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Iatrogenic disease

Iatrogenic disease results accidentally from medical or surgical treatment.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

An increase in the pressure of the spinal fluid on the brain.

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease

The full name for Parkinson’s disease, as opposed to Parkinsonism.
Read more information about Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism

Imaging

Imaging techniques produce pictures of structures within the body that cannot otherwise be seen. Imaging techniques are very useful for diagnosing abnormalities and certain diseases.

Impairment

Any loss or abnormality of any of a person’s physical or psychological powers.

Incontinence

Loss of control of the bladder or bowels.

Inflammation

A process in which part of the body can become hot and swollen, not necessarily directly due to an infection.

Internal globus pallidus

A central part of the brain which helps to control movement.

Ischaemic stroke

This refers to strokes caused by a blockage in a blood vessel which carries blood to part of the brain.

Isotope scan

A method of checking for disease processes affecting the bones, including those of the spine. A short-acting radioactive substance is injected into the blood stream a little while before the scan. The radiation dose is low and there is no significant risk of radiation injury.

Instability

A term indicating abnormally increased movement of a vertebra in relation to its neighbour immediately above or below.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

The pressure inside the skull. This may rise following a head injury due to
brain swelling or bleeding.

Intravenous

The introduction of a substance, usually fluid or drugs, directly into a vein.

Intelligibility

The degree to which speech is understandable to the listener.

Intervertebral disc

The main structure binding together individual vertebrae of the spine. It provides for a limited amount of movement at each level, but acting together the discs provide both strength and mobility for the spine. The discs degenerate as part of the normal ageing process.

Intonation

The sound pattern of phrases and sentences produced by varying the pitch and sometimes the volume of the voice.

Intravenous infusion

This is sometimes referred to as a drip. This involves inserting a plastic tube (a cannula) into a vein in the arm or hand through which fluid is run. It is used to give patients fluids or drugs if they cannot swallow.

Intravenous steroids

Steroid medicines given straight into the bloodstream by means of a drip.

Intubation

Insertion of a tube into the trachea (windpipe) to assist breathing or ventilation.

Invasive

An invasive procedure is one which involves entry into the body. This can be relatively simple, as with an injection, or it can be something complex such as an operation. There are always some risks with invasive procedures. Noninvasive techniques, such as scanning procedures, are preferred whenever possible.