Health A to Z

Neuromyelitis optica

Also called NMO, NMOSD, Devic's disease

An MS-like condition that is not MS, and the distinction is critical because some MS drugs make it dramatically worse.

Neutropenia

Also called Low white blood cell count, Neutropenic sepsis

Too few infection-fighting cells. In someone on chemotherapy, a temperature is a 999-level emergency needing antibiotics within an hour.

Non-epileptic seizures

Also called Functional seizures, Dissociative seizures, FND, Functional neurological disorder

Seizures with no abnormal electrical activity. Entirely real, not put on, and consistently treated badly.

Norovirus

Also called Winter vomiting bug, Stomach flu

The commonest cause of gastroenteritis in the UK. Alcohol gel does not kill it, and that single fact drives most outbreaks.

Nosebleeds

Also called Epistaxis

Usually trivial. The first aid most people were taught is wrong, and on blood thinners they are not trivial at all.

Obesity

A complex condition driven by biology, environment and circumstance. Shame has been the main treatment offered, and it does not work.

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Also called OCD

Intrusive thoughts and the rituals used to neutralise them. Nothing to do with liking things tidy.

Occupational therapy

Also called OT, Occupational therapist

The profession that works on what somebody actually needs to do, rather than on the body part. Badly named and consistently under-referred.

Oedema

Also called Swollen ankles, Fluid retention, Swollen legs

Swelling from fluid in the tissues. Both legs usually means the heart, kidneys, liver or a drug; one leg means look for a clot.

Oesophageal cancer

Also called Cancer of the gullet, Cancer of the food pipe

Difficulty swallowing that is getting worse is the symptom that must never wait. Long-standing reflux is the risk factor nobody treats as one.