Medical Terminology

Explanation of medical jargon (special words or expressions used by a particular profession) and acronyms in acute care

  • A&E: accident and emergency
  • ABC: airway, breathing and circulation
  • ADL: activities of daily living
    • Such as eating, bathing, and grooming
  • AS: ambulance service
  • CHI: closed head injury
    • Damage to the brain without the skull being broken
  • CMT: continuing medication and treatment
  • CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure
    • Keeps airways open
  • CT: computed tomography brain scan
    • Creates an image of the brain to diagnose injury, as well as to guide treatment
  • Dx: diagnosis
  • ED: emergency department
  • EDH: extradural haematoma
    • Blood clot that forms on the outside of the natural covering of the brain
  • ETI: endotracheal intubation
    • A tube is placed through the mouth and airway, helping the person breathe
  • Fx: fracture
  • GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale
    • Describes brain injury severity based on the person’s level of consciousness
      1. Severe ≤ 8
      2. Moderate 9–12
      3. Minor ≥ 13
  • GOS: Glasgow Outcome Score
    • categorizes the outcomes of patients after traumatic brain injury
      1. Death
      2. Persistent vegetative state: Minimal responsiveness
      3. Severe disability: Conscious but disabled; dependent on others for daily support
      4. Moderate disability: Disabled but independent; can work in sheltered setting
      5. Good recovery: Resumption of normal life despite minor deficits
  • GOSE: Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale
    • An updated Glasgow Coma Scale, still describing brain injury severity
  • GSW: gunshot wound
  • H/A: headache
  • HEP: home exercise program
  • ICU: intensive care unit
    • provides the critical care and life support for acutely ill and injured patients
  • ISS: injury severity score
  • LOC: loss of consciousness or level of consciousness
  • LOS: length of stay
  • MBSS: modified barium swallow study
    • Imaging tool that assess swallow functioning
  • MVA: motor vehicle accident
  • RTC: road traffic collision
  • SAE: serious adverse event
  • SDH: subdural haematoma
    • Collection of blood formed on the surface of the brain
  • SOP: standard operating procedure
  • TBI: traumatic brain injury
  • WFL: within functional limits

Resources: ASHA