Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"V Parahaemolyticus" is more commonly referred to as "Vibrio Parahaemolyticus" in the medical community. Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
Also Known As: "Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Infection"
Bacteria that live in brackish saltwater and causes gastrointestinal illness in humans who eat raw or undercooked shellfish. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. More Information on Vibrio Parahaemolyticus: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
"V Vulnificus" is more commonly referred to as "Vibrio Vulnificus" in the medical community. Vibrio Vulnificus
Bacteria that normally lives in warm seawater and belong to the genus Vibrio (called "halophilic" because they require salt). It is transmitted by eating contaminated seafood or exposing an open wound to seawater. More Information on Vibrio Vulnificus: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Inoculation to protect against a particular disease. It is given in a vaccine that is injected into a person. More Information on Vaccination: Infectious Disease Basics
A weakened or killed pathogen (e.g., bacterium, virus) or a part of the pathogen's structure. It is injected into a healthy person to stimulate the body's defenses, reducing the risk of future infection. More Information on Vaccine: Infectious Disease Basics
"Vaccines & Allergies" is more commonly referred to as "Immunizations & Allergies" in the medical community. Immunizations & Allergies
Vaccines to prevent disease. While the majority of immunizations are safe for people with allergies and asthma, there are some exceptions. For example, egg allergic individuals may need to avoid vaccines with eggs. More Information on Immunizations & Allergies: Allergy Basics
"VAD" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricular Assist Device" in the medical community. Ventricular Assist Device
Also Known As: "Heart Assist Pump, Right Ventricular Assist Device, Heart Pump, Left Ventricular Assist Device, RVAD, LVAD"
A device that helps either of the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) to pump blood. Some patients require one device to help each ventricle. These devices have been approved by the FDA and are fairly commonly used. More Information on Ventricular Assist Device: Heart Failure
"Vagal Laryngeal Neuralgia" is more commonly referred to as "Laryngeal Neuralgia" in the medical community. Laryngeal Neuralgia
Also Known As: "Superior Laryngeal Neuralgia"
Fast and severe pain along the branches of the vagus nerve (in the head). It may be perceived as a lightning strike of pain to the face or jaw. It is a rare type of cranial neuralgia. Pain comes in short bursts and repeated attacks are common. More Information on Laryngeal Neuralgia: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
A nerve that starts in the brainstem and extends all the way down past the head, right down to the abdomen. It helps control the function of the esophagus, voice box (larynx), stomach, intestines, lungs and heart. More Information on Vagal Nerve: Brain & Nerve Basics
A treatment in which a surgically implanted battery sends bursts of electrical energy to the vagus nerve. It may help decrease seizure activity. More Information on Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Epilepsy & Seizure
The passageway between the lower portion of the uterus (cervix) and the outside genitals of the female body (vulva). More Information on Vagina: Vaginal & Cervical Health
The drying and thinning of the tissues of the vagina and urethra. Often a symptom of menopause, it can lead to vaginitis, dyspareunia, cystitis and urinary tract infections. More Information on Vaginal Atrophy: Vaginal & Cervical Health
"Vaginal Candida" is more commonly referred to as "Yeast Infection (Vaginal)" in the medical community. Yeast Infection (Vaginal)
Also Known As: "VVC, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis"
A form of vaginitis most often caused by Candida albicans fungus. Symptoms include itching and thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. More Information on Yeast Infection (Vaginal): Vaginal & Cervical Health
"Vaginal Culture" is more commonly referred to as "Endocervix Culture" in the medical community. Endocervix Culture
Also Known As: "Female Genital Tract Culture, Cervix Culture"
A culture (or sample) of tissue taken from the endocervix for laboratory analysis. The endocervix is the lining of the cervix, which connects the uterus and the vagina. More Information on Endocervix Culture: Vaginal & Cervical Health
Any abnormal discharge from the vagina not associated with bleeding. Physiological causes may include stress or sexual arousal. Pathological causes (e.g., infection) may be accompanied by itching or discomfort. More Information on Vaginal Discharge: ObGyn Signs & Symptoms
Insufficient lubrication of the vagina. It may be associated with itchiness, burning, irritation and pain. More Information on Vaginal Dryness: Vaginal & Cervical Health
"Vaginal Hysterectomy" is more commonly referred to as "Hysterectomy" in the medical community. Hysterectomy
Also Known As: "Abdominal Hysterectomy, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Open Hysterectomy"
Surgical removal of the uterus that may be performed through the abdomen, vagina or by laparoscopy. It is used in the treatment of cancers or uterine disorders. It may be performed alone of in combination with a oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). More Information on Hysterectomy: Uterine & Ovarian Health
Also Known As: "Pessary Cube, Pessary Dish, Incontinence Ring, Pessary Ring, Inflatable Pessary, Incontinence Dish, Pessary Donut"
A plastic or rubber device that is inserted into the vagina to help support the vaginal walls and pelvic organs. It may be used to treat prolapse of the uterus and vagina and sometimes for urinary stress incontinence. More Information on Vaginal Pessary: Vaginal & Cervical Health
A condition in which the top of the vagina loses its support and drops. This often occurs after a hysterectomy. More Information on Vaginal Prolapse: Vaginal & Cervical Health
A spasm of the muscles around the vagina that makes penetration during sexual intercourse difficult and painful. More Information on Vaginismus: Vaginal & Cervical Health
Any disorder that causes swelling or infection of the vagina and the vulva. Causes include infections (fungal [yeast], bacterial and sexually transmitted), allergic reactions and irritation caused by consumer products. More Information on Vaginitis: Vaginal & Cervical Health
A surgery that involves cutting the vagus nerve, which causes the stomach to produce less acid. It is commonly used to treat ulcers that do not respond to medication, diet changes or other types of treatment. More Information on Vagotomy: Digestive Treatments
A nerve that starts in the brainstem and extends all the way down past the head, right down to the abdomen. It helps control the function of the esophagus, voice box (larynx), stomach, intestines, lungs and heart. More Information on Vagus Nerve: Brain & Nerve Basics
A treatment in which a surgically implanted battery sends bursts of electrical energy to the vagus nerve. It may help decrease seizure activity. More Information on Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Epilepsy & Seizure
The affirmation of a patient's thoughts or beliefs even if they are not realistic in the attempt to maintain communication. Often used when correcting delusions or misstatements may do more harm than good.
Also Known As: "San Joaquin Valley Fever, Coccidioidomycosis, Coccidioides Immitis Infection"
Illness caused by breathing in a fungus in soil that becomes airborne. It occurs in the Southwest and southern California and typically causes fever, chest pain and coughing. The illness typically disappears on its own. More Information on Valley Fever: Infectious Disease Basics
"Valsartan" is more commonly referred to as "Diovan" in the medical community. Diovan
A brand of angiotensin II receptor blockers (generic name valsartan), medications similar to ACE inhibitors that widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure. More Information on Diovan: Heart Drug & Medication
A structure of the body that exists within hollow organs and blood vessels to temporarily close the area in order to prevent fluid from flowing in the wrong direction. More Information on Valve: Heart Valve
Also Known As: "Rheumatic Valve Disease, Heart Valve Disease"
Any fault or abnormality of one or more of the heart's valves: the pulmonic, mitral, aortic or tricuspid. Valvular heart disease is characterized by stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (blood flow in the wrong direction between heart chambers). More Information on Valve Disease: Heart Valve
A condition in which one or more of the heart's four valves open and/or close improperly, allowing blood to leak back into the chamber from which it came. More Information on Valve Incompetence: Heart Valve
A condition in which one or more of the heart's four valves open and/or close improperly, allowing blood to leak back into the chamber from which it came. More Information on Valve Insufficiency: Heart Valve
"Valvoplasty" is more commonly referred to as "Heart Valve Procedures" in the medical community. Heart Valve Procedures
Also Known As: "Annuloplasty, Balloon Valvuloplasty, Commissurotomy, Valvotomy, Percutaneous Balloon Valvuloplasty, Balloon Commissurotomy, Valvulotomy"
Various procedures to repair or replace heart valves that are damaged as the result of valvular heart disease. More Information on Heart Valve Procedures: Heart Valve
"Valvotomy" is more commonly referred to as "Heart Valve Procedures" in the medical community. Heart Valve Procedures
Also Known As: "Annuloplasty, Balloon Valvuloplasty, Commissurotomy, Percutaneous Balloon Valvuloplasty, Balloon Commissurotomy, Valvulotomy, Valvoplasty"
Various procedures to repair or replace heart valves that are damaged as the result of valvular heart disease. More Information on Heart Valve Procedures: Heart Valve
A birth defect of the heart in which one or more of the heart's valves is completely closed, causing an inadequate flow of blood between the heart's chambers. It can occur in any of the heart's four valves (aortic, pulmonic, mitral or tricuspid). More Information on Valvular Atresia: Heart Valve
"Valvular Endocarditis" is more commonly referred to as "Endocarditis" in the medical community. Endocarditis
Also Known As: "Rheumatic Endocarditis, Bacterial Endocarditis, Acute Endocarditis, Infective Endocarditis, Mural Endocarditis"
An inflammation (most often from an infection) in vulnerable areas of the endocardium -- the innermost layer of the heart's chambers and valves. It most commonly affects individuals with existing valvular heart diseases or defects. More Information on Endocarditis: Heart Injuries & Infections
Within the heart are four valves made up of either two or three flaps (cusps) that swing open and close tightly like gates. The valves open and shut with the beating of the heart and control blood flow through the heart's chambers. More Information on Valvular Function: Heart Valve
Also Known As: "Rheumatic Valve Disease, Heart Valve Disease, Valve Disease"
Any fault or abnormality of one or more of the heart's valves: the pulmonic, mitral, aortic or tricuspid. Valvular heart disease is characterized by stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (blood flow in the wrong direction between heart chambers). More Information on Valvular Heart Disease Basics: Heart Valve
Also Known As: "Valve Incompetence, Valve Insufficiency"
A condition in which one or more of the heart's four valves open and/or close improperly, allowing blood to leak back into the chamber from which it came. More Information on Valvular Regurgitation: Heart Valve
A narrowing, stiffening, thickening, fusion or blockage of one or more valves of the heart, including the mitral valve and aortic valve on the left side, and the pulmonic valve and tricuspid valve on the right side. More Information on Valvular Stenosis: Heart Valve
"Valvulotomy" is more commonly referred to as "Heart Valve Procedures" in the medical community. Heart Valve Procedures
Also Known As: "Annuloplasty, Balloon Valvuloplasty, Commissurotomy, Percutaneous Balloon Valvuloplasty, Balloon Commissurotomy, Valvoplasty, Valvotomy"
Various procedures to repair or replace heart valves that are damaged as the result of valvular heart disease. More Information on Heart Valve Procedures: Heart Valve
"Van Bogaert Bertrand Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Canavan Disease" in the medical community. Canavan Disease
A type of leukodystrophy, a genetic condition that results in damage to the myelin sheath that insulates nerves. This causes white matter to degenerate into spongy tissue containing tiny, fluid-filled spaces. More Information on Canavan Disease: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
Also Known As: "VRSA, Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, VISA"
Specific types of antimicrobial-resistant Staph bacteria that have developed resistance to the antimicrobial agent vancomycin. However, other drugs can be used to successfully treat these illnesses. More Information on Vancomycin Intermediate Staphylococcus Aureus: Infectious Disease Basics
Enterococci (bacteria normally present in human intestines and the female genital tract that may cause illness) that have become resistant to the drug vancomycin. Infection with this type of enterococci tends to occur in hospitals. More Information on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci: Infectious Disease Basics
Specific types of antimicrobial-resistant Staph bacteria that have developed resistance to the antimicrobial agent vancomycin. However, other drugs can be used to successfully treat these illnesses. More Information on Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: Infectious Disease Basics
Chest pain, pressure or discomfort caused by a spasm in a blood vessels of the heart (coronary artery spasm). It is "variant" because the most common angina cause is a lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Pain usually occurs at rest or at night. More Information on Variant Angina: Chest & Related Pain
Also Known As: "NVCJD, VCJD, New Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease"
A highly infectious degenerative brain disease that occurs in people who consume cattle infected with mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy). Non-variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease is not associated with mad cow disease. More Information on Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease: Encephalopathy
"Varicella" is more commonly referred to as "Shingles" in the medical community. Shingles
Also Known As: "Herpes Zoster Shingles, Shingles Virus"
A painful rash of patches of skin with small blisters. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, as they are caused by the same virus. This condition usually clears within a few weeks. More Information on Shingles: Skin Signs & Symptoms
Also Known As: "Leg Ulcer, Venous Stasis Ulcer, Venous Leg Ulcer"
Abnormally dilated veins that appear to be swollen, blue and frequently contorted. They are seen most commonly in the superficial veins just under the skin, especially those found at the back of the calf and thigh. More Information on Varicose Ulcer: Vascular Disease
Also Known As: "Leg Ulcer, Venous Stasis Ulcer, Varicose Ulcer, Venous Leg Ulcer"
Abnormally dilated veins that appear to be swollen, blue and frequently contorted. They are seen most commonly in the superficial veins just under the skin, especially those found at the back of the calf and thigh. More Information on Varicose Veins: Vascular Disease
"Variola" is more commonly referred to as "Smallpox" in the medical community. Smallpox
A viral disease characterized by a skin rash and a high death rate. Once a common and deadly problem, it has since been eradicated. However, experts fear that terrorists could use the virus as a biological weapon. More Information on Smallpox: Skin Related Infections
A common form of dementia associated with a series of small strokes resulting from narrowing and blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as delusions, delirium or depressed mood. More Information on Vascular Dementia: Alzheimer's & Dementia
Vascular disease and venous disorders affect blood flow to arteries and veins in the body. Heart health depends on good vascular health, as these disorders can potentially lead to heart disease, stroke or diabetes. More Information on Vascular Disease: Vascular Disease
"Vascular Erectile Tumor" is more commonly referred to as "Cavernous Malformation" in the medical community. Cavernous Malformation
Also Known As: "Nevus Cavernosus, Congenital Vascular Cavernous Malformations, Cavernomas, Familial Hemangioma, Cavernous Angioma"
A rare, often inherited, disorder in which a blood-filled mass (hemangioma) forms of the capilliaries and small veins of one area of the brain. This can lead to headaches and seizures. Treatment is not always needed, but may include surgery. More Information on Cavernous Malformation: Vascular Disease
"Vascular Hemostasis Device" is more commonly referred to as "Hemostatic Device" in the medical community. Hemostatic Device
Also Known As: "Collagen Plug, Femoral Access Closure Device, Puncture Closure Device, Vascular Sealing Device"
A device that may be used to more quickly stop the femoral artery from bleeding after a catheter-based test or procedure. More Information on Hemostatic Device: Catheter Tests & Procedures
"Vascular Sealing Device" is more commonly referred to as "Hemostatic Device" in the medical community. Hemostatic Device
Also Known As: "Collagen Plug, Femoral Access Closure Device, Puncture Closure Device, Vascular Hemostasis Device"
A device that may be used to more quickly stop the femoral artery from bleeding after a catheter-based test or procedure. More Information on Hemostatic Device: Catheter Tests & Procedures
"Vascular System" is more commonly referred to as "Circulatory System" in the medical community. Circulatory System
Also Known As: "Blood Circulatory System, Circulation"
The system that circulates blood throughout the body. Parts of this system include the heart and blood vessels such as the arteries, veins and capillaries. More Information on Circulatory System: Heart Basics
A category of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) that involves the blood vessels running between the neck and shoulder. Arterial VOS affects arteries while venous TOS affects veins. More Information on Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Chest & Related Pain
A category of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) that involves the blood vessels running between the neck and shoulder. Arterial VOS affects arteries while venous TOS affects veins. More Information on Vascular TOS: Chest & Related Pain
Inflammation of the blood vessels. There is a wide variety of diseases that involve vasculitis, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and polyarteritis nodosa. More Information on Vasculitis: Vascular Disease
A surgical procedure to close the tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles. This form of male sterilization is usually reversible and is commonly used to prevent pregnancy during intercourse. More Information on Vasectomy: Contraception
Any agent (natural or drug) that causes constriction of the blood vessels. This effect is usually brought about by drugs, but it may also be the result of nervous stimulation. More Information on Vasoconstrictor: Vascular Disease
Medications or other substances that relax and widen blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and the heart to pump more efficiently. More Information on Vasodilators: Heart Drug & Medication
"Vasomotor Rhinitis" is more commonly referred to as "Rhinitis" in the medical community. Rhinitis
Also Known As: "Infectious Rhinitis, Drug Induced Rhinitis, Structural Rhinitis, Rhinitis Medicamentosa, Irritant Rhinitis, Hormonal Rhinitis, Eosinophilic Rhinitis"
Inflammation of the mucous membrane, which lines the nose. It may be caused by infection, allergies or a combination of both. Symptoms may include sneezing, itching, nasal congestion or runny nose. More Information on Rhinitis: Nose & Throat
A brand of ACE inhibitors, medications that widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure by blocking the production of angiotensin II. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. More Information on Vasotec: Heart Drug & Medication
A syndrome to describe babies who have a group of birth defects which may include spine, vein, heart, esophagus and kidney abnormalities; anal atresia (absence or closure of a normal opening) and radial dysplasia (abnormalities of the arm bone). More Information on VATER: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"VCF" is more commonly referred to as "Shprintzen Syndrome" in the medical community. Shprintzen Syndrome
Also Known As: "Sedlackova Syndrome, VCFS, Velocardiofacial Sydrome, Velofacial Hypoplasia"
A type of multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that includes multiple birth defects of the heart. Ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus and other defects may be present. More Information on Shprintzen Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
"VCFS" is more commonly referred to as "Shprintzen Syndrome" in the medical community. Shprintzen Syndrome
Also Known As: "Sedlackova Syndrome, Velocardiofacial Sydrome, Velofacial Hypoplasia, VCF"
A type of multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that includes multiple birth defects of the heart. Ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus and other defects may be present. More Information on Shprintzen Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
"VCG" is more commonly referred to as "Vectorcardiogram" in the medical community. Vectorcardiogram
The results of an echocardiogram represented in the form of vectors (three dimensional signals translated into three, two-dimensional graphs). This can be done for a moment in time or for an entire cardiac cycle. More Information on Vectorcardiogram: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "NVCJD, New Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease"
A highly infectious degenerative brain disease that occurs in people who consume cattle infected with mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy). Non-variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease is not associated with mad cow disease. More Information on VCJD: Encephalopathy
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