Basicmedical Key

B Babinski’s reflex [Extensor plantar reflex] Babinski’s reflex—dorsiflexion of the great toe with extension and fanning of the other toes—is an abnormal reflex elicited by firmly stroking the lateral aspect…

T Tachycardia Easily detected by counting the apical, carotid, or radial pulse rate, tachycardia is a heart rate greater than 100 beats/minute. The patient with tachycardia usually complains of palpitations…

A Abdominal distention Abdominal distention refers to increased abdominal girth—the result of increased intraabdominal pressure forcing the abdominal wall outward. Distention may be mild or severe, depending on the amount…

C Café-au-lait spots An important indicator of neurofibromatosis and other congenital melanotic disorders, café-au-lait spots appear as flat, light brown, uniformly hyperpigmented macules or patches on the skin surface. They…

H Halitosis Halitosis describes any breath odor that’s unpleasant, disagreeable, or offensive. This common sign is usually easy to detect, but an embarrassed patient may take measures to hide it….

E Earache [Otalgia] Earaches usually result from disorders of the external and middle ear associated with infection, obstruction, or trauma. Their severity ranges from a feeling of fullness or blockage…

O Ocular deviation Ocular deviation refers to abnormal eye movement that may be conjugate (both eyes move together) or disconjugate (one eye moves separately from the other). This common sign…