Glossary

Hair Analysis:

Hair analysis is a useful tool to see how well you absorb essential minerals and what levels of toxic minerals have accumulated in your tissues. Hair is cut as close to your head as possible -- only the 1 to 2 inches which grew close to your head will be tested because it reflects your mineral status over the past few months. The lab burns your hair in an electrochromatography scan to measure the levels of minerals present. Low levels of six or more essential minerals indicate a problem with absorption of nutrients. This could be due to drug therapy, dysbiosis, low hydrochloric acid levels, poor flora. Hair analysis is also an accurate test to determine whether you have high levels of toxic minerals like aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and Mercury. It is also recognized tool for detecting lead poisoning in children.

Half Life:

The half life of a drug is the time it takes for the blood level to decrease by half after a drug is stopped.

Hallervorden-Spatz Disease:

A slowly progressive hereditary disorder characterized by abnormal accumulations of iron pigments in certain regions of the basal ganglia (e.g., globus pallidus and substantia nigra). This autosomal recessive disorder typically becomes apparent during late childhood or adolescence. Associated symptoms may include progressive stiffness and resistance to movement (rigidity); increasing difficulties speaking and eating; sustained muscle contractions that result in repetitive twisting motions or unusual postures or positions (dystonia); the presence of multiple, irregular, jerky motions that may combine to appear flowing or writhing in nature (choreoathetosis); and/or other abnormalities.

Hallucination:

An illusion or sensory perception that is not caused by an environmental or external stimulus and occurs while one is awake. Hallucinations are a possible side effect of high dosages of certain drugs used to treat neurologic movement disorders.

HDL:

See Lipoprotein.

Headache (Primary):

INcludes tension (muscular contraction), vascular (migraine), and cluster headaches not caused by other underlying medical conditions.

Headache (Secondary):

Includes headaches that result from other medical conditions. These may also be referred to as traction headaches or inflammatory headaches.

Heat pain:

Heat pain arises from warm or hot temperatures.

Heimlich Manoeuvre:

A form of first aid for people who are choking.

Helper T cells:

T cells that recognize foreign substances in the body and initiate a response against them.

Hemichorea:

Irregular, abrupt, relatively rapid involuntary (i.e., choreic) movements that are unilateral or involve muscle groups on one side of the body.

Hemidystonia:

Hemidystonia is a form of dystonia that affects one side of the body or is characterized by unilateral involvement of the upper and lower limbs.

Hemizygote:

Refers to a cell, organism, or individual with only one of a pair of genes for a specific trait. This term is often used to describe males who inherit one copy of an X-linked disease trait. It may also refer to the state in which genetic material is deleted from one member of a chromosomal pair.

Hemorrhagic stroke:

A stroke that results from the bursting of a blood vessel that bleeds into the brain.

Hereditary:

Inherited; inborn; referring to the genetic transmission of a trait, condition, or disorder from parent to offspring.

Hereditary ataxia:

The hereditary ataxias are a group of genetic disorders characterized by slowly progressive incoordination of gait and often associated with poor coordination of hands, speech, and eye movements. Frequently, atrophy of the cerebellum occurs. The hereditary ataxias are categorized by mode of inheritance and causative gene or chromosomal locus.

Heredodegenerative:

Pertaining to genetically transmitted (hereditary) neurologic disorders characterized by progressive neuronal loss and other neurodegenerative changes (e.g., associated gliosis). For example, the term "heredodegenerative dystonias" is used to refer to several, usually hereditary disorders in which neurodegenerative changes may lead to dystonia as a primary feature and other neurologic symptoms are typically present. However, in some patients with such disorders, dystonia may not always develop and other neurologic features may be primary findings. Disorders that have been categorized as heredodegenerative dystonias include ataxia-telangiectasia, Hallervorden-Spatz disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, neuroacanthocytosis, and Wilson's disease.

Hertz (Hz):

cycles per second.

Heterogeneity:

Comprising unrelated or differing parts or elements.

Heterozygous Carriers:

The term "heterozygosity" refers to the state of having different genes that occupy the same position (locus) on one or more paired chromosomes. "Heterozygous carriers" describes individuals who carry a single copy of a mutated gene for a disease trait, such as females who have a copy of a disease gene for an X-linked disorder. Because females have two X chromosomes yet only one functioning copy is necessary, a percentage of X chromosomes with the mutated gene may not be expressed, typically in a random pattern (known as "random X chromosome inactivation"). Therefore, females who are heterozygous for an X-linked disease trait often have no disease manifestations or less severe symptoms than affected males. However, because males have one X chromosome from the mother and one Y chromosome from the father, males who carry an X-linked disease trait will typically fully express the mutated gene. Rarely, females who are heterozygous for an X-linked disease trait may manifest symptoms with about the same severity as affected males.

HIPAA:

The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996, which includes privacy regulations that affect how medical information is handled and disclosed.

Hippocampus:

A complex, convoluted structure located in the brain involved in many functions including memory.

Hoehn and Yahr Scale:

The Hoehn and Yahr Scale is a commonly used physician-administered rating of the global severity of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Scores range from 0, no signs of disease, to 5, wheelchair bound or bedridden without assistance.

Homocysteine:

An intermediary compound in the metabolism of the amino acid methionine. High levels in the blood can cause atherosclerosis. Recently it has been suspected that high amounts of homocysteine can also be toxic to neurons. B vitarnins, particularly folic acid, B12, and B6, can lower homocysteine levels.

Homocystinuria:

A metabolic abnormality characterized by excessive amounts of the amino acid homocystine in the urine. Homocystinuria, which may be transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait, may result from deficient activity of certain enzymes involved in the metabolic conversion of the amino acid methionine to cysteine. Associated symptoms and findings often include developmental delay; dislocated lens of the eyes (ectopia lentis); thin, weak muscles; progressive mental retardation; psychiatric abnormalities; skeletal defects; blockage of a blood vessel by a piece of a blood clot (thrombus) carried in the bloodstream (thromboembolism); and/or other abnormalities.

Homeopathy:

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the Law of Similars, a belief in which substances that cause healthy people to exhibit symptoms can, conversely, be used to restore the body to health.

Homeostasis:

Homeostasis exists when an organism’s internal state of being is in balance even when the external environment is changing.

Homocystinuria:

A metabolic abnormality characterized by excessive amounts of the amino acid homocystine in the urine. Homocystinuria, which may be transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait, may result from deficient activity of certain enzymes involved in the metabolic conversion of the amino acid methionine to cysteine. Associated symptoms and findings often include developmental delay; dislocated lens of the eyes (ectopia lentis); thin, weak muscles; progressive mental retardation; psychiatric abnormalities; skeletal defects; blockage of a blood vessel by a piece of a blood clot (thrombus) carried in the bloodstream (thromboembolism); and/or other abnormalities.

Hormones:

Chemical messengers released inside the body that circulate through the bloodstream to produce physiological responses. Hormones are important for regulating a diverse range of body functions relating to sleep, energy production, sexual function, emotions, stress response, and many others.

Huntington disease:

Huntington disease (HD) causes a specific type of nerve cells in the brain to die off. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may include slight personality changes, forgetfulness, clumsiness, and "fidgeting" movements of the fingers, eyes, or toes. As HD becomes worse, it may cause memory, thinking, behavior, and planning problems, as well trouble talking, swallowing, and walking. HD is an autosomal-dominant inherited condition, meaning that if one of your parents has HD, you have a 50-50 chance of getting it. A blood test can tell you if have the HD gene and will develop the disease. Genetic counseling can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking the test. There is no cure for HD, but some medicines may help with the symptoms.

Huntington’s Disease-like 2 (HDL2):

This rare disease strongly resembles Huntington’s disease in its inheritance and symptoms, which include abnormal movements, personality changes, and changes in the ability to think and process information. HDL2 is due to damage to the same parts of the brain as in HD; however, it is caused by mutation of a different gene, and also has an increased number of repeats. To date, almost all affected families have been of African ancestry. The other “Huntington’s disease-like” disorders (types 1, 3, and 4) are even rarer and have only been reported in one family each.

Hydrogenation:

The process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated fatty acids in order to make them harder. Many processed foods are hydrogenated, making them potentially unhealthy.

Hyperglycemia:

An abnormally high level of the simple sugar glucose in the blood.

Hyperkalemic:

Pertaining to hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by unusually high concentrations of potassium in the blood. Potassium, a positively charged ion, helps to regulate water balance, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Hyperkalemia may lead to various signs and symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, weakness, and, with increasing severity, abnormal heart rhythms and muscle paralysis.

Hyperkinetic:

Characterized by excessive movement because of abnormally increased motor activity or function. Certain movement disorders are termed "hyperkinetic" such as tics or essential tremor.

Hypesthesia:

A neuropathic syndrome that produces numbness, or the absence of sensation. This condition can make hands and feet feel strange. It can also cause other body sensations.

Hypertension:

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is an abnormal increase in the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries. Hypertension may be essential, meaning that it has no known cause, or may be related to another disease such as kidney disease or diabetes.

Hyperthyroidism:

A condition caused by the effects of too much thyroid hormone on tissues of the body.

Hyperventilation:

Abnormally rapid breathing usually accompanied by air swallowing. Hyperventilation results in excessive intake of oxygen and increased elimination of carbon dioxide, which may eventually lead to a disturbance in the body's acid-base balance.

Hypnagogic Hallucinations:

Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid, realistic, often frightening dreams that occur while the person is falling asleep or immediately upon awakening.

Hypocretin:

Hypocretin (also known as orexin) 1 and 2 are neuropeptides. These protein-like molecules are found in the brain and act as hormones or neurotransmitters. They are involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.

Hypokalemic:

Referring to hypokalemia, which is characterized by abnormally low potassium levels in the blood. Potassium, the primary positively charged ion (cation) of muscle, plays an important role in regulating muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and other bodily functions. Hypokalemia may result in confusion, fatigue, weakness, and, in severe cases, paralysis and heart rhythm abnormalities.

Hypokinesia:

Abnormally diminished motor activity.

Hypokinetic:

Diminished movement and decreased motor function. Some movement disorders are hypokinetic, such as Parkinson's disease.

Hypothalamus:

A small area of the brain above and behind the roof of the mouth. The hypothalamus is prominently involved with the functions of the autonomic nervous system (the independent nervous system outside of voluntary control) and the hormonal system. It also plays a role in mood and motivation.

Hypoparathyroidism:

An endocrine condition characterized by insufficient secretion of parathyroid hormone due to injury, disease, or congenital abnormalities of the parathyroid glands. Parathyroid hormone plays an essential role in regulating calcium balance in the body. Hypoparathyroidism results in low calcium blood levels (hypocalcemia), leading to various symptoms and findings. For example, hypoparathyroidism may cause a condition known as tetany in which increased excitability of nerves and muscles results in uncontrollable, painful muscle spasms and cramping; abnormal involuntary movements resembling chorea; spasmodic closure of the larynx (laryngospasm); and other findings. Hypoparathyroidism may also lead to seizures; abnormal calcium deposits (calcifications) in the basal ganglia; loss of transparency of the lenses of the eyes (cataracts); dry, scaly skin; weakened tooth enamel; and/or other abnormalities.

Hyposmia:

Hyposmia refers to a decreased sense of smell.

hypoxia:

Abnormally low levels of oxygen.

beginning of glossary

Disclaimer The materials provided on these websites are for informational purposes only and are in no way meant to be considered as offering medical advice nor as a recommendation for any course of treatment. Any information found here should never be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. Check with a physician or other health care provided if you suspect you are ill, or believe you may have one of the problems discussed on our website, as many problems and disease states may be serious and even life-threatening. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our website. Even though we frequently update the content of our website medical information can change rapidly. Therefore, some information may be out of date or even possibly inaccurate and erroneous. If you find information on our websites that you believe is in error, please let us know. From time to time articles on the website may express the personal opinions of the writer which may or may not be supported by any references to other published material. The reader should take this into account when determining the usefulness of this information for their own unique situation. The user, in using this site to acquire information, agrees that the user accepts the sole responsibily for the results of using such information and that they will hold PSPInformation.com and/or any other sources for information presented on this website blameless for any adverse results caused by following or using any of the information found here. We make no representations or warranties whatsoever with respect to any information offered or provided on or through our website. Any decision the user makes about what information to use and how to use it is solely theirs and they assume all responsibility for any resultant harm or discomfort.

Home  Previous Page  Print



The address of this page is: