Medical Terminology · Multiple Systems · Hard
Refractory
Meaning: Describing a condition that does not respond to standard treatment.
In practice: Her epilepsy was refractory to three different anticonvulsants, so she was referred for assessment for epilepsy surgery.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: Loss of sensation or consciousness induced by drugs so that procedures can be done without pain.
Answer: Anaesthesia
Which word means: The thick, dark green first stool passed by a newborn.
Answer: Meconium
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