BMA Illustrated Medical Dictionary 2nd edition

T
TABES DORSALIS
T
tabes dorsalis A rare complication of
untreated syphilis that appears years after
infection. The condition causes abnormalities
of sensation, sharp pains,
incoordination, and incontinence.
tachycardia An adult heart rate of over
100 beats per minute. The average heart
rate is 72–78 beats per minute. Tachycardia
occurs in healthy people during
exercise. At rest, it may be due to fever,
anxiety, hyperthyroidism, coronary artery
disease, high caffeine intake, or treatment
involving anticholinergic or diuretic drugs.
There are various types of tachycardia,
which originate in different areas of the
heart; the types include atrial fibrillation,
sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia,
and ventricular tachycardia.
tachypnoea An abnormally fast rate of
breathing, which may be caused by exercise,
anxiety, or lung or cardiac disorders.
T’ai chi A Chinese exercise system based
on a series of over 100 postures between
which slow, continuous movements are
made. The aim is to exercise the muscles
and integrate mind and body.
talipes A birth defect (commonly called
club-foot) in which the foot is twisted
out of shape or position. The cause may
be pressure on the feet from the mother’s
uterus, or a genetic factor. The most
common form is an equinovarus deformity,
in which the heel turns inwards
and the rest of the foot bends down and
inwards. It is treated by repeated
manipulation of the foot and ankle,
starting soon after birth. A plaster cast,
splint, or strapping may be used to hold
the foot in position. If this is not successful,
surgery will be needed.
talus The square-shaped foot bone that
forms the ankle joint together with the
tibia and fibula.
tamoxifen An anticancer drug that is
used to treat certain forms of breast cancer,
and, sometimes, to treat some types
TARDIVE DYSKINESIA
of infertility. It may cause nausea, vomiting,
hot flushes, swollen ankles, and
irregular vaginal bleeding.
tampon A plug of absorbent material
inserted into a wound or body opening to
soak up blood or other secretions. The
term commonly refers to a vaginal tampon,
used to absorb menstrual blood.
tamponade Compression of the heart by
fluid within the pericardium, which may
cause breathlessness and collapse. Causes
include pericarditis, complications after
heart surgery, or a chest injury. A diagnosis
is made by echocardiography, and
the fluid is removed through a needle.
tamsulosin An alpha-blocker drug used
for the treatment of urinary symptoms
due to an enlarged prostate gland (see
prostate, enlarged). Side effects include
low blood pressure, drowsiness, dry
mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
tan See suntan.
tannin Also known as tannic acid, a
chemical that occurs in many plants, particularly
tea. It may cause constipation,
and large amounts cause liver damage.
tantrum An outburst of bad behaviour,
common in toddlers, usually indicating
frustration and anger.
tapeworm infestation Tapeworms (cestodes)
are ribbon-shaped worms that
infest the intestines of humans and animals.
They are usually acquired by
eating undercooked meat or fish. Tapeworms
from beef, pork, and fish usually
only cause mild abdominal discomfort
or diarrhoea. However, if eggs of pork
worms are ingested, the hatched larvae
burrow into tissues to form cysts. This
leads to cysticerosis, the symptoms of
which are muscle pain and convulsions.
Rarely, fish tapeworms cause anaemia.
Dwarf tapeworms, common in the tropics,
can cause diarrhoea and abdominal
discomfort. Tapeworms acquired from
dogs cause hydatid disease. A diagnosis
is made from the presence of worm segments
or eggs in the faeces. Treatment
is with anthelmintic drugs.
tardive dyskinesia Abnormal, uncontrolled
movements, mainly of the face,
tongue, mouth, and neck. Tardive dyskinesia
may be caused by prolonged use
of antipsychotic drugs, and is distinct
from parkinsonism.
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