Glossary of terms

anaphylaxis (also called anaphylactic shock)

a sudden, severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food allergies, insect stings, or medications. Symptoms may include hives, swelling (especially of the lips and face), difficulty breathing (either because of swelling in the throat or an asthmatic reaction), vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and a drop in blood pressure.

See also Allergy and immunologyCritical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Violent and unintentional injuries, food allergy and anaphylaxisBryan's bout with food allergies

asphyxiation

the medical term for suffocation.

avulsion fracture

a fracture where a tendon pulls off a piece of bone, usually as a result of a violent or forceful muscle contraction. In children and adolescents, an avulsion fracture typically occurs at a growth center (an area of the bone made up of cartilage which is also the site where tendons attach to bone).

See also Institute for Sports Medicine

cardiac arrest

the stopping of the heartbeat.

heat stroke

the most severe form of heat injury and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature.

shock

a dangerous reduction of blood flow throughout the body.

traumatic brain injury

leading causes are motor vehicle accidents, falls and child abuse. Affects 200-300 children/100,000 per year.

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Motion Analysis CenterPulmonary habilitation programHelicopter transport saves Jake from brain injuryOlivia bounces back after fall