Seizure, myoclonic
A seizure that is characterized by jerking (myoclonic) movements of a muscle or muscle group, without loss of consciousness.
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- Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulator (SERM)
A “designer estrogen” which possesses some, but not all, of the actions of estrogen. For example, raloxifene (trade name EVISTA) is classified as a SERM because it prevents bone loss (like estrogen) and lowers serum cholesterol (like estrogen) but (unlike estrogen) does not stimulate the endometrial lining of the uterus.
- selective mutism
An inability to speak in certain situations. See also apraxia, autism, mutism.
- Selective tubal occlusion procedure
(The acronym for selective tubal occlusion procedure is STOP.) A nonsurgical form of permanent birth control in which a physician inserts a 4-centimeter (1.6 inch) long metal coil into each one of a woman’s two fallopian tubes via a scope passed through the cervix into the uterus and thence into the openings of the fallopian […]
- Selenium
An essential mineral that is a component of an antioxidant enzyme, glutathione reductase, that is key in tissue respiration. Food sources of selenium include seafoods; some meats, such as kidney and liver; and some grains and seeds. Too much selenium may cause reversible balding and changes in the nails, give a garlic odor to the […]
- Selenium deficiency
Lack of the essential mineral selenium, which can cause Keshan disease, a fatal form of disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) that was first observed in Keshan province in China and has since been found elsewhere. Treatment involves ensuring intake of the recommended dietary allowance of selenium, currently 70 mg per day for men and […]