Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

person is usually monitored with regular
scans, and the clot may clear up on its
own.(See also extradural haemorrhage.)
sublimationIn psychoanalytic theory, the
unconscious process by which primitive,
unacceptable impulses are redirected in-
to socially acceptable forms of behaviour.
sublingualA term meaning under the
tongue. Drugs taken sublingually, either
as tablets or spray, are rapidly absorbed
into the bloodstream via the lining of
the mouth. For example, nitrate tablets
are given sublingually to provide rapid
relief of an angina attack.
subluxated toothA tooth displaced in
its socket as the result of an accident.
The upper front teeth are the most
vulnerable. A subluxated tooth can usu-
ally be manipulated back into position,
and is then immobilized (see splinting,

dental). If the tooth’s blood vessels are

torn, root-canal treatmentis required.

subluxationIncomplete dislocationof a

joint, in which the surfaces of the bones

remain in partial contact.

submucous resectionAn operation to

correct a deviated nasal septum.

subphrenic abscessAn abscessunder

the diaphragm.

substance abuseThe use of drugs or

other substances for a purpose other

than that which is normally recommen-

ded. Stimulant drugs, solvents, and

glue, are all commonly abused. Prob-

lems may arise due to adverse effects or

from the habit-forming potential of the

substance. (See also drug abuse.)

substrateA substance on which an

enzymeacts.

sucking chest woundAn open wound

in the chest wall through which air pas-

ses, causing the lung on that side to

collapse. Severe breathlessness and a

life-threatening lack of oxygen result.

sucralfateAn ulcer-healing drugused

to treat peptic ulcer. Possible side effects

are constipation and abdominal pain.

suctionThe removal of unwanted fluid or

semi-fluid material from the body with

a syringe and hollow needle or with an

intestinal tube and a mechanical pump.

suction lipectomyA cosmetic proced-

ure, also called liposuction, that is used

in body contour surgery.

sudden deathSee death, sudden.

sudden infant death syndromeThe

sudden, unexpected death of an infant

that cannot be explained.

Possible risk factors include: laying

the baby face-down to sleep; overheat-

ing; parental smoking after the birth;

prematurityand low birth weight; and

poor socioeconomic background.

Preventive measures include: ensuring

that the baby sleeps on its back at the

foot of the cot; regulating the baby’s

temperature (using the same amount of

clothing and blankets that an adult

would need); and stopping smoking.

Sudeck’s atrophySwelling and loss of

use of a hand or foot after a fractureor

other injury. Treatment includes eleva-

tion of the affected hand or foot, gentle

exercise, and heat treatment. Full recov-

ery is usual within about 4 months.

SUBLIMATION SUDECK’S ATROPHY

S

SUBDURAL HAEMORRHAGE

NORMAL

SUBDURAL HAEMORRHAGE

Skull Skull

Skull

Blood clot

compressing

brain and

arachnoid

Scalp

Dura

mater

Dura mater

Arachnoid

LOCATION

Brain