Glossary R

Random

Having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective.

Randomised

Set up or distributed in a deliberately random way

Reactive

Characterised by reaction, the response to stimuli; readily responsive to a stimulus.

REM

Rapid eye movements.

REM sleep

The period of sleep during which the brain waves are fast and of low voltage, and autonomic activities, such as heart rate and respiration, are irregular. This type of sleep is associated with dreaming, mild involuntary muscle jerks, and rapid eye movements (REM).

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

A common cause of painful legs and involuntary leg movements, with the leg pain typically easing with motion of the legs and becoming more noticeable at rest. Sometimes treated with Dopamine agonists.

Reflex Sympathy Dystrophy (RSD)

See Chronic/Complex regional pain syndrome

RF

See Rheumatoid Factor (RF).

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody that is measurable in the blood, linked with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other conditions, including SLE. High levels of rheumatoid factor are associated with more severe rheumatoid disease. The RF test is a blood test primarily for checking for signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis and SLE.

Rheumatism

A nonspecific term indicating any painful disorder related to inflammation, degeneration, or metabolic derangement of the connective tissues.

Rheumatoid

Of or resembling rheumatism.

Rheumatology

The branch of medicine dealing with rheumatic disorders (disorders marked by inflammation, degeneration, or metabolic derangement of the connective tissue structures, especially the joints and related structures), their causes, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, etc.

RLS

See Restless legs syndrome (RLS).

RSD

See Chronic/Complex regional pain syndrome