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Definition Vasculitis is a general term referring to a rare group of conditions marked by inflammation of blood vessels, causing them to be weakened, thickened, narrowed (stenosis), enlarged (aneurysm), blocked (occlusion), or scarred. There are many types of vasculitis based on the size of the vessel affected and may or …

Definition Vaginal dryness is a common problem experienced by up to one in three women, particularly those who are going through menopause or those who experience early menopause symptoms. The female sex hormone estrogen is responsible for maintaining your natural lubricant. When your estrogen levels decrease you are more likely …

Definition The term Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) refers to a group of serious illnesses caused by particular viruses. There are four VHFs that are of major concern from an Infection Control Perspective as they can be transmitted directly from humans to humans, and are a hazard for staff handling blood …

Definition Vulvodynia is the term used to describe the condition experienced by women who have the sensation of vulval burning and soreness in the absence of any obvious skin condition or infection. The sensation of burning and soreness of the vulva can be continuous (unprovoked vulvodynia), or on light touch, …

Definition Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can last just for a short period of time (minutes) or that can last for hours or even days. People who have vertigo have a false feeling of their surroundings moving or spinning. This is usually accompanied by a feeling of sickness …

Definition A varicocele is the swelling in the scrotum caused by a collection of abnormally large blood vessels (veins) in the scrotum. This is due to dilatation of the testicular vein which drains the scrotum and testicle and is a form of varicose vein. They are often described as feeling …

Definition Vitiligo is a skin disease in which white patches appear on different parts of the body. These white patches can develop anywhere, the pigment is found. It can turn hair white or some people can lose color inside the mouth or even effect eyes. When the pigment (color) producing …

Definition Velocardiofacial syndrome, or VCFS, is a complex syndrome that has been associated with more than 30 different characteristics, including defects of the palate, heart defects, learning disabilities and distinct facial features. The severity of VCFS and the characteristics that appear vary widely among individuals. It’s inherited in an autosomal …