Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 12:47 AM
Site: Education Portal
Content: Resources (Resources)
Terminology: Terminology
G

GAD

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a long-term condition that causes anxiety about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event.

Disproportionate, pervasive, uncontrollable, and widespread worry leads to a range of somatic, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms (Hoge, Ivkovic and Fricchione, 2012; NICE CKS).

Other anxiety disorders include PTSD and OCD.

NICE CKS - GAD

GBS

Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the peripheral nerves, which causes rapid-onset muscle weakness.

The main treatments are IVIG and plasma exchange (plasmapheresis).

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GCA

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis of arteries, typically those in the head and neck. 

GCA is a medical emergency.

Symptoms typically include headache, severe pain and tenderness over the temples (hence GCA is also called temporal arteritis) and the scalp, jaw pain while eating (jaw claudication), and flu-like symptoms. 

Visual disturbance (double vision or visual loss) and jaw claudication demands urgent medical attention, with high-dose steroid as management.

GCA is frequently associated with PMR.

NICE CKS - GCA

GCS

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological scale which aims to give a reliable and objective way of recording the state of a person's consciousness for initial as well as subsequent assessment. A person is assessed against the criteria of the scale, and the resulting points give a person's score between 3 (indicating deep unconsciousness) and either 14 (original scale) or 15 (more widely used, modified or revised scale).

GCS Resources and FAQs

GDM

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diabetes (high blood glucose) that develops during pregnancy. GDM is usually diagnosed from a blood test 24 to 28 weeks into pregnancy. Women with GDM don’t have diabetes before their pregnancy, and it usually goes away after giving birth.

In the UK, roughly 16 out of every 100 women will develop GDM.

The most common problem associated with GDM is a large baby (macrosomia), which can make vaginal delivery more difficult and may mean caesarean section is required.

Diabetes UK - GDM

GGT

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver.

GGT has three key uses beyond revealing liver disease:

  • Diagnosing bile duct obstruction
  • Differentiating hepatobiliary disease (raised ALP and GGT) from bone disease (isolated raised ALP)
  • Screening for chronic alcohol abuse

Lab Tests Online - GGT

GI

GI refers to the gastrointestinal system, the focus of the gastroenterology specialism.

GIRFT

Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) is an NHS improvement programme.

GIRFT website

GMC

The General Medical Council (GMC) is the regulator for doctors in the UK.

GMC website

GORD

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition, where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus.

GORD causes heartburn, acid regurgitation and may cause oesophagitis.

Left untreated, GORD may lead to stricture formation or Barrett's oesophagus, which may develop into cancer.

Management focusses on lifestyle change (such as weight loss) and acid-lowering medications (such as PPIs). Surgery may be considered.

NICE CKS - Proven GORD

BMJ Best Practice - GORD

GP

'General Practitioner' (GP) is UK-terminology for a primary care physician ('family doctor').

GP can also refer to General Practice, the remit of a General Practitioner.

GTN

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a medication used in the prophylaxis and treatment of angina and the management of anal fissures, amongst other indications.

NICE - GTN

GUM

Genitourinary medicine (GUM) involves the investigation and management of STIs and HIV.