panic disorder An anxiety disorder that is characterized by sudden attacks of fear and panic. Panic attacks may occur without a known reason, but more frequently they are triggered by fear-producing events or thoughts, such as taking an elevator or driving. Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid heartbeat, strange chest sensations, shortness of breath, dizziness,…
panniculectomy A surgical procedure that removes excess, loose skin and fat from the lower abdomen, typically performed after massive weight loss. It may be performed in conjunction with other abdominal surgeries. A panniculectomy is one type of body-contouring surgery.
panniculitis The inflammation of fatty tissue beneath the skin. It is associated with a number of different medical conditions. Some cases are associated with an inflammation of the blood vessels and/or connective tissue.
pain, knee Pain in the knee. Causes of knee pain include injury, degeneration, arthritis, infection (infrequently), and, rarely, bone tumors.
pain, phantom limb Pain perceived to be located in the distribution of a previously removed extremity. See also phantom limb syndrome.
pain management The process of providing medical care that alleviates or reduces pain. Mild to moderate pain can usually be treated with analgesic medications, such as aspirin. For chronic or severe pain, opiates and other narcotics may be used, sometimes in concert with analgesics; with steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when the pain is related…
palate The roof of the mouth. The bony front portion is the hard palate, and the muscular back portion is the soft palate. See also cleft palate.
paleostriatum See globus pallidus.
palilalia A speech disorder that is characterized by the repetition of words or phrases. Palinphrasia is encountered in autistic spectrum disorders and Tourette’s syndrome. Also known as palinphrasia.
palindromic rheumatism A form of arthritis characterized by attacks of fleeting inflamation in and around the joints lasting hours to a few days. The fingers and knees are the most common targets. While the attacks may be painful, they typically leave no permanent joint damage. Approximately one third of affected patients develop classical rheumatoid arthritis.
palinphrasia See palilalia.
palladum See globus pallidus.