pus-forming) properties, and they do not cultivate bacteria when subjected to culture. A type of abscess where the causative bacteria or agents are no longer present, inflammation has reduced, and the remaining pus forms a cyst.
-
Stereotaxic surgery
Stereotaxic procedures involve intricate instruments being inserted through a surgically crafted aperture in the skull. These instruments are then guided, aided by CT scanning, to precise locations within the brain. Such interventions are employed for various purposes, including addressing pituitary tumors, performing brain biopsies, and targeting minuscule brain regions for therapeutic purposes in cases of…
-
Sterculia
Sterculia is a type of bulk-forming laxative utilized for addressing constipation. It proves particularly beneficial when dealing with small, hardened stools. It is important to reserve its usage for cases where dietary fiber augmentation is not possible. While using sterculia, it is crucial to ensure sufficient fluid consumption to prevent intestinal blockage. Possible adverse effects…
-
Stasis ulcer
A wound that forms on the lower leg due to inadequate blood circulation in that region.
-
Spider naevus
A tiny, raised crimson dot, resembling the size of a pinhead, with several delicate blood vessels branching out from it. A spider nevus materializes due to the dilation of a minor artery and its interconnected capillaries. Occasional appearances of small spider nevi are usual in children and expectant mothers, whereas an increased quantity might be…
-
Specific learning disability
Challenges in certain learning domains within a child of average or higher intelligence characterize specific learning disabilities. These encompass dyslexia, which hampers letter recognition, and dyscalculia, a struggle with mathematics.
Got any book recommendations?