Glossary terms - D

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A harmful clot of blood in a deep vein within the leg, for which there are many risk factors, including cancer, pregnancy, major operations, severe infection, inactivity and stroke. Anticoagulant injections and ongoing treatment may be prescribed, as well as wearing support stockings.

Delirium

A temporary state of confusion, often linked with other illness such as infection.

Dementia

A long-term (chronic) state of confusion, which can result from, for example, multiple strokes or Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetes

See: Insulin. A condition in which the body cannot use glucose (sugar), leading to an excessive and dangerous level of glucose in the blood. Can affect the eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves and feet, and is implicated in stroke risk, particularly when undiagnosed or poorly managed.

Diastolic pressure

Measurement of arterial pressure during relaxation of the ventricles of the heart, while the ventricles are filling with blood. In a blood pressure reading, the diastolic pressure is the second number recorded, and is typically lower than the first, which measures systolic pressure.

Dietician

A therapist who has specialist knowledge of nutrition.

Diplopia

Double vision.

Dipyridamole

Drug treatment developed for treating angina. Used to thin the blood and stop clots from forming, also known as persantin.

Disability

A substantial and long-term physical or mental impairment that reduces functions such as mobility, dexterity, speech, hearing, seeing and memory, and adversely affects individual independence. The Disability Discrimination Act (2005) aims to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in the everyday life of the community on an equal basis with others.

Diuretics

Drugs given to make you pass more urine. They are sometimes used to control heart failure and high blood pressure.

Doppler scan

An ultrasound technique using soundwaves to obtain a graphic display of blood flow, direction and speed. Diagnostic tool often used to determine condition of the arteries in the neck.

Drop foot

A gait problem, which may result from neurological damage such as stroke, where the foot is difficult to lift and falls heavily to the ground.

Dysarthria

Slurred speech arising from muscle weakness, in which the pronunciation is unclear although the meaning of what is said is properly expressed.

Dysgraphia

Difficulty in writing.

Dyslexia

Difficulty in reading.

Dysphagia

Difficulty in swallowing.

Dysphasia

Difficulty in using language. It can either be a problem understanding language (receptive) or speaking it (expressive). People are often affected by both sorts.

Dysphonia

Difficulty in voice production, either speaking loud (or soft) enough, due to a disorder with the muscles in the throat, mouth or tongue.

Dyspraxia

Difficulty in controlling and co-ordinating movements or carrying out complex tasks when requested, caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for voluntary movement and not by paralysis of the muscles or lack of comprehension. Can affect sequencing (ability to do things in logical order, to achieve a goal) and even speech.