Common Medical Abbreviations and What They Really Mean

In every day speech as well as in written language, abbreviations have become common place. This is also true of the medical profession and certain conditions and procedures are know most often, by their abbreviated form.

ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is a whole collection of different conditions related to poor concentration and attention. It includes lack of attention and disruptive behavior that may affect a child’s ability to learn. ADHD is a similar disorder.

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

A condition caused by the HIV virus. (Human immunodeficiency virus.)

AIDS Virus

BSE: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.

A disease that attacks the neurological system in cattle and can be contracted by humans who eat infected meat. (First discover in Britain in 1986.)

CAT Scan:

Computed axial tomography. The scan takes pictures of the inside of the body and puts them all together to form a 3D picture.

CPR:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This is part of first aid treatment.

DNA:

Deoxyribonucleic acid. Strings on DNA with the cells in the body form the blueprint for humans and animals.

DNA Strands

DVT:

Deep vein thrombosis. The formation of a blood clot within a vein.

ECG:

Electrocardiogram. A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

ECG Machine

HRT:

Hormone replacement therapy. Treatment sometimes given to women at the time of the menopause.

ICU:

Intensive care unit. Special unit in hospital where patients who need close attention are monitored. (Also called High Dependency Unit.)

IVF:

Invitro fertilization. Treatment to assist conception in those with difficulties.

MS:

Multiple sclerosis. Condition that affects different muscles within the body at different times.

REM:

Rapid eye movement. Eye movement during dreaming.

SARS:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome. Disease of the respiratory system linked to air travel.

Distribution of SARS

SIDS:

Sudden infant death syndrome. This condition is not yet fully understood but it results in the sudden death of young babies.

TB:

Tuberculosis. Highly infectious disease mostly affecting the lungs but which can also infect other parts of the body.