multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Glossary

Glossary - C

• carcinoma of lung - Lung cancer. Uncontrolled growth of abnormal (cancerous) cells in the lung
• cardiac arrest - temporary or permanent stopping of the normal heart beat causing loss of circulation and possible death
• cardiomegaly - enlargement of the heart
• cardiospasm - obstruction of the esophagus that develops due to failure of the esophagogastric sphincter to relax, causing the upper esophagus to fill with retained food.
• cellulitis - inflammation of connective tissue under the skin, usually caused by a bacterial infection and potentially life-threatening
• cerebral hemorrhage - bleeding into the brain from a ruptured blood vessel
• cerebral ischemia - decreased supply of blood to the brain or part of the brain caused by blockage or obstruction of the supplying blood vessels
• cervicitis - inflammation of the cervix of the uterus; usually as a result of infection
• cheilitis - inflammation of the lip or lips
• cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder
• cholelithiasis - formation or presence of gallstones in the gallbladder
• chronic brain syndrome - Dementia. Referring to a group of symptoms involving progressive impairment of brain function
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia - lymphocytic leukemia that is marked by an abnormal increase in the number of mature lymphocytes and especially B cells
• coma - state of profound unconsciousness in which an individual is incapable of sensing or responding to the external environment
• contact dermatitis - an acute or chronic skin reaction to a allergen
• Cushing’s Syndrome - a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Also called hypercortisolism
• cyanosis - bluish or purplish tinge to the skin and mucous membranes usually caused by a lack of oxygenated blood reaching the affected areas