Glossary C

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) a "marker" for inflammation, meaning its presence indicates an increased state of inflammation in the body. The CRP test is a blood test checking for signs on inflammation.

Cardiac

Of, near, or relating to the heart.

CBC

See Complete Blood Count (CBC).

CBT

See Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Central nervous system

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord. The brain is the center of higher processes and is responsible for the coordination and control of bodily activities and the interpretation of information from the senses. The cranial nerves and spinal cord link the brain to the peripheral nervous system.

Central sensitization

Central sensitization describes changes that occur in the brain in response to repeated nerve stimulation. Following repeated stimulation, levels of neurotransmitters and brain electrical signals change as neurons develop a "memory' for responding to those signals. Frequent stimulation results in a stronger brain memory, so that the brain will respond more rapidly and effectively when experiencing the same stimulation in the future.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain involved in coordination of movement, walking, and balance.

Cerebral cortex

Brain region responsible for reasoning, mood, and perception.

Chemical

A substance with a distinct molecular composition that is produced by or used in a chemical process.

Chemokine

Chemokines are a group of small Cytokines, some of which are considered to promote inflammation.

Chronic

Of long duration and slow progression. Illnesses that are chronic may have continual or intermittent symptoms, but the patient usually has the condition for life.

Chronic/Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, is a chronic pain condition in which high levels of nerve impulses are sent to an affected site, possibly as a result of dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems.

Cingulate cortex

A component of the limbic system of the brain, responsible for producing emotional responses to physical sensations of pain.

Cognitive

Relating to the mental processes of knowing, perceiving, or being aware; an expression of intellectual capacity; the ability to think, learn and memorise.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A therapy that pays particular attention to a patient's behavior and thinking processes rather than underlying causes of an activity, and seeks to enable the patient to alter negative behaviours.

Colonoscopy

A medical procedure where a long, flexible, tubular instrument called the colonoscope is used to view the entire inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. Often a useful test when checking for gastrointestinal conditions such as various inflammatory bowel diseases.

Comorbid

Referring to a disease or disorder that occurs at the same time as another disorder but is not related to it.

Complete Blood Count

A blood test that involves the calculation of the cellular (formed elements) of blood, including the measure of the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood.

Concomitant

Accompanying; accessory; joined with another.

Connective tissues

The supporting or framework tissue of the body, arising chiefly from the embryonic mesoderm and including collagenous, elastic and reticular fibers, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone.

CRP

See C-Reactive Protein (CRP).

CRPS

See Chronic/Complex regional pain syndrome

Cytokine

Cytokines are extensively within the body for communication between cells, like Hormones and Neurotransmitters, but with a greater diversity than either hormones (which are usually transported in the blood) or neurotransmitters (which are related to the nervous system). Cytokines are involved in the development and functioning of the immune system, as well as with a variety of immunological, inflammatory and infectious diseases.