• 0161 696 6165
  • Request a callback
Stephensons Solicitors LLP Banner Image

Medical term glossary - B

This medical term glossary provides explanations in plain English of a number of technical terms you may encounter in the process of pursuing a clinical negligence claim.

Babinski reflex - Reflexive extension of the big toe when the sole of the foot is scratched. May be caused by brain damage, for example following a stroke.

Baritosis - Lung disease caused by barium dust.

Barotrauma - Injury caused to the interior or the ear by pressure differences. May result from changes in depth at sea or altitude when flying.

Basal ganglia - Brain cells concerned with regulation of movement and sensory impulses. They may be damaged in cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease.

Behaviour therapy - Psychological therapy intended to regulate abnormal behaviour.

Bilateral - Present on both sides.

Binocular - Relating to both eyes.

Biopsy - Surgery to remove tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Blepharitis - Inflamed eyelids.

Bone conduction - The vibration of bones in the ear which conducts sound, allowing hearing.

Bone graft - Removal of bone from one location and transference to another where it is then fused.

Bowel - The intestine.

Brace - Artificial bone support.

Brachial plexus - A junction of nerves at the base of the neck.

Bradykinesia - Unusually slow movements, a symptom of Parkinson's disease.

Brain stem - Lower rear part of the brain which contains vital centres controlling breathing and heart function. Serious brain stem injury can cause death.

Break - Fracture of a bone.

Broca's area - The area of the brain that controls speech. Disease or damage may result in aphasia or dysphasia.

Bronchi - Passages which lead from the windpipe to the lungs.

Bronchial - Of or related to the bronchi.

Bronchoscopy - Examination of the bronchi.

Bruise - Soft tissue trauma. Discolouration caused by bleeding.

Bucket handle tear - Common type of tear of the cartilages in the knee.

Bulbar - Relating to the medulla, a part of the brain stem.

Bulbar palsy - Disease or injury to the part of the brainstem known as the bulbar. May cause difficulty swallowing.

Burr hole - A hole drilled in the skull to remove pressure caused by bleeding etc.

Bursa - Pouches of fibrous tissue containing fluid which are positioned between the skin and bones at areas of friction to permit smooth movement.

Bursitis - Inflammation of a bursa.

Butterfly fragment - A triangular fragment of bone found in some tibial fractures.

Byssinosis - A disease of the lungs caused by inhalation of cotton flax or hemp dust.

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

If you would like assistance in relation to a possible clinical negligence claim speak to our experts for free initial guidance on your options on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form.

loading staff

Clin neg staff reorder

  • Louise Griffiths
  • Judith Thomas-Whittingham
  • Tom Mooney
  • Laura Sheehan
  • Claire Stockley
  • Jamie Cruickshanks
  • ​Carla Duprey
  • Sarah Masters
  • Laura Owen
  • Matthew Wan
  • Pam Thompson
  • Justine Wright