term also refers to a bundle of nerve
fibres that have a common function.
tractionA procedure in which part of
the body is placed under tension to cor-
rect the alignment of 2 adjoining
structures or to hold them in position.
Traction is most commonly used to
treat a fracturein which muscles around
the bone ends are pulling the bones
out of alignment.
trainingA programme of exercises that
is undertaken to prepare for a particular
sport. Training may be concentrated on
improving skills or on improving physical
fitness. Fitness training should include
both aerobicand anaerobic exercises,
which together build up strength, flexi-
bility, and endurance. Interval training
is a type of fitness programme in which
a particular exercise is repeated several
times with a rest period between. Cir-
cuit training consists of performing a
set number of different exercises.
traitAny characteristic or condition that
is inherited (determined by 1 or more
genes). Blue or brown eye colour, dark
or light skin, body proportions, and nose
shape are examples of genetic traits.
The term trait is also sometimes used
to describe a mild form of a recessive
genetic disorder.
tramadolAn opioid drugused to relieve
severe pain following a heart attack, sur-
gery, or serious illness. It is less likely to
cause dependence with long-term use
than most opioids. Possible side effects
include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness,
confusion, and impaired consciousness.
tranceA sleeplike state in which con-
sciousness is reduced, voluntary actions
lessened or absent, and body functions
diminished. Trances are claimed to be
induced by hypnosisand have been
reported as part of a group experience.
Trances may be a feature of catalepsy,
automatism, and petit mal epilepsy.
tranexamic acidAn antifibrinolytic drug
that promotes blood clotting. It is used
to treat menorrhagia. Possible side effects
include diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.
tranquillizer drugsDrugs that have a
sedative effect. Tranquillizers are div-
ided into 2 types: major tranquillizers
(see antipsychotic drugs) and minor
tranquillizers (see antianxiety drugs).transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulationSee TENS.
transdermal patchA method of admin-
istering a drug through the skin. The drug
is released from the patch over a period
of time and is absorbed by the skin.transference The unconscious displace-
ment of emotions from people who
were important during one’s childhood,
such as parents, to other people during
adulthood. (See also psychoanalysis.)
transfusionSee blood transfusion.
transfusion, autologous See blood
transfusion, autologous.
transient ischaemic attack(TIA) A
brief interruption of the blood supply to
part of the brain, which causes tem-
porary impairment of vision, speech,
sensation, or movement. The episode
typically lasts for several minutes or, at
the most, for a few hours. TIAs are some-
times described as mini strokes, and
they can be the prelude to a stroke.
TIAs may be caused by a blood clot
(see embolism) temporarily blocking an
artery that supplies the brain, or by
narrowing of an artery as a result
of atherosclerosis.
After a TIA, tests such as CT scanning,
blood tests, ultrasound scanning, or
angiographymay be needed to deter-
mine a cause. In some cases, the heart
is studied as a possible source of blood
clots. Treatment is aimed at preventing
stroke, which occurs within 5 years in
up to one third of patients with TIA.
Treatments include endarterectomy, anti-
coagulant drugs, or aspirin.TRACTION TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACKT
TRANSDERMAL PATCHPatch
applied
to skin