Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

tennis elbowPain and tenderness on

the outside of the elbow and in the back

of the forearm. Commonly called epicon-

dylitis, it is caused by inflammation of

the tendonthat attaches the muscles

that straighten the fingers and wrist to the

humerus. Treatment consists of resting

the arm, applying ice-packs, and taking

analgesic drugs or nonsteroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). Ultrasound

treatment, injection of a corticosteroid

drug, or surgery are sometimes needed.

tenosynovitisInflammation of the lin-

ing of the sheath that surrounds a

tendon. The usual cause is excessive fric-

tion caused by repetitive movements;

bacterial infection is a rare cause. The

hands and wrists are most often affect-

ed. Symptoms include pain, tenderness,

and swelling over the tendon. Treatment

is with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory

drugs(NSAIDs) or a local injection of a

corticosteroid drug. However, if infection

is the cause,antibiotic drugs are pre-

scribed. Asplintto immobilize the joint,

or surgery, may also be needed.

tenovaginitisInflammation or thicken-

ing of the fibrous wall of the sheath that

surrounds a tendon.

TENSAbbreviation for transcutaneous

electrical nerve stimulation, a method

of pain relief. Minute electrical impulses,

which block pain messages to the brain,

are relayed from an impulse generator

to electrodes attached to the skin in the

area of the pain. TENS can help relieve

chronic pain not controlled by analgesic

drugsand may be used in childbirth.

tensionA feeling of mental and physical

strain associated with anxiety. Muscle

tension may cause headaches and stiff-

ness in muscles. Persistent tension is

related to generalized anxiety disorder.

(See also stress.)

teratogenA physical, chemical, or bio-

logical agent, such as radiation, the

drug thalidomide, and the rubellavirus,

that causes abnormalities in a develop-

ing embryoor fetus.

teratomaA primary tumourconsisting

of cells totally unlike those normally

found in that part of the body.

terbinafineAn antifungal drugused to

treat fungal nail or skin infections. Side

effects are rare with topical use but may

include local irritation. Taken as tablets,

the drug may cause nausea, abdominal

pain, and, occasionally a rash.

terbutalineA bronchodilator drug used

to treat asthmaand chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease, and also to prevent

premature labour. Possible adverse ef-

fects include nervousness, restlessness,

tremor, nausea, and palpitations.

terminal careSee dying, care of the.

termination of pregnancySee abor-

tion, induced.

testicleSee testis.

testicular feminization syndromeA

rare inherited condition in which a gen-

etic male with internal testeshas the

external appearance of a female. The syn-

drome is a form of intersexand is the

most common form of male pseudoher-

maphroditism. The cause is a defective

response of the body tissues to testos-

terone. The causative genes are carried

on the X chromosome, and so females

can be carriers. Affected individuals ap-

pear to be girls throughout childhood,

and most develop female secondary

sexual characteristics at puberty; but

amenorrhoea occurs, and a diagnosis is

usually made during investigations to

find its cause. Chromosome analysis

shows the presence of male chromo-

somes and blood tests show male levels

of testosterone. Treatment of testicular

feminization syndrome involves surgi-

cal removal of the testes, to prevent

TENNIS ELBOW TESTICULAR FEMINIZATION

T

TENS

Impulse

generator

Electrode