Glossary

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a group of muscular dystrophies that become apparent at or near the time of birth.

CMV, also known as Cytomegalovirus, is usually harmless and is similar to the herpes virus which causes chickenpox and cold sores.

The condition can cause complications to unborn babies, so pregnant women are at risk.

Once you have CMV you have the virus for the rest of your life, but as 80% of British adults carry the disease most of us will never know we have it.

A variable genetic disorder which can lead to abnormalities in the face, feet, hands, head and affect intellectual levels.

In most cases people with Cohen have a head smaller than the average size and a smaller upper lip. The patient can also be obese around the torso and a low level of white blood cells can sometimes be detected from birth.

The condition is caused by an abnormal gene which is found on chromosome 8.

A gap in the eye structure. The condition starts during pregnancy when a baby’s eye hasn’t developed and takes longer than usual – the growth can take up to eight weeks. Coloboma can affect one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral) and affect specific parts of the organ.

More commonly referred to as ‘Colour Blind’. People with Colour vision deficiency are unable to distinguish between different colours, they usually struggle with pale colours if there isn’t enough light and confuse reds, browns, greens, yellows and oranges with a red-green shading.

Common variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) is a condition which causes damage to the immune system.

People with the hidden illness are more likely to develop infections in the ears, lungs and sinuses.

A painful and potential serious condition which is caused by swelling or bleeding trapped inside a group of muscles, known as a muscle compartment.

There are two types of compartment syndrome, acute – which occurs quickly after an injury and needs to be treated immediately or it could lead to permanent muscle damage, and chronic - which occurs over a period of time, doesn’t lead to permanent damage and usually disappears within minutes after the injury.

The condition is a debilitating pain which is usually confined to one limb, although it can spread to other parts of the body.

Most cases are triggered by injury although the pain can be more severe and long-lasting than normal.

In some cases the skin can be so sensitive just a touch or a light bump can cause severe discomfort.

CRPS can gradually heal and go away altogether, but some patients may be affected with the condition over a period of years.

Concussion can be a mild to severe head injury which can cause dizziness, nausea, memory loss, loss of balance, vision impairment, feeling stunned and confused. In most cases memory loss is restored within a few hours although it’s strongly advised to seek medical advice after any head injury.

Concussion can be a mild to severe head injury which can cause dizziness, nausea, memory loss, loss of balance, vision impairment, feeling stunned and confused. In most cases memory loss is restored within a few hours although it’s strongly advised to seek medical advice after any head injury.

Congenital heart disease relates to a collection of birth defects which affects the working heart.

The illness affects 9 in 1,000 babies a year in the UK.

Symptoms include tiredness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and a blue tinge to the skin known as cyanosis.

Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia, also known as CPL, is a rare developmental disorder that is present at birth. Babies born with the condition have abnormally widened lymphatic vessels, which helps the immune system in protecting the body against infection and disease, within the lungs.

Often referred to as ‘Red Eye’ – because the condition inflames the tissue layer covering the eye. As well as redness conjunctivitis can also cause itchiness and watering of the eye.

The condition usually starts in one eye, but can spread to both.

Causes of conjunctivitis include allergies to shampoo products, viral or bacterial infections and reactions to dust or pollen.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the term used for a group of lung conditions which usually affects middle-aged adults or smokers in their old age.

Those with COPD experience progressive breathing difficulties which can usually be kept under control with treatment.

Symptoms include increasing loss of breath, a persistent phlegmy cough, regular chest infections and wheezing.

Also known as CHD and ishaemic heart disease the condition can be fatal.

Symptoms include chest pain, heart failure and heart attacks.