Medical glossary

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)

A group of genetic connective tissue disorders. There are 13 major types. Symptoms of classic EDS include loose joints, highly elastic and fragile skin, bruising easily, skin folds on the eyes, muscle pain and fatigue, benign growths and heart valve problems.

Somatic symptom disorder

An extreme focus on physical symptoms such as pain or fatigue causing major emotional distress and problems functioning.

Differential diagnosis

In medicine, a differential diagnosis is the distinguishing of a particular disease or condition from others that present similar clinical features.

Haemoglobin

The protein found in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Anaemia

When there is not enough haemoglobin or functional red blood cells leading to a lack of oxygen flow to the body’s organs.

Tachycardia

A heart rate that exceeds the normal resting heart rate.

Sigmoid colon

The S-shaped last part of the large intestine, leading into the rectum.

Sectioned

When the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act is used to administer compulsory treatment to a patient, including keeping them in a hospital.