Glossary A

Acetamenophin

The US name for Paracetamol

ACR

The American College of Rheumatology, who in 1990 issued the diagnostic criteria for Fibromyalgia Syndrome that is commonly used around the world.

Adrenal

Of or relating to the adrenal glands or their secretions.

Adrenalin

A name for Epinephrine.

Adrenergic

Activated by, transmitted by or capable of releasing adrenalin (epinephrine) or related substances (e.g. norepinephrine). Or having physiological effects similar to those of epinephrine.

Agonist

Drug that has an affinity for and stimulates physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring substances. Mimics a naturally occurring substance, fooling the body into thinking there is more of the naturally occurring substance.

AI

See Autoimmune (AI)

Allodynia

a condition in which pain arises from a stimulus that would not normally be experienced as painful.

Alpha (rhythm) waves

Brain waves having a uniform rhythm and average frequency of 10 per second, typical of a normal person awake in a quiet resting state.

ANA

See Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA).

Analgesia

A deadening or absence of the sense of pain without loss of consciousness.

Analgesic

A medication capable of reducing or eliminating pain.

Anaesthetic

A drug or medical intervention that causes a loss of sensation, specifically pain.

ANS

See Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

Antagonist

A substance that tends to nullify the action of another, as a drug that binds to a cell receptor without eliciting a biological response, blocking binding of substances that could elicit such responses. E.g. a dopamine antagonist blocks the action of dopamine.

Anterior

Of or relating to the front of the body, especially of the position of one structure relative to another.

Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA)

The Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) test is a blood test looking for signs of Autoimmunity.

Articular

Of or relating to a joint or joints.

Autoimmune (AI)

Of or relating to an immune response by the body against one of its own tissues, cells, or molecules.

Autoimmunity

A condition resulting from an Autoimmune reaction or disorder.

Autonomic

Functionally independent; not under voluntary control. Relating to the Autonomic Nervous System.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary action, as of the intestines, smooth muscle, heart, and glands, and that is divided into two physiologically and anatomically distinct, mutually antagonistic systems, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.