Dictionary

t.i.d. A prescription abbreviation meaning three times a day. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

tight foreskin See phimosis.

tilt-table test A test that involves placing a patient on a table with a foot-support, tilting the table upward, and measuring the blood pressure and pulse. Symptoms are recorded with the patient in diverse positions. The tilt-table test is designed to detect postural hypotension (orthostatic hypotension), a condition caused by changing body position from a…

tinea barbae A fungal infection (known as ringworm) of the bearded area of the face and neck, with swelling and marked crusting, often with itching. In the days when men went to the barber daily for a shave, tinea barbae was called barber’s itch. Treatment involves antifungal medications.

tinea capitis A fungal infection (known as ringworm) of the scalp. This disorder occurs most commonly in children, especially those in late childhood and adolescence. It appears as scalp scaling associated with bald spots. Treatment involves antifungal medications.

tinea corporis A fungal infection (known as ringworm) of the skin with characteristic spots that have an “active” outer border as they slowly grow and advance. Many antifungal creams can clear the condition in approximately two weeks.

tinea cruris See jock itch.

tinea incognito Tinea corporis that has been modified by the application of high-potency topical steroids in a way that renders it no longer typical in appearance and makes it difficult to diagnose.

tinea unguium See onychomycosis.

Tinel’s sign The sign that a nerve is irritated. Tinel’s sign is positive when lightly banging (percussing) over the nerve elicits a sensation of tingling, or “pins and needles,” in the distribution of the nerve. For example, in carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, the test for Tinel’s sign…

tinnitus Ringing in the ears. Tinnitus has many causes, including some medications (including aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs), diseases such as Ménière’s disease, aging, and ear trauma.

tissue A group or layer of cells that perform specific functions. For example, muscle tissue is a group of muscle cells.