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.
Tools used to screen for the presence of disease or disorder on the genetic level. DNA in cells is taken from a person's blood, body fluids or tissues and examined for abnormalities associated with certain illnesses. More Information on DNA Tests: Brain & Nerve Tests
A legal document that indicates a patient's wish not to be sustained on life support in the event of the patient is incapable to making his or her own health care decisions. More Information on DNR: Healthcare Basics
A legal document that indicates a patient's wish not to be sustained on life support in the event of the patient is incapable to making his or her own health care decisions. More Information on DNR Order: Healthcare Basics
A legal document that indicates a patient's wish not to be sustained on life support in the event of the patient is incapable to making his or her own health care decisions. More Information on Do Not Resuscitate: Healthcare Basics
A medication used in performing a pharmacological stress test (an echocardiogram of the heart taken at rest and under stress). Dobutamine simulates physical stress (exercise) in patients for which a traditional treadmill stress test is not advised. More Information on Dobutamine: Heart Drug & Medication
A test that uses sound waves to visualize the structures and functions of the heart, both at rest and under physical stress. When injected, dobutamine shows what the heart would be doing under physical stress, though the person is at rest. More Information on Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
"Dobutamine Stress Test" is more commonly referred to as "Pharmacological Stress Test" in the medical community. Pharmacological Stress Test
Also Known As: "Dipyridamole Stress Test, Persantine Stress Test, Adenosine Stress Test, Epinephrine Infusion QT Stress Test"
A test (e.g., an EKG or echocardiogram) that shows the activity of the heart both at rest and shortly after physical stress. A chemical is injected to show what the heart would be doing under physical stress, though the person is at rest. More Information on Pharmacological Stress Test: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
"Docetaxel" is more commonly referred to as "Paclitaxel" in the medical community. Paclitaxel
Also Known As: "BAY 59 8862"
A medication belonging to the drug class mitotic inhibitors that slow cancer growth by interfering with cell division (mitosis). It is used primarily in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers and for Kaposi's sarcoma. More Information on Paclitaxel: Cancer Drug & Medication
"Docosahexaenoic Acid" is more commonly referred to as "Omega 3 Fatty Acid" in the medical community. Omega 3 Fatty Acid
Also Known As: "Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Omega 3, Fish Oil"
A type of fatty acid characterized by the specific locations of their double bonds on the carbon chain. These polyunsaturated fats are found in many cold-water fish and some shellfish. Some types are believed to protect against heart disease. More Information on Omega 3 Fatty Acid: Fats & Oils
"Doctor of Dental Medicine" is more commonly referred to as "Dentist" in the medical community. Dentist
Also Known As: "DDS, DMD, General Dentist, Doctor of Dental Surgery"
A primary care provider who diagnoses, treats and manages a patient's oral health needs. There are two doctorate designations (DMD and DDS). However, these are considered to be equivalent. More Information on Dentist: Oral Health Basics
"Doctor of Dental Surgery" is more commonly referred to as "Dentist" in the medical community. Dentist
Also Known As: "DDS, DMD, General Dentist, Doctor of Dental Medicine"
A primary care provider who diagnoses, treats and manages a patient's oral health needs. There are two doctorate designations (DMD and DDS). However, these are considered to be equivalent. More Information on Dentist: Oral Health Basics
Allergic reaction provoked by exposure to dander and/or dried saliva from dogs. All dogs shed dander, and, contrary to popular belief, dander is not affected by the length of dog hair. More Information on Dog Allergies: Animal & Insect Allergies
"Dog Dander" is more commonly referred to as "Dander" in the medical community. Dander
Also Known As: "Pet Dander, Cat Dander, Animal Dander"
Tiny flakes shed from animal skin. All animals shed dander to some extent, regardless of hair length. Dander provokes an allergic reaction in many people. More Information on Dander: Indoor Allergies
"Dog Flea Tapeworm" is more commonly referred to as "Dipylidium Caninum Infection" in the medical community. Dipylidium Caninum Infection
Also Known As: "Flea Tapeworm Infection, Cat Flea Tapeworm"
Infection with Dipylidium caninum, the most common tapeworm of dogs and cats in the United States. It occurs when a person or pet swallows a flea infected with tapeworm larvae. More Information on Dipylidium Caninum Infection: Infectious Disease Basics
Also Known As: "DORV, Double Outlet Left Ventricle"
A rare type of heart defect that people are born with. Both the pulmonary artery and the aorta are basically (though not always totally) leaving from the right ventricle. Normally, the aorta should leave from the left ventricle. More Information on DOLV: Pediatric Heart
Any form of abuse that occurs in an intimate or family setting, including spousal abuse and child abuse. The abuse my be overtly violent or may be emotional or neglectful. More Information on Domestic Abuse: Relationships
Any form of abuse that occurs in an intimate or family setting, including spousal abuse and child abuse. The abuse my be overtly violent or may be emotional or neglectful. More Information on Domestic Violence: Relationships
"Dominant Ichthyosis Vulgaris" is more commonly referred to as "Ichthyosis Vulgaris" in the medical community. Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Also Known As: "Sex Linked Ichthyosis Vulgaris, Recessive Ichthyosis Vulgaris"
A hereditary form of ichthyosis (dry, rough and scaly skin). It may be dominant (appears young children and usually improves with age) or recessive or sex-linked (present from birth, only in males and rarely improves with age). More Information on Ichthyosis Vulgaris: Psoriasis & Autoimmune Skin
"Dong Quai" is more commonly referred to as "Angelica Root" in the medical community. Angelica Root
Also Known As: "Archangelica Root, Angelicae Pubescentis, Holy Ghost Root, Bai Zhi, Angelicae Dahuricae, Archangel Root, Dang Gui"
A root from any of a group of Angelica plants or herbs. It may be used in aromatherapy and perfumes. However, some cultures use it as an herbal remedy for loss of appetite, gas or other gastrointestinal problems. More Information on Angelica Root: Herbs & Supplements
An enzyme present in the body that converts levodopa to dopamine. It is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. More Information on Dopa Decarboxylase: Movement Disorders
A type of dystonia (sustained muscle contractions leading to twisting movements) that can be successfully treated with medication. It begins in childhood or adolescence and involves increasing difficulty walking. More Information on Dopa Responsive Dystonia: Movement Disorders
A neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that transmits signals between nerve cells and regulates movement, balance and walking. More Information on Dopamine: Brain & Nerve Basics
Medications that mimic the effect of dopamine (a neurotransmitter), which may lead to relief of symptoms from Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. More Information on Dopamine Agonists: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Receptor Antagonists, Dopamine Blockers, Dopamine Depleting Drugs, Dopamine Depletors, Dopamine Depleting Medications"
Medications that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. More Information on Dopamine Antagonists: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Depleting Drugs, Dopamine Depletors, Dopamine Depleting Medications, Dopamine Antagonists, Dopamine Receptor Antagonists"
Medications that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. More Information on Dopamine Blockers: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Depletors, Dopamine Depleting Medications, Dopamine Antagonists, Dopamine Receptor Antagonists, Dopamine Blockers, Dopamine Depleting Drugs"
Medications that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. More Information on Dopamine Blockers & Depletors: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Depletors, Dopamine Depleting Medications, Dopamine Antagonists, Dopamine Receptor Antagonists, Dopamine Blockers"
Medications that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. More Information on Dopamine Depleting Drugs: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Antagonists, Dopamine Receptor Antagonists, Dopamine Blockers, Dopamine Depleting Drugs, Dopamine Depletors"
Medications that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. More Information on Dopamine Depleting Medications: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Depleting Medications, Dopamine Antagonists, Dopamine Receptor Antagonists, Dopamine Blockers, Dopamine Depleting Drugs"
Medications that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. More Information on Dopamine Depletors: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Replacement, Dopamine Replacement Therapy"
Medications that enter the brain and are converted to dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for smooth, coordinated movement and other motor and cognitive functions. They may be used to treat Parkinson's disease. More Information on Dopamine Precursors: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Blockers, Dopamine Depleting Drugs, Dopamine Depletors, Dopamine Depleting Medications, Dopamine Antagonists"
Medications that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. More Information on Dopamine Receptor Antagonists: Neuro Drug & Medication
Medications that enter the brain and are converted to dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for smooth, coordinated movement and other motor and cognitive functions. They may be used to treat Parkinson's disease. More Information on Dopamine Replacement: Neuro Drug & Medication
Medications that enter the brain and are converted to dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for smooth, coordinated movement and other motor and cognitive functions. They may be used to treat Parkinson's disease. More Information on Dopamine Replacement Therapy: Neuro Drug & Medication
Medications that mimic the effect of dopamine (a neurotransmitter), which may lead to relief of symptoms from Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. More Information on Dopamine Stimulating Drugs: Neuro Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Dopamine Agonists, Dopamine Stimulating Drugs"
Medications that mimic the effect of dopamine (a neurotransmitter), which may lead to relief of symptoms from Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. More Information on Dopamine Stimulators: Neuro Drug & Medication
Drugs that activate dopamine receptors in the brain, either directly or indirectly. They include dopamine precursors and dopamine stimulators. More Information on Dopaminergic Agents: Neuro Drug & Medication
A noninvasive test that uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to evaluate blood flow in the heart, the blood vessels of the arms and legs, and the carotid arteries in the neck. More Information on Doppler Echocardiogram: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "Color Doppler, Duplex Ultrasound, Doppler Echocardiogram"
A noninvasive test that uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to evaluate blood flow in the heart, the blood vessels of the arms and legs, and the carotid arteries in the neck. More Information on Doppler Ultrasound: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
An operation in which a lengthwise incision is made inside the left ventricle along an area damaged by lack of blood flow. The undamaged areas are sutured back together. If the damaged area is too large, a patch is made. It is experimental. More Information on Dor Procedure: Heart Failure
Also Known As: "Double Outlet Left Ventricle, DOLV"
A rare type of heart defect that people are born with. Both the pulmonary artery and the aorta are basically (though not always totally) leaving from the right ventricle. Normally, the aorta should leave from the left ventricle. More Information on DORV: Pediatric Heart
"Double Blind Food Challenge" is more commonly referred to as "Food Challenge Test" in the medical community. Food Challenge Test
Also Known As: "Oral Food Challenge Test, Double Masked Food Challenge"
A highly accurate method to determine the cause of food allergy. A patient consumes capsules which hide different foods, as a physician observes for signs of an allergic reaction. More Information on Food Challenge Test: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"Double Contrast Barium Enema" is more commonly referred to as "Lower GI Barium Tests" in the medical community. Lower GI Barium Tests
Also Known As: "Barium Enema, Air Contrast Barium Enema, Lower GI Series, Single Contrast Barium Enema, Barium Enema X-Ray"
An imaging test taken after a chemical compound containing barium is administered into the patient's rectum through a tube (enema). The barium coats the colon and rectum for easier viewing on x-rays and helps reveal abnormalities such as polyps. More Information on Lower GI Barium Tests: Digestive Imaging Tests
The development of insulin resistance (typically associated with type 2 diabetes) in type 1 diabetics, usually due to obesity. In addition to not producing enough insulin on their own, type 1 diabetics can become resistant to the insulin they inject. More Information on Double Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes Basics
"Double Masked Food Challenge" is more commonly referred to as "Food Challenge Test" in the medical community. Food Challenge Test
Also Known As: "Oral Food Challenge Test, Double Blind Food Challenge"
A highly accurate method to determine the cause of food allergy. A patient consumes capsules which hide different foods, as a physician observes for signs of an allergic reaction. More Information on Food Challenge Test: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"Double Mastectomy" is more commonly referred to as "Mastectomy" in the medical community. Mastectomy
Also Known As: "Bilateral Mastectomy, Single Mastectomy"
Surgical removal of an entire breast (single) or both breasts (double or bilateral). Types vary by the amount and type of breast tissue removed and whether or not the lymph nodes under the arm (axilla) are also removed. More Information on Mastectomy: Breast Cancer
A rare type of heart defect that people are born with. Both the pulmonary artery and the aorta are basically (though not always totally) leaving from the right ventricle. Normally, the aorta should leave from the left ventricle. More Information on Double Outlet Left Ventricle: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "DOLV, DORV, Double Outlet Left Ventricle"
A rare type of heart defect that people are born with. Both the pulmonary artery and the aorta are basically (though not always totally) leaving from the right ventricle. Normally, the aorta should leave from the left ventricle. More Information on Double Outlet Right Ventricle: Pediatric Heart
Rinsing the vagina by squirting water, homemade solutions or commercial solutions into it. Healthcare providers oppose this common procedure because it raises the risk of vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and other gynecological problems. More Information on Douching: Vaginal & Cervical Health
"Dowager Hump" is more commonly referred to as "Kyphosis" in the medical community. Kyphosis
Also Known As: "Pott's Curvature, Humpback, Spinal Curvature, Hunchback, Thoracic Kyphosis"
Exaggeration of the normal posterior curve of the spine that results in the deformity known as humpback or hunchback. Also refers to excessive curvature of the spine that may cause osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. More Information on Kyphosis: Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
An artificial crown that replaces the entire crown of a tooth instead of just capping the natural crown. It is held in place by a dowel that is anchored into the root canal of the natural tooth. More Information on Dowel Crown: Dental Restorations
A genetic disorder caused by a chromosomal defect typically characterized by slowed growth, abnormal facial features, mental retardation and other problems. More Information on Down Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
Also Known As: "Pemetrexed Disodium, Asparaginase, Pemetrexed"
A type of antineoplastic, medications that inhibits the process of cell growth (neoplasm). It may be used in cancer treatment. More Information on Doxorubicin: Cancer Drug & Medication
"Doxycycline" is more commonly referred to as "Tetracyclines" in the medical community. Tetracyclines
Also Known As: "Oxytetracycline, Methacycline, Minocycline, Demeclocycline"
Any of a class of antibiotics, medications that kill or slow the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria. They have no effect on viruses. More Information on Tetracyclines: Cold & Infections Medications
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