autism A spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication and by unusual and repetitive behavior. Some, but not all, people with autism are nonverbal. Autism is normally diagnosed before age 6, and it may be diagnosed in infancy in some cases. The cause of autism is currently unknown, although it…
auscultate To listen, for diagnostic purposes, to the sounds made by the internal organs of the body. For example, nurses and physicians auscultate the lungs and heart of a patient by using a stethoscope placed on the patient’s chest or back.
auricular fibrillation See fibrillation, atrial.
auricular Of or pertaining to the outer ear, or to something else that is ear-shaped, such as the atrium of the heart.
auricle 1 The principal projecting part of the ear, also known as pinna. 2 A structure that is earshaped, like the atrium of the heart, which is also referred to as the auricle of the heart.
aural vertigo, recurrent See Ménière’s disease.
aura A sensation perceived by a patient that precedes a condition affecting the brain. An aura often occurs before a migraine or seizure. It may consist of flashing lights, a gleam of light, blurred vision, an odor, the feeling of a breeze, numbness, weakness, or difficulty in speaking.
augmentative communication device A physical, mechanical, or electronic device that helps a person with a speech impairment to communicate. Augmentative communication devices range from books of pictures or words that the patient can show to express thoughts, to computers that are capable of synthesizing complex speech.
auditory tube See Eustachian tube.
auditory acuity The clarity or clearness of hearing, a measure of how well a person hears. Auditory acuity is measured in order to determine a person’s need for a hearing aid.
audiometry The measurement of hearing.
audiology The study of hearing.