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Dictionary F - L

G

Giant cell arteritis: A serious disease characterized by inflammation of the walls of the arteries. (vasculitis). The age of affected patients is usually over 50 years of age. It can lead to blindness and/or stroke. It is detected by a biopsy of an artery. Giant cell arteritis is treated with high doses of cortisone. Also called temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis.

Gout: Click here.

H

Heberdens node: A small fixed bump on the finger, usually at the last joint of the finger. Named for the English physician William Heberden, it is a calcified spur of the joint cartilage and is associated with osteoarthritis.

Herbal remedy: A medication prepared from plants. Not limited to products sold over the counter as supplements, many over- the-counter and prescription drugs are based on ingredients originally derived from plants, including aspirin and digoxin. One should use these drugs as carefully as prescription medicines, taking care to avoid overdose, interactions with other medications, and misuse.

Herbalist: One versed in herbal lore and, in regard to therapy, an herb doctor. 

Hip Replacement: Click here.

I

Immunosuppression: Lowering the immune response, for example, with radiation or medications.

Immunosuppressive agent: A medication that slows or halts immune system activity. Immunosuppressive agents may be given to prevent the body from mounting an immune response after an organ transplant or for treating a disease that is caused by an over active immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Inflammation: Localized redness, warmth, swelling and pain as a result of infection, irritation or injury.

J

Joint: A joint is the area where two bones are attached for the purpose of motion of body parts. A joint is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. 

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Click here.

K

Knee replacement: Click here.

L

Ligament: A ligament is a tough band of connective tissue that connects various structures such as two bones. From the Latin "ligare" meaning "to bind or tie."

Living will: A living will is one form of advance medical directive. Advance medical directives pertain to treatment preferences and the designation of a surrogate decision-maker in the event that a person should become unable to make medical decisions on their own behalf. The most common statement in a living will is to the effect that: If I suffer an incurable, irreversible illness, disease, or condition and my attending physician determines that my condition is terminal, I direct that life-sustaining measures that would serve only to prolong my dying be withheld or discontinued.

Lumbar vertebrae: There are 5 lumbar vertebrae. The lumbar vertebrae are located between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae in the spinal column. The 5 lumbar vertebrae are represented by the symbols L1 through L5.

Lyme Disease: Lyme Disease.