Health A to Z

Most health pages tell you what a condition is. Very few tell you what it is like to sit beside somebody who has one. This library does both. Search by name, or by the name you know it under.

Important: This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your health or someone else's, speak to a GP, pharmacist, or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.

27 conditions filed under D, showing 21–27 (page 3 of 3).

D

Dupuytren's contracture

The tissue in the palm thickening and pulling fingers into the hand. Painless, gradual, and the timing of surgery matters.

Dysarthria

Also called Slurred speech, Difficulty speaking

Speech that is hard to produce because the muscles are weak, not because the words are lost. Intelligence and understanding are unaffected.

Dyscalculia

A specific difficulty with number. As common as dyslexia, and almost nobody gets identified.

Dyslexia

A difference in how the brain processes written language. Nothing to do with intelligence, and everything to do with effort.

Dysphagia

Also called Swallowing difficulties

Difficulty swallowing safely. One of the leading avoidable causes of death in social care.

Dyspraxia

Also called Developmental co-ordination disorder, DCD

Difficulty planning and co-ordinating movement. Not clumsiness, and it does not go away with practice alone.

Dystonia

Involuntary muscle contractions twisting the body into abnormal postures. Painful, treatable, and often mistaken for something psychological.