Dictionary

dextro- Prefix from the Latin word dexter, meaning “on the right side.” For example, a molecule that shows dextrorotation is turning or twisting to the right. The opposite of levo-.

device, medical Broadly defined, any physical item used in medical treatment, from a heart pacemaker to a wheelchair. In insurance parlance, medical device is usually synonymous with assistive device, although it may include items more frequently thought of as medical supplies, such as dressings needed for wound care at home or syringes for self-administration of…

device, intrauterine See intrauterine device.

device, assistive Any device that is designed, made, and/or adapted to assist a person to perform a particular task that might otherwise be difficult. For example, canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs are all assistive devices. See also assistive technology; augmentative communication device; device, medical.

deviated septum See nasal septum, deviated.

developmental dyspraxia A pattern of delayed, uneven, or aberrant development of gross or fine motor skills during childhood development. Developmental dyspraxia may be seen alone or in combination with other developmental problems, particularly apraxia or dyspraxia of speech. Treatment is via early intervention, using physical therapy to improve gross motor skills and occupational therapy to…

developmental dysplasia of the hip See congenital hip dislocation.

developmental disorder, specific A disorder that affects only one area of development. For example, dysgraphia is a specific developmental disorder; it is a specific impairment of the ability to write legibly. See also developmental disorder; developmental disorder, pervasive; dysarthria; dyscalculia; dyslexia.

developmental disorder, pervasive A class of disorders in which the patient shows impairment in social interaction, imaginative activity, and verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and has a limited number of interests and activities that tend to be repetitive (stereotyped). Abbreviated PDD. All types of PDDs are disorders of the nervous system that are usually evident…

developmental disorder One of several disorders that interrupt normal development in childhood. A developmental disorder may affect a single area of development (specific developmental disorder) or several areas (pervasive developmental disorder). With early intervention, most specific developmental disorders can be accommodated and overcome. Early intervention is absolutely essential for pervasive developmental disorders, many of which…

developmental delay A condition in which a child is behind schedule in reaching milestones of early childhood development. This term is often used as a euphemism for mental retardation, which can be less a delay than a permanent limitation of a child’s ability to progress.

development, fetal See prenatal development.