About Health

AUTISM

Psychosis in children, cause unknown, characterized by an indifference to people, surroundings, noise, pain. Autistic children withdraw into themselves and live in a closed world of their own making. While often not responding to care and affection, an autistic child will sometimes show repetitive, ritualistic play. Although not necessarily mentally deficient, an autistic child may appear to be so because of intense withdrawal. Although complete recovery is rare, many advances have recently been made in understanding and treating autism.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

A disease where the body cannot distinguish between foreign substances and those it produces itself, the result being that antibodies are produced that attack and destroy parts of the body.

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The part of the nervous system regulating the unconscious functions of the body such as breathing, the beating of the heart, and bodily reactions to emotional states such as blushing. It consists of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The two balance each other so that the body can cope with many different situations and stresses.

AUTOPSY

Also known as post mortem, this is the examination of a body by dissection to discover the cause of death.

AVERSION THERAPY

A form of behavior therapy in which an unpleasant sensation or association is linked, in the patient's mind, with behavior considered socially or medically unacceptable.

AZOOSPERMIA

Absence of sperm in the seminal fluid. It may be the result of undescended testes, the inadequate blood supply to the testes, obstruction of the seminal passages, infections of the testes, alcoholism, hormonal disorders, irradiation, and certain poisonings. Temporary azoospermia may follow high fever, with recovery after two to three months.