Dictionary

leukemia: A form of cancer that affects bone marrow and the production of white blood cells. Exists in several forms but is always malignant.

 

libido: A psychoanalytical term coined by Sigmund Freud and used to denote the presence of sexual desire that often leads to the ability to follow through with appropriate actions.

 

lipids: Fatty substances present in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

 

lithium: A simple chemical prescribed to treat the mania associated with bipolar disorder.

 

low self-esteem: A low opinion of oneself and lack of confidence; this is a common cause of stress.

 

lymph fluid: Transparent, slightly yellow fluid that carries lymphocytes to and from the lymph nodes.

 

lymph node biopsy: A medical procedure in which a small piece of lymph tissue is removed and examined in a pathology lab for evidence of lymphoma. Sometimes an entire lymph node is surgically removed.

 

lymph node: Bean-sized organs comprised mainly of densely packed lymphocytes, lymph fluid and connective tissue.

 

lymph: An almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease.

 

lymphatic system: The tissues and organs of the human body that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. This system has channels that carry lymph.

 

lymphatic vessel: A thin tube that carries lymph fluid and white blood cells through the lymphatic system.

 

lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.

 

lymphocytic: Referring to lymphocytes.

 

lymphoma: A malignant tumor of the lymphatic system caused by abnormal growth of white blood cells; also the name for cancer of the lymphatic system.

 

magnesium: An ion that is essential to all living cells; a diet rich in magnesium has been shown to reduce and control stress.

 

mania: A mental state marked by feelings of elation, euphoria, talkativeness, lack of concentration and irritability. Bipolar patients experience episodes of mania.

 

manic depression: Also known as bipolar disorder, manic depression is a condition characterized by mood swings that alternate between depressive and manic episodes.

 

MCI (mild cognitive impairment): A brain disorder that causes a mild impairment of memory and thinking processes, but otherwise does not interfere with daily life.

 

meatus: The opening at the tip of the penis. Also refers to other natural entry or exit points in the body, including the ears and the nose.

 

menopause: The permanent cessation of a woman's menstrual periods, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.

 

menorrhagia: Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding.

 

menorrhea: Normal menstrual flow.

 

menses: Menstrual flow, sometimes called a period.

 

menstrual cramps: Cramps in the lower intestine during the early part of the menstrual cycle. Caused by the uterus contracting to expel unwanted tissue.

 

menstrual cycle: The cycle of hormonal and physical changes from one menstrual period to the next.

 

menstrual: Describing or relating to menstruation.

 

menstruation: The discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs approximately once a month in women who are capable of becoming pregnant. Menstruation occurs as the uterus returns to a normal state after ovulation.

 

migraine diet: Individualized diet that avoids food additives that can trigger migraine headaches, such as sulfites, nitrates, nitrites as a preservative, caffeine and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

 

migraine headache: A very intense and disabling vascular headache that results from a neurological disease of neuronal origin. The word "migraine" is from the Greek hemicrania, meaning pain that affects one side of the head.

 

migraine postdrome: Also called a migraine hangover, a post-headache phase in which sufferers may experience irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and mood swings.

 

migraine prodrome: Symptoms that precede the headache itself. Can include stiff neck, dizziness, appetite loss, diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination, fatigue, depression, irritability or feeling cold.

 

migraines: Severe headaches that can be triggered by stress.

 

mitral valve: The heart valve between the left ventricle and the left atrium.

 

mixed mood: A condition in which a patient simultaneously experiences symptoms of depressive and manic episodes. Some bipolar patients experience mixed mood episodes.

 

mold spores: Small mold seeds that can trigger a variety of allergies.

 

monoclonal antibody therapy: A type of therapy that targets and kills cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies produce less toxic effects on normal tissues than chemotherapy.

 

mood chart: A type of journal that both doctors and patients use to record daily moods, sleep patterns, exercise routines and medication regimens to see how and determine why mood fluctuates. Mood charts help identify which lifestyle practices contribute to or detract from stable moods.

 

mood stabilizer: A type of medication used to treat disorders characterized by mood swings. Most mood stabilizers are also antiepileptics (also known as anticonvulsants). Bipolar treatment generally includes mood stabilizers.

 

mood swing: A change in mental state.

 

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A medical scan that uses radio waves to construct computer images of the body or brain.

 

mucus: A liquid secreted by mucus membranes often secreted in the lungs of asthmatic people, causing breathing restrictions.

 

MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for Erections): Applying medication (a suppository) into the tip of the penis to achieve an erection. The medication also acts to enhance blood flow and retain it.

 

myelocytes: Immature white blood cells normally found in bone marrow.

 

myelogenous: Referring to myelocytes.

 

myocardial infarction: The medical term for a heart attack.

 

myocardial ischemia: Insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.

 

myocardial perfusion scan: A test that injects radioactive material into the blood so that blood flow in the heart muscle can be seen.

 

myocardial tissue: Heart muscle tissue.

 

neuritic plaques: An abnormal tangle of nerve cells with an amyloid core. A characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

 

neurodegenerative: Of or related to damage to the nervous system.

 

neurofinrillary tangles: Abnormal tangles of nerve cell filaments found in the brain's of Alzheimer's patients.

 

neuroleptic drugs: Also known as antipsychotic medication, neuroleptics are drugs that treat the psychosis associated with schizophrenia. However, because neuroleptics also are effective in stabilizing moods, they are prescribed to bipolar patients.

 

neuroleptics: Medications used to treat psychosis.

 

neurological: Of or pertaining to the nervous system.

 

neurology: The study of the brain and nervous system, and the treatment of nervous system diseases.

 

neurotransmitter: A nerve cell chemical needed to transmit information between nerve cells.

 

neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain that send and receive nerve impulses to manage behavior and emotions.

 

niacin (vitamin B3): A dietary supplement that makes blood rush to the skin's blood vessels, often helping to relieve migraine pain.

 

nitrates: These are medications commonly used to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of heart disease though blood vessel dilation and should never be taken with Cialis ®, Viagra ® or Levitra ® due to proven consequences such as a drop in blood pressure and even death.

 

nitroglycerin: A nitrate medication often used to treat angina.

 

nocturnal angina: Angina that occurs at night, usually when asleep. REM sleep may trigger nocturnal angina.

 

non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A cancer of lymphocytes. Less predictable than Hodgkin's lymphoma and more likely to spread to areas beyond the lymph nodes.

 

non-prescription analgesics: Over-the-counter drugs, including aspirin and acetaminophen, often used as a first option to treat migraine headaches.

 

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs help relieve migraine pain and inflammation. For milder headaches, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be purchased over the counter.

 

noradrenaline: A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla in response to stress.

 

norepinephrine: Also referred to as noradrenaline, norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter produced by the nervous system to regulate alertness, motivation and concentration. Norepinephrine also plays a role in the fight-or-flight response.

 

NTI tension suppression system: An FDA-approved treatment for migraine prevention, the nocioceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI) system is a small removable device that prevents jaw muscles from contracting during sleep.

 

ocular migraine: Headache in which spasms occur in the eyes' blood vessels instead of in the skull or brainstem. Usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes, during which the sufferer experiences lights in peripheral vision.

 

oligomenorrhea: Infrequent or limited menstrual flow.

 

oncologist: A physician who diagnoses and treats patients with cancer, including lymphoma.

 

ophthalmoplegic migraine: Similar to an ocular migraines but centered in the eye. The sufferer feels pain and often vomits.

 

oral contraceptive: An oral medication taken by women to prevent ovulation and subsequent pregnancy.

 

ovary: Female reproductive organ that produces ova, or eggs. Women usually have two ovaries, which are connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes.

 

ovulation: The moment when an egg is discharged from an ovary.

 

ovum: A female gamete, or egg, which is ready to be fertilized.