Dictionary

contusion See bruise.

conventional medicine Medicine as practiced by holders of MD or DO degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. Also known as allopathy. See also allopathy.

copayment A payment made by an individual who has health insurance, usually at the time a service is received, to offset some of the cost of care. Copayments are a common feature of HMO (health maintenance organization) and PPO (preferred provider organization) health plans in the US. Copayment size may vary depending on the service;…

COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. See chronic obstructive lung disease.

coprolalia The involuntary uttering of obscene, derogatory, or embarrassing words or phrases. Coprolalia is a symptom of Tourette’s syndrome, a tic disorder. Like other tics, coprolalia tends to appear and disappear, and it responds to medication. See also tic; tic disorder; Tourette’s syndrome.

cord, vocal See vocal cord.

corn A small callused area of skin caused by local pressure that irritates tissue over a bony prominence. Although the surface area of a corn may be small, the area of hardening actually extends into the deeper layers of skin and flesh. The inside projection of the corn is what causes discomfort. Corns most commonly…

cornea The clear front window of the eye, which transmits and focuses light into the eye. The cornea is more than a protective film; it is a fairly complex structure that has five layers.

cornea, conical See keratoconus.

corneal abrasion A scratch or scrape on the cornea, the clear front window of the eye that transmits and focuses light into the eye. Corneal abrasion can also be caused by excessive dryness to the eye. The cornea can become infected and painful as a result of the abrasion. See also cornea.

congenital neutropenia, severe See severe congenital neutropenia.

congenital ptosis of the eyelids Drooping of the upper eyelids at birth. The lids may droop only slightly, or they may cover the pupils and restrict or even block vision. Moderate or severe ptosis calls for treatment to permit normal vision development. If congenital ptosis of the eyelids is not corrected, amblyopia (lazy eye) may…