stenosis
Stenosis (noun) means an abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body, such as a blood vessel, heart valve or the spinal canal, which restricts what can pass through it. Example: “The scan showed severe stenosis of the left carotid artery.”
How to Use Stenosis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA part of the body that has become too narrow.
Medical.
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The scan showed severe _____ of the left carotid artery.
Etymology
From Greek 'stenosis', a narrowing, from 'stenos' meaning 'narrow'.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for stenosis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinal stenosis?
It is a narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit, most often in the lower back or neck. The narrowing squeezes the spinal cord or nerve roots, producing pain, numbness or weakness that typically eases when the person sits or leans forward.
What is the difference between stenosis and occlusion?
Stenosis is a partial narrowing: something still gets through, just less of it. An occlusion is a complete blockage. A stenosis can progress to an occlusion if it worsens.
How is stenosis treated?
It depends on the site and severity. Options range from physiotherapy and medication to procedures that widen the passage, such as stenting an artery, replacing a heart valve, or surgery to relieve pressure on the spine.