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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.
Topic Index
- + PAB
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- PAB
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"PAB" is more commonly referred to as "Premature Atrial Contractions" in the medical community.
Premature Atrial Contractions
Also Known As: "Atrial Extrasystoles, PAC, Premature Supraventricular Contractions, Premature Atrial Beats, Atrial Ectopics"
A harmless irregular heart rhythm that does not need to be treated. It is often due to stress or excessive use of substances such as caffeine. It occurs when one of the heart's upper chambers contracts prematurely in the heartbeat cycle.
More Information on Premature Atrial Contractions: Arrhythmia
- + PABA
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- PABA
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Also Known As: "Para Aminobenzoic Acid"
A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells sometimes used in sunscreens, dyes and drugs.
- + PAC
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- PAC
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"PAC" is more commonly referred to as "Premature Atrial Contractions" in the medical community.
Premature Atrial Contractions
Also Known As: "Atrial Extrasystoles, Premature Supraventricular Contractions, Premature Atrial Beats, Atrial Ectopics, PAB"
A harmless irregular heart rhythm that does not need to be treated. It is often due to stress or excessive use of substances such as caffeine. It occurs when one of the heart's upper chambers contracts prematurely in the heartbeat cycle.
More Information on Premature Atrial Contractions: Arrhythmia
- + Pacemaker
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- Pacemaker
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Also Known As: "Cardiac Pacing, Permanent Pacemaker, Electronic Pacemaker, Temporary Pacemaker, Internal Pacemaker, Artificial Pacemaker, External Pacemaker, Epicardial Implantation"
Implanted in the chest, an artificial pacemaker is a battery-powered device that monitors and, if necessary, corrects an abnormal heart rhythm by sending electrical charges to the heart.
More Information on Pacemaker: Arrhythmia
- + Pacemaker Check
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- Pacemaker Check
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Regular appointments to monitor patients with pacemakers. They may include medical tests, as well as a check of the pacemaker's programming and battery. Checks can sometimes be done over the telephone with transtelephonic monitoring.
More Information on Pacemaker Check: Arrhythmia
- + Pacemaker Generator
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- Pacemaker Generator
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"Pacemaker Generator" is more commonly referred to as "Generator" in the medical community.
Generator
Also Known As: "ICD Generator, Pulse Generator"
The part of a pacemaker or ICD that creates electrical impulses and sends them through wires (leads) to the electrodes on the heart. The resulting electrical shock to the heart can cause the heart to beat, or can correct an abnormal heart rhythm.
More Information on Generator: Arrhythmia
- + Pacemaker Insertion
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- Pacemaker Insertion
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A minor surgery used to implant a permanent pacemaker into the chest of a patient. A small incision is made in the chest. Wires (or 'leads') are passed through a vein into the heart, and the generator is inserted into the tissue under the collarbone.
More Information on Pacemaker Insertion: Arrhythmia
- + Pacemaker Syndrome
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- Pacemaker Syndrome
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When a pacemaker is no longer synchronized with the heart's own rhythm and attempts to pump blood through a closed valve. This causes dizziness and fatigue. Pacemaker syndrome develops in about 25 percent of single-chamber pacemaker patients.
More Information on Pacemaker Syndrome: Arrhythmia
- + Pacerone
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- Pacerone
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"Pacerone" is more commonly referred to as "Cordarone" in the medical community.
Cordarone
A brand of antiarrhythmics, medications used to treat all types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) except an abnormally slow heartbeat. Some act directly on the heart to slow it down, and others act to restore a normal beating pattern.
More Information on Cordarone: Heart Drug & Medication
- + Pacifiers
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- Pacifiers
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Devices designed for infants to suck on. They have a calming effect on many infants, but excessive or too-early use may cause problems, such as difficulty breastfeeding.
More Information on Pacifiers: Newborn Care
- + Paclitaxel
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- Paclitaxel
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Also Known As: "Docetaxel, 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
- + PACT
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- PACT
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Also Known As: "Program for Assertive Community Treatment"
A team effort to keep patients with schizophrenia out of the hospital and living on their own. Professionals are available 24 hours a day to meet clients' needs where they live.
More Information on PACT: Schizophrenia & Psychosis
- + PAD
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- PAD
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"PAD" is more commonly referred to as "Peripheral Arterial Disease" in the medical community.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Also Known As: "Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease, PAOD, Peripheral Artery Disease, Obliterans"
Hardening or narrowing of the blood vessels in the arms, legs, abdomen, kidneys or carotid arteries (supplying blood to the brain). Like coronary artery disease (which affects the arteries of the heart), PAD can lead to a restriction of blood flow.
More Information on Peripheral Arterial Disease: Vascular Disease
- + PAD of the Lower Extremities
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- PAD of the Lower Extremities
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"PAD of the Lower Extremities" is more commonly referred to as "Lower Extremity PAD" in the medical community.
Lower Extremity PAD
Also Known As: "Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease"
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that occurs in the blood vessels of the legs. It is a major cause of diminished ability to walk and advanced cases can lead to leg amputation. The primary symptom is a type of leg pain (claudication).
More Information on Lower Extremity PAD: Vascular Disease
- + PAD of the Mesenteric Arteries
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- PAD of the Mesenteric Arteries
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"PAD of the Mesenteric Arteries" is more commonly referred to as "Mesenteric Arterial Disease" in the medical community.
Mesenteric Arterial Disease
Also Known As: "Intestinal Arterial Disease, Mesenteric Vascular Disease"
Diseases that affect the blood vessels supplying the intestines and other abdominal organs (e.g., the belly). It is the form of peripheral arterial disease least likely to result in a condition requiring treatment.
More Information on Mesenteric Arterial Disease: Vascular Disease
- + PAD of the Renal Arteries
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- PAD of the Renal Arteries
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"PAD of the Renal Arteries" is more commonly referred to as "Renal Artery Stenosis" in the medical community.
Renal Artery Stenosis
Also Known As: "Renal Artery Disease"
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that occurs in the blood vessels leading to the kidneys. Untreated, can lead to a type of high blood pressure (renovascular hypertension), poor functioning of the kidneys (renal insufficiency) and/or kidney failure.
More Information on Renal Artery Stenosis: Vascular Disease
- + PAGER
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- PAGER
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"PAGER" is more commonly referred to as "Pediatric Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association" in the medical community.
Pediatric Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association
A non-profit organization that promotes research and education concerning gastroesophageal reflux in children and adolescents.
- + Paget's Disease
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- Paget's Disease
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Also Known As: "Mammary Paget's Disease, Paget's Disease of the Breast, Paget's Disease of the Nipple"
A rare form of breast cancer marked by problems with the nipple and areola that include crusty, scaly or red skin and bloody discharge. It is linked to ductal carcinoma in situ (without a breast lump) or invasive ductal carcinoma (with a lump).
More Information on Paget's Disease: Breast Cancer
- + Paget's Disease of the Breast
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- Paget's Disease of the Breast
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Also Known As: "Mammary Paget's Disease, Paget's Disease of the Nipple"
A rare form of breast cancer marked by problems with the nipple and areola that include crusty, scaly or red skin and bloody discharge. It is linked to ductal carcinoma in situ (without a breast lump) or invasive ductal carcinoma (with a lump).
More Information on Paget's Disease of the Breast: Breast Cancer
- + Paget's Disease of the Nipple
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- Paget's Disease of the Nipple
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Also Known As: "Mammary Paget's Disease, Paget's Disease of the Breast"
A rare form of breast cancer marked by problems with the nipple and areola that include crusty, scaly or red skin and bloody discharge. It is linked to ductal carcinoma in situ (without a breast lump) or invasive ductal carcinoma (with a lump).
More Information on Paget's Disease of the Nipple: Breast Cancer
- + PAH
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- PAH
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"PAH" is more commonly referred to as "Pulmonary Hypertension" in the medical community.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Also Known As: "Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension, Ayerza Syndrome, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension"
High blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. Primary PH has no known cause. Secondary PH is caused by an underlying heart condition, lung disease or pulmonary embolism. PH can result in right-side heart failure (cor pulmonale) over time.
More Information on Pulmonary Hypertension: Breathing & Lung
- + Pain & Fever Medications in Children
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- Pain & Fever Medications in Children
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There are many over-the-counter pain and fever medications specifically designed for children. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be among the safest. Many adult medications are not effective and could be dangerous in children, even at reduced dosages.
More Information on Pain & Fever Medications in Children: Medication & Children
- + Pain Assessment
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- Pain Assessment
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The process of determining the nature and severity of a patient's pain. There are a number of tools that can be used to make an objective classification of pain.
More Information on Pain Assessment: Pain Basics
- + Pain Avoiding Gait
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- Pain Avoiding Gait
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"Pain Avoiding Gait" is more commonly referred to as "Antalgic Gait" in the medical community.
Antalgic Gait
A posture, walk or limp, adopted to avoid or reduce pain within a weight-bearing structure (e.g., knee, hip).
More Information on Antalgic Gait: Arm & Leg Pain
- + Pain Basics
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- Pain Basics
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Also Known As: "Physical Pain"
A sensation of discomfort caused by the stimulation of nerve endings that can occur anywhere in the body. It may be localized in one area or generalized (throughout the body) as well as short term (acute) or long term (chronic).
More Information on Pain Basics: Pain Basics
- + Pain Behaviors
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- Pain Behaviors
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Responses to pain that include talking about pain, grimacing, or sighing, rubbing or protecting an affected part of the body, or avoiding routine activities because of pain.
More Information on Pain Behaviors: Pain Basics
- + Pain Disorder
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- Pain Disorder
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A somatoform disorder marked by severe chronic pain at one or more points. Patients feel distress or impairment great enough to impair their ability to function. Psychological factors appear to be behind its onset and severity.
More Information on Pain Disorder: Factitious & Related Disorders
- + Pain Inventory
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- Pain Inventory
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"Pain Inventory" is more commonly referred to as "Brief Pain Inventory" in the medical community.
Brief Pain Inventory
Also Known As: "BPI"
A brief questionnaire taken by patients that helps physicians to assess their level of pain and to make changes to treatments plans to improve their quality of life.
More Information on Brief Pain Inventory: Cancer Basics
- + Pain Management
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- Pain Management
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Approach to managing pain that may include medications, exercise, application of heat or cold to the body, dieting, nutritional counseling, surgery or other invasive procedures.
More Information on Pain Management: Pain Management
- + Pain Management in Children
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- Pain Management in Children
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Also Known As: "Pediatric Pain Management"
Approach to managing pain using techniques appropriate for children that may include medications, exercise, application of heat or cold to the body, surgery or other invasive procedures.
More Information on Pain Management in Children: Pain Management
- + Pain Management in Older Adults
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- Pain Management in Older Adults
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Approach to managing pain using techniques appropriate for the elderly that may include medications, exercise, application of heat or cold to the body, dieting, surgery or other invasive procedures.
More Information on Pain Management in Older Adults: Pain Management
- + Pain Management in the Elderly
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- Pain Management in the Elderly
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Also Known As: "Pain Management in Older Adults"
Approach to managing pain using techniques appropriate for the elderly that may include medications, exercise, application of heat or cold to the body, dieting, surgery or other invasive procedures.
More Information on Pain Management in the Elderly: Pain Management
- + Pain Medications & Cancer
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- Pain Medications & Cancer
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Medications that reduce pain and most also reduce inflammation. There are many types and may be available over-the-counter or by prescription. They do not eliminate pain, but mask it by increasing the body's pain threshold.
More Information on Pain Medications & Cancer: Cancer Drug & Medication
- + Pain Related Blood Tests
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- Pain Related Blood Tests
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A test that determines the amount of any given substance in the blood and identifies abnormally high or low levels that may affect normal body functions. Blood is usually collected from a vein (venipuncture).
More Information on Pain Related Blood Tests: Pain Lab Tests
- + Pain Relievers
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- Pain Relievers
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"Pain Relievers" is more commonly referred to as "Analgesics" in the medical community.
Analgesics
Medications that reduce pain. Most also reduce inflammation. There are many types that may be available over-the-counter or by prescription. They do not eliminate pain, but mask it by increasing the body's pain threshold.
More Information on Analgesics: Pain Medications
- + Pain Threshold
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- Pain Threshold
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The lowest intensity of stimulation at which pain is experienced.
More Information on Pain Threshold: Pain Basics
- + Pain Tolerance Level
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- Pain Tolerance Level
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The greatest level of pain that a person can endure.
More Information on Pain Tolerance Level: Pain Basics
- + Painful Bladder Syndrome
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- Painful Bladder Syndrome
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"Painful Bladder Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Interstitial Cystitis" in the medical community.
Interstitial Cystitis
Also Known As: "Frequency Urgency Dysuria Syndrome, IC"
A chronic inflammation of the bladder that can cause pain and the need to urinate frequently. It is not associated with bacterial infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics. It can occur in men, but is far more common in women.
More Information on Interstitial Cystitis: Urinary & Bladder
- + Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
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- Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
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A form of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) primarily affecting the peripheral nervous system. Causes pain and sensitivity to touch.
More Information on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: Neuropathy
- + Painful Nodules of the Tongue
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- Painful Nodules of the Tongue
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Pain in any or a few of the small bumps on the tongue that contain the taste buds. This is most often caused by trauma, such as biting the tongue or burning it with hot foods or liquids.
More Information on Painful Nodules of the Tongue: Mouth & Tongue Disorders
- + Painful Papillae of the Tongue
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- Painful Papillae of the Tongue
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Also Known As: "Painful Nodules of the Tongue"
Pain in any or a few of the small bumps on the tongue that contain the taste buds. This is most often caused by trauma, such as biting the tongue or burning it with hot foods or liquids.
More Information on Painful Papillae of the Tongue: Mouth & Tongue Disorders
- + Palatable
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- Palatable
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A food that tastes pleasant to the mouth.
- + Palate
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- Palate
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The roof of the mouth, which separates the mouth from the nasal cavities. Includes both the hard palate in the front of the mouth and the soft palate in the back.
More Information on Palate: Oral Health Basics
- + Palatini Tori
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- Palatini Tori
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"Palatini Tori" is more commonly referred to as "Tori" in the medical community.
Tori
Also Known As: "Mandibulari Tori"
A harmless growth of bone, which may occur on the palate (tori palatini) or lower jaw (tori mandibulari). This does not typically cause problems with eating or speaking and cannot become cancerous.
More Information on Tori: Oral Health Basics
- + Palliative
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- Palliative
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Treatment that centers on relieving symptoms, but that is not expected to cure or treat the underlying disease. A common form is pain management.
More Information on Palliative: Pain Management
- + Palliative Care
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- Palliative Care
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Also Known As: "Palliative Treatment, Palliative Therapy"
Treatment that centers on relieving symptoms, but that is not expected to cure or treat the underlying disease. A common form is pain management.
More Information on Palliative Care: Healthcare Basics
- + Palliative Therapy
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- Palliative Therapy
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Also Known As: "Palliative Treatment"
Treatment that centers on relieving symptoms, but that is not expected to cure or treat the underlying disease. A common form is pain management.
More Information on Palliative Therapy: Healthcare Basics
- + Palliative Treatment
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- Palliative Treatment
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Also Known As: "Palliative Therapy"
Treatment that centers on relieving symptoms, but that is not expected to cure or treat the underlying disease. A common form is pain management.
More Information on Palliative Treatment: Healthcare Basics
- + Pallidotomy
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- Pallidotomy
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An operation in which surgeons destroy small areas of the brain (globus pallidus) in order to alleviate tremors associated with illness such as Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat muscular rigidity.
More Information on Pallidotomy: Movement Disorders
- + Pallister Hall Syndrome
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- Pallister Hall Syndrome
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Also Known As: "MISHAP Syndrome, Congenital Hypothalamic Hamartoblastoma, Hypothalamic Hamartoblastoma Syndrome, RALPH Syndrome, Hamartopolydactyly Syndrome, 4H Syndrome, Hall Syndrome II"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that may include one or more congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, and mitral or aortic valve defects.
More Information on Pallister Hall Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
- + Palmar Hyperhidrosis
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- Palmar Hyperhidrosis
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"Palmar Hyperhidrosis" is more commonly referred to as "Hyperhidrosis" in the medical community.
Hyperhidrosis
Also Known As: "Facial Hyperhidrosis, Excessive Perspiration, Center Hyperhidrosis, Excessive Sweating, Maxim Hyperhidrosis, Axillary Hyperhidrosis, Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis"
Excessive sweating that is either limited to a few problem areas (such as the armpits or palms) or that affects a person's entire body. It often worsens during stress. Treatments - including prescription antiperspirants - are available.
More Information on Hyperhidrosis: Perspiration & Chafing
- + Palmar Plantar Erythodysthesia
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- Palmar Plantar Erythodysthesia
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"Palmar Plantar Erythodysthesia" is more commonly referred to as "Hand Foot Syndrome" in the medical community.
Hand Foot Syndrome
A grouping of symptoms that occur in the hands and feet that may occur as a result of some cancer treatments. This includes pain, swelling, burning or tingling, numbness or redness.
More Information on Hand Foot Syndrome: Cancer Basics
- + Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis
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- Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis
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"Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis" is more commonly referred to as "Hyperhidrosis" in the medical community.
Hyperhidrosis
Also Known As: "Facial Hyperhidrosis, Excessive Perspiration, Center Hyperhidrosis, Excessive Sweating, Palmar Hyperhidrosis, Maxim Hyperhidrosis, Axillary Hyperhidrosis"
Excessive sweating that is either limited to a few problem areas (such as the armpits or palms) or that affects a person's entire body. It often worsens during stress. Treatments - including prescription antiperspirants - are available.
More Information on Hyperhidrosis: Perspiration & Chafing
- + Palmoplantar Pustulosis
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- Palmoplantar Pustulosis
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Also Known As: "Pustular Psoriasis of the Palms, Pustular Psoriasis of the Soles"
Condition in which tiny fluid-filled blisters appear in patches on the palms of hands and soles of feet. The blisters often fill with pus and turn brown, then scaly. It occurs mostly in smokers and may remain after quitting.
More Information on Palmoplantar Pustulosis: Psoriasis & Autoimmune Skin
- + Palpitations
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- Palpitations
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Also Known As: "Racing Heart, Heart Palpitation"
An awareness of a strong, fast, irregular or "galloping" heartbeat. Palpitations tend to be unpleasant and may even be quite violent. Fortunately, palpitations are usually brief.
More Information on Palpitations: Heart Signs & Symptoms
- + Palsy
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- Palsy
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A medical term that refers to paralysis. It is often accompanied by loss of feeling and uncontrolled body movements such as shaking.
More Information on Palsy: Neuro Signs & Symptoms
- + Paludism
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- Paludism
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"Paludism" is more commonly referred to as "Malaria" in the medical community.
Malaria
Also Known As: "Plasmodium Infection, Jungle Fever, Malaria Disease"
A potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite that is marked by high fevers, shaking, chills and flu-like illness. Four types of malaria parasites infect humans - Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae.
More Information on Malaria: Tropical Disease
- + Pancarditis
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- Pancarditis
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Also Known As: "Heart Inflammation, Cardiac Inflammation"
General inflammation of the heart including all three of its layers: The myocardium, pericardium and endocardium.
More Information on Pancarditis: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Pancoast Tumor
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- Pancoast Tumor
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Also Known As: "Pulmonary Sulcus Tumor, Superior Sulcus Tumors"
A type of non-small-cell lung cancer that begins in the area of the lungs called the superior sulcus.
More Information on Pancoast Tumor: Lung & Chest Cancer
- + Pancolitis
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- Pancolitis
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Also Known As: "Universal Colitis"
Ulcerative colitis involving the entire colon.
More Information on Pancolitis: Inflammatory Bowel (Colitis)
- + Pancoronaritis
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- Pancoronaritis
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A term describing an overall less stable heart due to multiple areas of plaque rupture. The concept is based on studies showing that most first-time heart attack patients have ruptured plaque both at the heart attack location and other, distant sites.
More Information on Pancoronaritis: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Pancreas Cancer
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- Pancreas Cancer
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Also Known As: "Exocrine Cancer"
Cancer that begins in the cells and tissues of the pancreas. It is the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths in the United States.
More Information on Pancreas Cancer: Gastrointestinal System Cancer
- + Pancreas Function
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- Pancreas Function
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An organ about the size of a hand located behind the lower stomach. It plays two vital roles -- making enzymes to help the body digest food (exocrine pancreas) and releasing insulin to help the body turn glucose into energy (endocrine pancreas).
More Information on Pancreas Function: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
- + Pancreas Function & Diabetes
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- Pancreas Function & Diabetes
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An organ about the size of a hand located behind the lower stomach. It plays two vital roles -- making enzymes to help the body digest food (exocrine pancreas) and releasing insulin to help the body turn glucose into energy (endocrine pancreas).
More Information on Pancreas Function & Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes Basics
- + Pancreas Removal
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- Pancreas Removal
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Also Known As: "Complete Pancreatectomy, Distal Pancreatectomy, Partial Pancreatectomy"
Surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas, including procedures to remove only the body and tail (e.g., distal pancreatectomy).
More Information on Pancreas Removal: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
- + Pancreas Transplant
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- Pancreas Transplant
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A procedure by which a pancreas that is not able to produce insulin is removed and replaced with a donor organ. It is reserved for people with type 1 diabetes who have severe complications. People can live normally after donating half their pancreas.
More Information on Pancreas Transplant: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
- + Pancreatectomy
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- Pancreatectomy
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Also Known As: "Complete Pancreatectomy, Distal Pancreatectomy, Pancreas Removal, Partial Pancreatectomy"
Surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas, including procedures to remove only the body and tail (e.g., distal pancreatectomy).
More Information on Pancreatectomy: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
- + Pancreatic Amylase
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- Pancreatic Amylase
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A starch-digesting enzyme secreted by the pancreas.
- + Pancreatic Cancer
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- Pancreatic Cancer
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Also Known As: "Pancreas Cancer, Exocrine Cancer"
Cancer that begins in the cells and tissues of the pancreas. It is the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths in the United States.
More Information on Pancreatic Cancer: Gastrointestinal System Cancer
- + Pancreatic Duct
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- Pancreatic Duct
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The duct that carries enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine, where they aid in digestion.
More Information on Pancreatic Duct: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
- + Pancreatitis
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- Pancreatitis
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Inflammation or irritation of the pancreas, often due to gallstones or alcohol abuse.
More Information on Pancreatitis: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
- + Pandemic
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- Pandemic
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An epidemic covering a wide geographic area that affects a large proportion of the population.
More Information on Pandemic: Infectious Disease Basics
- + Panendoscopy
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- Panendoscopy
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"Panendoscopy" is more commonly referred to as "Upper Endoscopy" in the medical community.
Upper Endoscopy
Also Known As: "Upper GI Endoscopy, Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy"
Examination of the upper gastrointestinal system (including the esophagus, stomach and duodenum) with an endoscope.
More Information on Upper Endoscopy: Digestive Imaging Tests
- + Panic Attacks
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- Panic Attacks
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Sudden episodes of intense fear that prompt a physical reaction in the body that may resemble a heart attack. Medications, therapy and relaxation techniques are all used to help control or prevent these episodes.
More Information on Panic Attacks: Anxiety Disorders
- + Panic Disorder
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- Panic Disorder
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Repeated, sudden attacks of intense fear that cause severe anxiety symptoms in the body. Attacks may last from minutes to hours. The cause is unknown, but appears to be partly hereditary. Men are affected more than women.
More Information on Panic Disorder: Anxiety Disorders
- + Panic Disorder & Children
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- Panic Disorder & Children
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Repeated, sudden attacks of intense fear that cause severe anxiety symptoms in the body. It is more likely to begin in adolescence than childhood. Children with panic disorder often are not diagnosed until they are older.
More Information on Panic Disorder & Children: Anxiety Disorders
- + Panoramic Radiograph
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- Panoramic Radiograph
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An x-ray that produces an image of all the teeth, the upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular (jaw) joints and the sinuses above the upper teeth on a single film.
More Information on Panoramic Radiograph: Oral Health Basics
- + Panoramic X ray
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- Panoramic X ray
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Also Known As: "Panoramic Radiograph"
An x-ray that produces an image of all the teeth, the upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular (jaw) joints and the sinuses above the upper teeth on a single film.
More Information on Panoramic X ray: Oral Health Basics
- + Panretinal Photocoagulation
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- Panretinal Photocoagulation
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"Panretinal Photocoagulation" is more commonly referred to as "Photocoagulation" in the medical community.
Photocoagulation
Also Known As: "Focal Photocoagulation, Scatter Photocoagulation"
A primary treatment for diabetic retinopathy. A strong beam of light (laser) seals off bleeding blood vessels in the eye and burns away extra blood vessels that should not have grown there.
More Information on Photocoagulation: Eye Conditions
- + Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration
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- Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration
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"Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration" is more commonly referred to as "Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation" in the medical community.
Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation
Also Known As: "Hallervorden Spatz Disease"
An inherited, neurological movement disorder marked by progressive degeneration of the nervous system. Periods of relative stability may alternate with periods of rapid deterioration.
More Information on Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation: Movement Disorders
- + Pantothenic Acid
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- Pantothenic Acid
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"Pantothenic Acid" is more commonly referred to as "Vitamin B5" in the medical community.
Vitamin B5
An oily acid (and B vitamin) that functions as a growth factor and is widely found in plant and animal tissues.
More Information on Vitamin B5: Vitamins
- + Panwarfin
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- Panwarfin
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"Panwarfin" is more commonly referred to as "Coumadin" in the medical community.
Coumadin
Also Known As: "Sofarin"
A brand of anticoagulants, medications that decrease the ability of the blood to clot. While clotting is a necessary and life-sustaining function, anticoagulants reduce the risk of a clot forming and blocking blood flow through a major blood vessel.
More Information on Coumadin: Heart Drug & Medication
- + PAOD
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- PAOD
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"PAOD" is more commonly referred to as "Peripheral Arterial Disease" in the medical community.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Also Known As: "Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, Obliterans, PAD"
Hardening or narrowing of the blood vessels in the arms, legs, abdomen, kidneys or carotid arteries (supplying blood to the brain). Like coronary artery disease (which affects the arteries of the heart), PAD can lead to a restriction of blood flow.
More Information on Peripheral Arterial Disease: Vascular Disease
- + PAP
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- PAP
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"PAP" is more commonly referred to as "Prostatic Acid Phosphatase" in the medical community.
Prostatic Acid Phosphatase
An enzyme produced in the prostate. Elevated levels in the blood may indicate prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate. However, PAP blood testing has largely been replaced by the PSA (protein specific antigen) test.
More Information on Prostatic Acid Phosphatase: Prostate & Testicular
- + Pap Smear
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- Pap Smear
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Also Known As: "Papanicol
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