Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

loiasisA form of the tropical parasitic

disease filariasis, which is caused by an

infestation by the worm LOA LOA. The

worms travel beneath the skin, produc-

ing itchy areas of inflammation known as

Calabar swellings, and can sometimes

be seen moving across the front of the

eye. Loiasis is treated with a course of

diethylcarbamazine.

loinThe part of the back on each side of

the spine between the lowest pair of ribs

and the top of the pelvis.

longsightednessSee hypermetropia.

loose bodiesFragments of bone, carti-

lage, or capsule linings within a joint.

Loose bodies may occur whenever there

is damage to a joint, as in injury, osteo-

arthritis, or osteochondritis dissecans. The

fragments can cause a joint to lock,

resulting in severe pain. Gentle manipu-

lation may be required to unlock the

joint. If locking occurs frequently, the

loose bodies may be removed during

arthroscopyor by surgery.

loperamideAn antidiarrhoeal drug.Lop-

eramide occasionally produces a rash.

Other rare adverse effects are fever,

abdominal cramps, and bloating.

loratadineAn antihistamine drug.

lorazepamA benzodiazepine drugused

in the treatment of insomniaand anxiety.

lordosisInward curvature of the spine.

This curvature is normally present to a

minor degree in the lower back, but lor-

dosis can become exaggerated by poor

posture or by kyphosishigher in the

back. Pronounced lordosis is usually

permanent and can lead to disc pro-

lapseor osteoarthritisof the spine.

losartanAn angiotensin II antagonist

drugused to treat hypertension(high

blood pressure). Side effects are usually

mild; they include dizziness and fatigue.

lotionA liquid drug preparation applied

to the skin. Some examples of drugs

prepared as a lotion include calamine

and betamethasone, which are used to

treat skin inflammation.

Lou Gehrig’s diseaseThe most com-

mon type of motor neuron disease; also

known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

low density lipoproteinOne of a group

of proteins that are combined with lipids

in the plasma. Low density lipoproteins

(LDLs) are involved in the transport of

cholesterolin the bloodstream. An excess

of LDLs (see hyperlipidaemias) is asso-

ciated with atherosclerosis. (See also

high density lipoprotein.)

LSDAbbreviation of lysergic acid diethy-

lamide: a synthetic hallucinogenic drug,

derived from ergot, that is used illegally

as a recreational drug. LSD sometimes

produces panic and physical side effects

such as nausea and dizziness.

Ludwig’s anginaA rare bacterial in-

fection of the floor of the mouth. The

condition spreads to the throat, causing

life-threatening swelling. It requires im-

mediate treatment with antibiotic drugs.

lumbagoA general term for low back

pain. Lumbago may be due to an inter-

vertebral disc prolapse. It may also arise

if synoviumis trapped between the sur-

faces of a small intervertebral joint, or if

there is momentary partial dislocation

of an intervertebral joint with straining of

ligaments. However, in many cases no

cause is found. Treatment is with anal-

gesic drugsand gentle physical activity.

(See also lumbosacral spasm.)

lumbarRelating to the part of the back

between the lowest ribs and the top of

the pelvis. The lumbar region of the spine

consists of the 5 lumbar vertebrae.

lumbar punctureA procedure in which

a hollow needle is inserted into the lower

part of the spinal canal to withdraw

cerebrospinal fluidor to inject drugs or

LOIASIS LUMBAR PUNCTURE

L

LUMBAR PUNCTURE

Needle

Vertebra

Cerebrospinal

fluid

Needle

Doctor

Spinal cord

SITE OF INSERTION