Dilatation and curettage, a procedure involving widening the cervix to insert a spoon-shaped instrument to scrape out the contents or lining of the uterus.
D&C
D-dimer test
A laboratory test that examines the blood-clotting mechanism of the body.
Da Costa’s syndrome
A set of symptoms similar to those of heart disease, including chest pain and shortness of breath, without underlying physical abnormalities. It is due to anxiety.
dacrocystitis
Infection of the tear duct.
Darier's disease
A rare genetic disorder predominantly characterised by skin changes.
de Quervain's tenosynovitis
An inflammatory condition of two specific tendons that pass around the wrist as theyleave the forearm to enter the base of the thumb.
declarative memory
The part of the memory that stores facts and remembers what happened when and where.
decongestant
A medication that helps to relieve congestion in the nose.
deep vein thrombosis
Obstruction of one of the deep veins, often in the calf, by a blood clot. Often abbreviated to DVT.
defecation
the removal of faeces from the body.
defibrillate
To restore normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest by giving a controlled electric shock.
defibrillation
Giving a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
defibrillator
A device used for defibrillation, which involves giving a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
defibrillators
Devices used for defibrillation, which involves giving a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
degeneration of fibroid
Degeneration, or cell death, of a fibroid occurs when there is an insufficent blood supply to the fibroid.
dehydration
Water deficiency in the body.
delirium
A pathological state of over-excitement and confusion.
delirium tremens
A type of psychosis due to acute withdrawal of previously heavy alcohol consumption and featuring confusion, hallucinations, disorientation and agitation.
dementia
Decline in mental capacity, brain functioning and memory that affects day-to-day living.
dementia with Lewy Bodies
Disruption of brain function caused by abnormal protein deposits in brain cells. Leads to trembling and muscle stiffness, as well as memory loss.
demyelination
The loss of the myelin sheath that insulates nerves.
depression
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in life, combined with a sense of reduced emotional well-being
dermatitis artefacta
Self-induced skin lesions.
dermatitis herpetiformis
A chronic skin disease in which clusters of tiny, red, very itchy blisters occur, most often on the back, elbows, knees buttocks and scalp. It is believed to be related to coeliac disease.