Waiting Child-Medical Glossary

Medical Glossary

Please click on the medical condition links below to skip to the preferred area.
Heart\|Blood\|Skeletal\|Vision/Hearing\|Skin\|Developmental\| Genital\|Digestive\|Minor Conditions

FACIAL
	Cleft Lip and Palate – Failure of the upper lip and roof of the mouth to close during fetal development. The cleft in the lip can be unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (two-sided) and can range from a small notch to a complete separation extending into the nose. A cleft palate permits communication between nose and mouth and requires surgery to correct. Eating and speech development are the most common concerns.

HEART
Congenital Heart Disease – Any of several congenital coronary defects ranging from a small hole in a wall of the heart (minor) to multiple defects or transposition, etc. (major). Ventricular septal defect is the most common heart malformation. An opening between the lower chambers of the heart increases blood flow, under high pressure, to the lungs. Small defects can usually close on their own during the first year of life, while more severe defects require surgery.

BLOOD
Hepatitis B – An infection of the liver caused by a DNA virus, transmitted by contaminated blood or blood derivatives in transfusions, by sexual contact with an infected person, or by the use of contaminated needles and instruments. The disease has a long incubation and symptoms that may become severe or chronic, potentially causing serious damage to the liver.

Thalassemia – An inherited form of anemia caused by faulty synthesis of part of the hemoglobin molecule.

SKELETAL
	Club Foot – A deformity in which one or both feet are twisted out of position. Surgically correctable.

Dwarfism – Most commonly caused by achondroplasia, a genetic condition that results in disproportionately short arms and legs. Orthopedic complications are not uncommon.

	Malformation of Fingers/Toes – Any congenital abnormality of the digits, including webbing, fusing, etc.

	Missing Fingers/Toes – Partial or total absence of one or more digits.

	Missing Hand/Foot/Arm/Leg – Partial or total absence of one or more limbs.

Orthopedic Issues – Any one or more conditions related to the skeletal structure, such as a malformed bone, missing bone, rickets, etc.

	Scoliosis – Mild to severe curvature of the spine.

	Spina Bifida – A congenital defect in which the spinal column is imperfectly closed so that part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes, often resulting in hydrocephalus (abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cerebral ventricles) and other neurological disorders.

Back to Top

VISION/HEARING
	Partially Formed or Missing Ear – Usually a malformation of the ear auricle, often accompanied by a closed external ear canal.

Vision Loss – Ranging from partial to total vision loss.

Back to Top

SKIN
	Albinism – Lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises, often associated with vision problems.

	Hemangioma – A tissue mass of small blood vessels, also known as a “strawberry mark.”

	Nevus – A congenital growth or mark on the skin, such as a mole or birthmark.

	Hairy Nevus – Darkly pigmented spots or moles which also feature a sometimes dense covering of hair.

Scar/Burns – An injury- or surgery-related scar, possibly of unknown cause, or burns, varying in degree due to fire or scalding, possibly of unknown cause.

	Vitiligo – A skin disease causing the loss of pigmentation in which patients develop white spots in the skin that vary in size and location. The spots occur when pigment cells, or melanocytes, are destroyed and the pigment melanin can no longer be produced.

Back to Top

DEVELOPMENTAL
Cerebral Palsy – A disorder usually caused by brain damage occurring at or before birth and marked by muscular impairment. Often accompanied by poor coordination, it sometimes involves speech and learning difficulties.

Mental/Physical Development Delay – Above and beyond expected or typical institutionalization delays.

Back to Top

GENITAL
Androgynism/Hermaphrodism – Ambiguous external genitalia or presence of both genders’ genitalia.

Hypospadias – The urethral opening is located on the shaft or base of the penis rather than the tip. Varies in severity. Surgical correction allows for a better cosmetic appearance and normal functioning of the penis.

Imperforated anus – Narrow or lack of an anal opening. Surgically correctable.

Back to Top

DIGESTIVE
Epilepsy – Any of various neurological disorders characterized by sudden recurring attacks of motor, sensory, or psychic malfunction with or without loss of consciousness or convulsive seizures.

Paralysis – Of one or more limbs, possibly with an unknown cause.

Back to Top

"MINOR" CONDITIONS
Although any special need can represent significant challenges, conditions in this category almost always occur together with an additional special need and are very rarely found on their own in the Waiting Child Program. These conditions may even occur in children placed through the traditional adoption program.

Anemia – A common blood disorder characterized by low red blood cell count.

Eczema – A general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions, most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin.

Extra fingers/toes – Usually surgically removed, depending on the nature of the extra digit.

Hernia – Occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias occur in the abdomen.

Malnutrition – The lack of sufficient nutrients to maintain healthy bodily functions.

Premature/Low Birth Weight –Also known as a preterm birth, occurs when the baby is born within sooner than 36 weeks of completed gestation. The shorter the term of pregnancy, the greater the risks of complications.

Torticollis – Also called wry neck, is a condition in which the head is tilted toward one side, and the chin is elevated and turned toward the opposite side.

Undescended Testicles – In about half of the cases, undescended testicles move down on their own by the baby’s first birthday. If not, it’s important to get treatment because testicles that remain undescended can hurt the child’s fertility down the line and lead to other medical problems.

Nystagmus – Rapid rhythmic repetitious eye movements.

Strabismus – A visual defect in which one eye cannot focus with the other on an object because of imbalance of the eye muscles. Also known as crossed eyes.

Ptosis – Abnormal lowering or drooping of the upper eyelid caused by muscle weakness or paralysis.

The information contained on these pages was gathered from medical contacts, resources, and websites. We are not medical professionals, so CCAI urges you to do thorough medical research on the special needs you are considering.

Back to Top

Child Profiles