MEDICAL JARGON BUSTER

This is a low dose X-ray investigation of accurately measuring the mineral density (thickness) in the bone and the density of it, by assessing this the doctor can diagnose if you are suffering from Osteoporosis (this is where the slow process of calcium loss leads to the bones becoming thinner and more likely to break) or Osteopenia which is a milder thinning of the bone mass, and not as severe as osteoporosis. The amount of radiation received is the same as an average day’s background radiation.

It is a test which is recommended for ladies over 65 years of age or women who had an early menopause. Bone thinning does affect both men and women but is primarily a condition which affects women.

The scan is usually taken in the X-ray department using low doses of radiation it is usually performed on the spine and the hips. You may have been referred for a bone density scan for a variety of reasons, you may:

* Have a family history of osteoporosis
* Have had fractures from minor injuries
* Suffer from a thyroid condition
* Are taking medicines which are known to cause bone mass loss
* Suffer from type 1 diabetes
* Suffer from liver disease
* Suffer from kidney disease
* If you are post- menopausal and are:
o Tall over 5ft 7”
o Not taking oestrogen
o Or thin under 81/2 stone

Pain scales are a really useful tool for you to use they help you to assess your pain. They are also useful for the people who are treating you; to be able to treat it appropriately with the correct types of pain relief medicines. Pain intensity can vary between mild, moderate, or severe pain.

Pain score cards can be used as visual prompts like smilie faces which change depending on the level of pain- especially good for children.

* For adults a scale of 1-10.
1= no pain and 10 = the most excruciating pain

It is much easier to relieve pain if it is dealt with before it gets bad, ask for help as soon as you feel pain, the treatment for pain needs to be regular for it to be effective.

A CAT scan is a noninvasive or minimally invasive test that uses a rotating x-ray device to create computerized, detailed, cross-sectional images of body parts. It may be performed alone or with the use of a dye (contrast medium).

CAT scans, also called CT scans, are used to diagnose a number of injuries, conditions and diseases, including internal injuries, heart conditions, cancer and many causes of joint pain.

CAT scans are generally CAT scan is an imaging test used in pain diagnosis, to guide treatment and to monitor for relapse.performed by a radiology technician in a hospital or outpatient clinic. During the test, the patient lies down on a scanning table, which slides slowly into a short, open-ended tunnel. If a contrast medium is used, it can be administered by injection, by mouth or through an enema. The test is painless except for brief discomfort that may be felt if an injection is used.

The length of a CAT scan varies from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the type of equipment used and the condition and body part for which it is used. Patients usually have to remain still for most of the time during a CAT scan. Patients may usually return to normal activities after the test.