Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"CPPD" is more commonly referred to as "Pseudogout" in the medical community. Pseudogout
Also Known As: "Chondrocalcinosis, Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystal Deposition"
Calcification of articular cartilage. May be associated with attacks of joint inflammation that may mimic gout. More Information on Pseudogout: Arthritis
Also Known As: "Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation, Cardiac Compression, Heart-Lung Resuscitation, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Artificial Respiration"
An emergency technique that helps someone whose heart and/or breathing has stopped. CPR cannot restart the heart but can make sure that blood and oxygen continue to circulate through the body, keeping the patient alive until help can arrive. More Information on CPR: First Aid & Safety
An emergency technique that helps someone whose heart and/or breathing has stopped. CPR cannot restart the heart but can make sure that blood and oxygen continue to circulate through the body, keeping the patient alive until help can arrive. More Information on CPR for Children: Pediatric First Aid & Safety
"CPSA" is more commonly referred to as "Central Pain Syndrome Alliance" in the medical community. Central Pain Syndrome Alliance
An alliance of patients devoted to supporting people with central pain syndrome, neurological conditions that cause chronic pain in different parts of the body.
"Crabs" is more commonly referred to as "Pubic Lice" in the medical community. Pubic Lice
Also Known As: "Genital Lice, Pediculus Pubis, Pubic Louse, Genital Crabs, Pediculus Pubis Infestation, Genital Louse, Pubic Crabs"
Infestation of the pelvic region by tiny parasites (Pediculus humanus corporis). It spreads through close contact with other people. These are the same insects that cause head lice or body lice. More Information on Pubic Lice: STD & Genital Infections
A break in the tooth enamel that is typically of a hairline nature. Cracked teeth often cause sharp pain when the patient bites down. They are caused by a variety of factors, including injury, bruxism and large fillings. More Information on Cracked Tooth: Tooth Decay & Damage
Pain caused by fractures in teeth that are too small to be seen on x-rays. It is most likely to occur in molars, which absorb most of the forces of chewing. People who grind or clench their teeth are most susceptible. More Information on Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Tooth Decay & Damage
A type of dermatitis characterized by an oily, yellow crust on an infant's scalp. It is associated with excessive secretion from the sebaceous glands in the area. More Information on Cradle Cap: Newborn Care
A type of fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. These berries are primarily associated with a reduced risk of urinary tract infections, but are also associated with lowered cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of blood clots. More Information on Cranberry: Functional Foods
"Cranial Arteritis" is more commonly referred to as "Temporal Arteritis" in the medical community. Temporal Arteritis
Also Known As: "Granulamotous Arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Horton's Disease"
A chronic vascular disease of unknown origin in the elderly, often associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. The arteries narrow, reducing blood flow in the affected areas. It may cause persistent headaches and vision loss. More Information on Temporal Arteritis: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
Sustained muscle contractions that involve the head, face and neck. It includes oromandibular dystonia (jaw, face and tongue), spasmodic dysphonia (throat and speech) and spasmodic torticollis (neck). More Information on Cranial Dystonia: Movement Disorders
Also Known As: "Facial Neuralgias, Atypical Facial Pain"
Pain along a nerve in the head that may be perceived as a headache or facial pain. It can be fast and severe and varies depending on the nerve affected (e.g., trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, occipital). More Information on Cranial Neuralgias: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
"Craniopharyngiomas" is more commonly referred to as "Brain Tumors" in the medical community. Brain Tumors
Also Known As: "Neurocytomas, Primary Brain Tumors, Ganglioneuromas, Germinomas, Astrocytomas, Meningiomas, Glioblastomas"
Brain tumors are diseases in which cancer cells begin to grow in the tissues of the brain. Tumors that start in the brain are called primary brain tumors. Tumors can occur in other parts of the body and spread to the brain (metastases). More Information on Brain Tumors: Brain & Nerve Cancer
A condition in which the cranial soft spots present at birth close too early, before brain development is complete. The brain compensates by growing in other areas, causing an abnormally shaped skull. More Information on Craniosynostosis: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
A nitrogen-containing compound found naturally in meat and fish and metabolized from proteins known as amino acids (e.g., glycine, arginine, methionine).
A nonprotein waste product of creatine (a component of muscle) metabolism. Blood levels of creatinine are measured to diagnose kidney disease. High levels usually indicate damage to 50 percent or more of the kidney. More Information on Creatinine: Kidney (Renal)
A type of scleroderma names for its five most prominent features: calcinosis, Raynaud's syndrome, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia. More Information on CREST: Psoriasis & Autoimmune Skin
A type of scleroderma names for its five most prominent features: calcinosis, Raynaud's syndrome, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia. More Information on CREST Syndrome: Psoriasis & Autoimmune Skin
Poor physical and impaired mental development caused by severe iodine deficiency during the growth and development stage of a pregnancy. More Information on Cretinism: Thyroid & Parathyroid
Also Known As: "Hereditary Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, CJD, Acquired Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, Sporadic Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease"
A rare but fatal brain disorder involving mental deterioration. It is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and can be sporadic, hereditary, acquired or variant (associated with mad cow disease). More Information on Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease: Encephalopathy
Inability to properly open the upper esophageal sphincter, the muscle than opens and closes upper part of the esophagus. This condition may cause food to enter the windpipe and lungs. More Information on Cricopharyngeal Incoordination: Digestive Health Basics
An illness caused by infection with a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) in the family Bunyaviridae. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animal blood or ticks, but it also can be passed from person-to-person contact. More Information on Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: Tropical Disease
Also Known As: "HACCP, CCP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points"
A process of steps and procedures related to food production which, if properly followed, will reduce or eliminate a food safety hazard (e.g., food borne illness).
A type of inflammatory bowel disease in which the lining anywhere along the digestive tract (especially the intestines) becomes inflamed over a long period of time. It may or may not involve peptic ulcers and increases colon cancer risk. More Information on Crohn's Disease: Inflammatory Bowel (Colitis)
"Cromolyn Sodium" is more commonly referred to as "Mast Cell Stabilizers" in the medical community. Mast Cell Stabilizers
Also Known As: "Lodoxamide, Nedocromil"
Medications used to combat symptoms of hay fever and sometimes asthma and food allergies. These drugs cause fewer side effects than antihistamines but take longer to work and are not as effective. More Information on Mast Cell Stabilizers: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
"Crooked Teeth" is more commonly referred to as "Malocclusion" in the medical community. Malocclusion
Also Known As: "Dental Malocclusion, Misaligned Teeth"
Improper alignment of the biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth. It results in a poor bite. More Information on Malocclusion: Dental Braces & Alignment
Dressing as the opposite sex (e.g., a man wearing women's clothing). It may be done for a number of reasons, including transsexualism or transvestic fetishism. More Information on Cross Dressing: Impulse Control Disorders
"Cross Eyes" is more commonly referred to as "Strabismus" in the medical community. Strabismus
Also Known As: "Exotropia, Esotropia"
Misalignment of the eyes, which may be crossed (esotropia) or turned upward, downward or outward (exotropia). Chronic misalignment can lead to amblyopia, or "lazy eye." More Information on Strabismus: Eye Conditions
An allergic reaction caused by the structural similarities of two different antigens. The immune system mistakes the antigen for an allergen to which it has already become sensitized. More Information on Cross Reaction: Allergy Basics
An allergic reaction caused by the structural similarities of two different antigens. The immune system mistakes the antigen for an allergen to which it has already become sensitized. More Information on Cross Reactivity: Allergy Basics
Also Known As: "Laryngotracheobronchitis, Laryngotracheitis"
A respiratory illness that causes the larynx (voice box) or trachea (windpipe) of infants and young children to become inflamed, resulting in a hoarse, barking cough and difficulty breathing. More Information on Croup: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
A device (such as a blanket placed over a crib) that keeps the air around an infant or child moist. Use at home is not advised, since they may make a child more anxious and actually aggravate symptoms. More Information on Croup Tent: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
Also Known As: "Crown Lengthening Procedure, Dental Crown Lengthening"
A surgical procedure in which excess bone and gum is reshaped, exposing more of the original tooth. This may be done for cosmetic purposes, or to expose more of the tooth to aid in restoration work. More Information on Crown Lengthening: Dental Restorations
A surgical procedure in which excess bone and gum is reshaped, exposing more of the original tooth. This may be done for cosmetic purposes, or to expose more of the tooth to aid in restoration work. More Information on Crown Lengthening Procedure: Dental Restorations
A type of dental restoration that caps a tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. They also strengthen and improve the appearance of a tooth and are typically used when fillings are inadequate to fix a tooth that is broken down. More Information on Crowns: Dental Restorations
"CRP" is more commonly referred to as "C Reactive Protein" in the medical community. C Reactive Protein
A substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation (an inflammatory marker). Measuring blood levels of CRP can tell physicians if an area of the patient's body is inflamed. More Information on C Reactive Protein: Blood Tests
"CRP Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome" in the medical community. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Also Known As: "Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, CRPS"
Persistent pain of an extremity associated with interruption in the nerve supply to its blood vessels, in the nutrition to the skin, and in the mobility of the joints. More Information on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Arm & Leg Pain
"CRP Test" is more commonly referred to as "C Reactive Protein Test" in the medical community. C Reactive Protein Test
A test that measures blood levels of C-reactive protein, a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation (an inflammatory marker). If CRP blood levels are high, then a part of the body may be inflamed. More Information on C Reactive Protein Test: Pain Lab Tests
A test that measures blood levels of C-reactive protein, a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. IA more sensitive CRP test is used to identify potential risk for heart disease. More Information on CRP Test & Heart Disease: Blood Tests
"CRPS" is more commonly referred to as "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome" in the medical community. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Also Known As: "Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, CRP Syndrome"
Persistent pain of an extremity associated with interruption in the nerve supply to its blood vessels, in the nutrition to the skin, and in the mobility of the joints. More Information on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Arm & Leg Pain
"CRT" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy" in the medical community. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Also Known As: "Stand Alone CRT, Combined CRT"
A therapy used to treat heart failure that involves an implanted device that sends electrical signals to the heart. Stand Alone CRT refers to biventricular pacing. Combined CRT refers to biventricular pacing with an implantable defibrillator (ICD). More Information on Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Heart Failure
Vegetables belonging to the cabbage family, including broccoli, cauliflower, collards, mustard greens, radishes, turnips and watercress. They contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals thought to reduce cancer risk. More Information on Cruciferous Vegetables: Functional Foods
"Crushed Oats" is more commonly referred to as "Rolled Oats" in the medical community. Rolled Oats
Also Known As: "Cut Oats"
One way that oats may be processed (can also be crushed or cut). Oatmeal is typically rolled whole oats. More Information on Rolled Oats: Functional Foods
"Cryoablation" is more commonly referred to as "Ablation" in the medical community. Ablation
Also Known As: "Ablative Therapy, Thermal Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Chemical Ablation"
Any procedure that removes or destroys a part of functioning tissue or organs. It can be accomplished through surgery, chemicals, radiofrequency, heat (thermal ablation) or cold (cryoablation). More Information on Ablation: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
The use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues. It may be used in the treatment of both external cancers (e.g., skin) and internal tumors (e.g., cervical, bone, breast, kidney, eye). More Information on Cryotherapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
The use of cold as a therapeutic agent, to treat inflammation and swelling (e.g., placing an ice-pack on a strained muscle). More Information on Cryotherapy in Pain Management: Pain Management
A diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. It can live in the intestine of humans and animals before being passed in the stool. More Information on Crypto: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Also Known As: "Cryptococcus Infection, Cryptococcus Neoformans Infection"
A rare fungal infection caused by inhaling the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Infection may heal on its own, remain localized in the lungs or spread throughout the body. More Information on Cryptococcosis: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
Also Known As: "Cryptococcus Neoformans Infection"
A rare fungal infection caused by inhaling the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Infection may heal on its own, remain localized in the lungs or spread throughout the body. More Information on Cryptococcus Infection: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
A rare fungal infection caused by inhaling the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Infection may heal on its own, remain localized in the lungs or spread throughout the body. More Information on Cryptococcus Neoformans Infection: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
A diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. It can live in the intestine of humans and animals before being passed in the stool. More Information on Cryptosporidia Infection: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
A diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. It can live in the intestine of humans and animals before being passed in the stool. More Information on Cryptosporidiosis: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
A parasite of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause infection and diarrhea. More Information on Cryptosporidiosis Parvum: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Joint inflammation due to deposits of certain types of crystal, such as gout that forms from urate crystals. More Information on Crystal Arthritis: Arthritis
"CSFII" is more commonly referred to as "Continuing Survey of Food Intake of Individuals" in the medical community. Continuing Survey of Food Intake of Individuals
A survey that documents food intake for a specific time frame for low income families. Demographic information is also obtained (e.g., income, race, age, food shopping and cooking details). Information is used to develop and improve policies.
"CSII" is more commonly referred to as "Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion" in the medical community. Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion
The process of continuously injecting a short-acting form of insulin into the body through a device such as an insulin pump. More Information on Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion: Insulin
"CSP" is more commonly referred to as "Cystosarcoma Phyllodes" in the medical community. Cystosarcoma Phyllodes
Also Known As: "Phyllodes Tumor"
A large, bulky and quickly-growing breast tumor that may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). More Information on Cystosarcoma Phyllodes: Breast Cancer
