Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The temporary loss of consciousness (syncope) upon defecating (having a bowel movement). Syncope is the temporary loss of consciousness or, in plain English, fainting. The situations that trigger this reaction are diverse and include having blood drawn, straining while urinating (micturition syncope) or defecating, coughing or swallowing. The reaction also can be due to the emotional stress of fear or pain. Under these…

A blood clot within a deep vein, typically in the thigh or leg. The blood clot (thrombus) can break off as an embolus and make its way to the lung, where it can cause lung problems. Abbreviated DVT. Also known as economy-class syndrome.

In anatomy, away from the surface or further into the body. As opposed to superficial. The bones are deep to the skin. For a more complete listing of terms used in medicine for spatial orientation, please see the entry to “Anatomic Orientation Terms”.

A bed sore, a skin ulcer that comes from lying in one position too long so that the circulation in the skin is compromised by the pressure, particularly over a bony prominence such as the sacrum (sacral decubitus). The Latin “decubitus” (meaning lying down) is related to “cubitum” (the elbow) reflecting the fact the Romans habitually rested on their elbows when…

Lying down. A decubitus ulcer is a bed sore, the consequence of lying or sitting in one position too long. The Latin “decubitus” (meaning lying down) is related to “cubitum” (the elbow) reflecting the fact the Romans habitually rested on their elbows when they reclined.

A drug that shrinks the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier for a person to breathe. Decongestants can be taken orally or as nasal spray. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than 5 days without a physician’s recommendation. Many decongestant nasal sprays cause a worsening of symptoms (a rebound effect) when they are taken for…

1. In general, the removal of pressure.2. In surgery, a procedure to remove pressure on a structure, as in decompression of the spinal cord.3. The lessening of atmospheric pressure on deep-sea divers returning to the surface, or on persons ascending to great heights.

To remove part of the bulk, usually of a tumor as in surgery to remove as much tumor as possible to increase the likelihood of success with chemotherapy, for example, or dead tissue. Debulking may be done by surgery, irradiation, laser or chemotherapy.

The act of debriding (removing dead, contaminated or adherent tissue or foreign material). Debridement encompasses enzymatic debridement (as with proteolytic enzymes), mechanical nonselective debridement (as in a whirlpool), and sharp debridement (by surgery). See: Debride.

To remove dead, contaminated, or adherent tissue and/or foreign material. To debride a wound is to remove all materials that may promote infection and impede healing. This may be done by enzymes (as with proteolytic enzymes), mechanical methods (as in a whirlpool), or sharp debridement (using intruments).