Basicmedical Key

F Facial pain Facial pain may result from various neurologic, vascular, or infectious disorders. The most common cause of facial pain is trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux). In this disorder, intense,…

U Uremic frost Uremic frost—a fine white powder, believed to be urate crystals, that covers the skin—is a characteristic sign of end-stage renal failure, or uremia. Urea compounds and other…

N Nasal flaring Nasal flaring is the abnormal dilation of the nostrils. Usually occurring during inspiration, nasal flaring may occasionally occur during expiration or throughout the respiratory cycle. It indicates…

G Gag reflex abnormalities [Pharyngeal reflex abnormalities] The gag reflex—a protective mechanism that prevents aspiration of food, fluid, and vomitus— normally can be elicited by touching the posterior wall of…

L Leg pain Although leg pain commonly signifies a musculoskeletal disorder, it can also result from a more serious vascular or neurologic disorder. The pain may arise suddenly or gradually…