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This medical term glossary provides explanations in plain English of a number of technical terms you may encounter in the process of pursuing a clinical negligence claim.
Palmar- Of or relating to the palm.
Palmarflexion - Bending the wrist towards the arm.
Palsy - Paralysis.
Para- - Proximate to.
Paraesthesia - Pins and needles.
Paralysis - Active muscle contraction disabled.
Paraplegia - Both legs paralysed due to injury to the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord.
Paresis - Partial paralysis.
Parietal - The outer lining of the membranes of certain organs.
Parietal bone - Upper skull bone.
Parietal lobe - Central section of the brain.
Parkinson's disease - Degeneration of part of the brain, causing abnormal motor function.
Parosmia - Misperception of a smell.
Patch testing - Allergy testing performed by exposing the body to various substances.
Patella - Knee cap.
Pathogenic - Disease-causing.
Peri- - Around.
Periarthritis - Inflamed tissue around a joint.
Pericardium - The membrane around the heart.
Periosteum - The membrane around bones.
Periostitis - Inflammation of the periosteum.
Peritendinitis crepitans - A form of tenosynovitis close to the wrist.
Petit mal - Minor epileptic seizure.
Phalen's test - Test to identify carpal tunnel syndrome.
Phlebitis - Inflamed veins.
Phobia - Irrational fear of something.
Photosensitivity - Abnormally sensitive to light.
Physiotherapy - Rehabilitative therapy to restore normal pain-free movement. May include massage, manipulation, exercise, etc.
Pia mater - The inner layer of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord.
Plantar - Of or relating to the sole of the foot.
Plantar flexion - Flexing the foot or pointing the toes downward.
Plaques - Raised area of skin.
-plegia - Paralysis.
Pleural cavity - The space between the lungs and the chest wall.
Pleural plaque - Thickening of the lining of the lungs, often caused by asbestos exposure.
Pneumoconiosis - Lung disease caused by inhalation of dust.
Pneumonia - Lung infection.
Pneumothorax - Collapsed lung caused by air in the pleural cavity due to a breach in either the chest wall or lung.
Pollux - Thumb.
Poly- - Many.
Polyp - Abnormal growth.
Porencephaly - A cavity in the brain caused by brain damage.
Post-concussion syndrome - Headaches, impaired memory etc.
Post-traumatic epilepsy - Epilepsy following a head injury.
Postural hypotension - A sudden fall in blood pressure following standing up from a prone position.
Pott's fracture - A fracture and dislocation of the ankle.
Presbyacusis - Hearing loss with age.
Priapism - Persistent erection of the penis.
Prolapse - Displaced internal organ or structure.
Pronation - Rotating forearm so the palm faces down (opposite of supination).
Proprioception - Sensing the position of joints.
Prostatectomy - Surgical removal of the prostate gland.
Prosthesis - Artificial replacement body part.
Proximal - Nearer to the middle of the body.
Pseudo-arthrosis - Fracture that fails to fuse.
Psychosis - Severe mental disorder.
Psychosomatic - The brain’s effects on the function of the rest of the body.
Ptosis - Drooping eyelid.
Pulmonary - Of or relating to the lung.
Purgative - Laxative.
Pyarthrosis - A pus-filled joint.
Pyrexia - Fever.
If you would like assistance in relation to a possible clinical negligence claim speak to our experts for free initial guidance on your options on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form.
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