M

a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | w | x | y | z

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan
This type of MRI scan is used to look at blood vessels in the body. Sometimes special dye is injected into the body to help make the images clearer. An MRA scan can help diagnose aneurysms. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
A type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves, instead of X-rays, to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. The patient lies inside the MRI scanner surrounded by a series of powerful magnets. It provides detailed structural information on any part of the body including the brain. It can show inflammation and bleeding.

Massage
The manipulation of the soft tissue of the body by rubbing or kneading it, usually with the hands or using an electric massage appliances. Massage increases the blood flow and relaxes muscles, and it can help to relieve muscle spasms and eliminate toxins.

Memory
Memory is your ability to take in, store and retrieve information. Memory is not one single process that either does or does not work. Instead, there are several types or areas of your memory. We store different types of information in different ways and in different parts of brain and our memory can also be divided into layers based on how long we remember information. It is common for short-term memory to be affected by stroke.

Multi-infarct dementia (MID)
Multi-infarct dementia is the most common form of vascular dementia. It is caused by multiple mini strokes that take place over time giving rise to many tiny, widespread areas of damage. These strokes are so small that a person may not notice any symptoms or the symptoms may not last very long, they are sometimes called ‘silent strokes’.

Middle cerebral artery
One of the main arteries that supplies blood to the brain. It is the artery that most frequently becomes blocked, causing a stroke.

Migraine
Migraine is a severe headache, usually felt at the front or on the side of the head. Often felt as a throbbing pain some people also experience nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. There might be warning symptoms beforehand that usually affect your eyesight and are known as an "aura".

Moyamoya disease
A rare condition in which the main blood vessels in the brain become narrowed and blocked. It affects one in every million people in the UK. The disease usually affects children, and is a risk factor for childhood stroke, but it can also affect adults. Symptoms can include recurrent headaches, seizures and weakness down on side of the body. Researchers believe that this is a genetic condition.

MRI scan
See: Magnetic resonance imaging.

Muscle tone
The degree of natural tension in your muscles. When we rest our muscles are not being used we have a certain in-built tension. If you have abnormally high muscle tone, it can lead to muscle tightness and stiffness (spasticity). If you have very low muscle tone, it can cause floppiness (hypotonia).

Myocardial infarction
A heart attack. It occurs when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can cause damage to the heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and feeling weak and anxious.