Glossary

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Term Definition
Hashimoto’s disease

disorder affecting the thyroid gland (a small gland below the Adams’ apple). In this disease the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, often leading to an underactive thyroid: “hypothyroidism.” HD is also known as “chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.”

HBV vaccine

helps prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, an infection of the liver that can lead to liver cancer and death. The vaccine is given as a series of 3 or 4 shots. The HBV vaccine and Hib vaccine can also be given together in the same shot.

Head Ultrsound

A photograph (sonogram) of the head produced by sound waves.

Head X-ray

photograph of the skull produced through radiation

Heart murmur

abnormal sound during the heartbeat cycle, which may be harmless, or may require tests to be sure the murmur is not the result of an underlying condition

Heart valve problems

A condition in which one or more of your heart valves don't work properly. The heart has four valves: the tricuspid (tri-CUSS-pid), pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary), mitral (MI-trul), and aortic (ay-OR-tik) valves.

Hemispherectomy

A surgical procedure where one cerebral hemisphere ( half of the brain) is removed or disabled in order to treat extreme cases of brain seizures

Hib vaccine

Helps prevent Haemophilus influenza type b, a leading cause of serious illness in children. It can lead to meningitis, pneumonia and a severe throat infection that can cause choking. The Hib vaccine is given as a series of 3 or 4 shots.

High Arched Palate

roof of the mouth is peaked instead of rounded

High-resolution chromosome analysis

examination of a chromosome via a high-resolution microscope; this test can sometime detect PMS, but additional, more detailed tests are recommended for confirmation.

Hip dysplasia – congenital

abnormal formation of the hip joint in which the ball at the top of the thighbone (the femoral head) is not stable within the socket (the acetabulum). The ligaments of the hip joint may also be loose and stretched.

Hip dysplasia – developmental (DDH)

dislocation of the hip joint that is present at birth. The condition is found in babies or young children.

History of encephalitis

prior instance(s) of inflammation ( e.g. swelling) of the brain

History of meningitis

inflammation of the meninges, the membranes protecting the brain or spinal cord. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection, and the symptoms include headache, stiff neck, fever and nausea. In recent years, major efforts have been made to curb the spread and deadliness of meningitis. For example, in 1944, penicillin was demonstrated to be effective, and there have been several vaccines developed for combating this disease.

Hole in the heart

congenital heart defect where there is a small hole between heart chambers. Some close up on their own, while others require surgery to correct. There are several differnt types. One called patent ductus arteriousus is an opening between the pulmonary artery and the aorta that does not close after birth and results in the child's blood not circulating sufficient oxygen throughout the body.

Holistic therapy

alternative treatments to traditional medicine that look at the whole person in their approach to treating the disease or condition. Examples include acupressure, ayurveda, craniosacral therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, integrative medicine, myofascial release, naturopathy, and sound therapy.

Hydronephrosis (dilated renal pelvis)

dilation or swelling of the pelvis and calices of one or both kidneys because of the accumulation of urine resulting from obstruction to urine outflow.

Hydrops fetalis

condition in which abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more body areas of a fetus or newborn.

Hyper-extended knee joints

when the knee extends past a normal range of motion in the straight position. Essentially, the knee bends back on itself. Hyperextension can range from a mild injury, which is sore but heals in two to four weeks, to a severe injury requiring surgery and extensive knee pain medicines.

Hyper-sensitive

abnormally sensitive or allergic to a substance to which is atypical than most people

Hyperactive Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTR)

abnormally brisk muscle contraction that occurs in response to a sudden stretch induced by sharply tapping the muscle's tendon of insertion. This elicited sign may be graded as brisk or pathologically hyperactive.

Hyperextensible Joints

joints move beyond normal range with little effort

Hyperreflexia

overactive reflexes, excess reaction of muscles when stimulated

Hypersomnia

condition in which one sleeps for an excessively long time but is normal in the waking intervals.

Hyperthyroid

overproduction of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

Hyperthyroidism

excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland which results in a condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Hypertonia

increased tightness of muscles

Hypo-sensitive

abnormal sensitivity to a foreign agent, such as an allergen, in which the response is unusually delayed or lessened in degree.

Hypoglycemia unrelated to diabetes

often referred to as "low blood sugar," is most often associated with diabetes. However, though rare, those without diabetes can have hypoglycemia as well. Most hypoglycemia occurs when you haven't eaten (when you're in a fasting state), but that's not always the case. Sometimes, hypoglycemia occurs after meals because the body produces more insulin than is needed.Symptoms include: Fast Heart Beat,Shaking, Anxious, Sweating, Hunger (frequently) Dizziness Irritability, Headaches, Drowsy, or Tired

Hypoplastic Cerebellum

reduced number of cells in the cerebellum of the brain

Hyporeflexia

underactive reflexes, weak reaction of muscles when stimulated

Hypothyroid

insufficient production of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism

deficient activity of the thyroid gland which results in a bodily condition characterized by lowered metabolic rate and general loss of vigor, such as goiter, myxedema, and, in children, cretinism.

Hypotonia

“floppy baby”, low muscle tone