Medical Terminology

differential diagnosis

(D/DX), aka a rule out (R/O), an attempt to determine which one of several possible diseases is causing the signs and symptoms that are present

remission

the temporary, partial, or complete disappearance of the symptoms of a disease without having achieved a cure

eponym

a disease, structure, operation, or procedure names for the person who discovered or described it first. ex: Alzheimer's disease is named for German neurologist Alois Alzheimer

prognosis

a prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease

syndrome

a set of signs and symptoms that occur together as part of a specific disease process

Acronym

a word formed from the initial letter of the major parts of a compound term. ex: laser stands from light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

acute

condition has a rapid onset, a severe course, and a relatively short duration

disease

condition in which one or more body parts are not functioning normally. Some are named for their signs and symptoms. ex: chronic fatigue syndrome is a persistent, overwhelming fatigue of unknown origin

chronic

condition is of long duration. Although such disease can be controlled, they are rarely cured.

sign

is objective evidence of disease, such as a fever. Objective means the sign can be evaluated or measured by the patient or others.

symptoms

is subjective evidence of a disease, such as pain or a headache. Subjective means that it can be evaluated or measured only by the patient

diagnosis

the identification of a disease. To diagnose is the process of reaching a diagnosis