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Radiograph

The correct name for an image obtained by X-ray beams. Commonly referred to as an X-ray, the latter term really refers to the beams of radiation which produce the image, in the same way that light produces the image on a photographic print.

Radiographer

A trained person who controls the equipment used to take CT and MRI scans and angiograms.

Radiology

The medical field concerned with the diagnosis of disease using X-rays, MRI scanning and ultrasound (the use of sound waves of extremely high
frequency to build up pictures of the inside of the body)

Radionecrosis

Damage to the brain due to the use of radiation.

Radiotherapist

A doctor who is specially trained to use radiation for the treatment of cancer, and other conditions such as vascular malformations.

Radiotherapy

Ionising radiation treatment (such as X or gamma rays) which damages tumour cells more than normal cells.

Randomised controlled trials

These trials aim to compare the safety and effectiveness of different treatments.The progress of people treated in different ways is compared to see if one treatment is better than another. If a person agrees to enter such a trial they cannot choose which treatment to have, but they will normally have an equal chance of receiving either of the treatments being tested. Their progress, along with that of all the other people who have
received the same treatment, will then be compared with that of people receiving the alternative treatment.This will tell the doctors if one treatment is better than another.
Read more information about clinical trials

Receptor

An area on a cell surface which is designed to respond to a particular neuro-transmitter, or chemical messenger, by making chemical changes within the cell.

Referred pain

Pain experienced away from its site of origin. This arises because of shared pathways for transmission of pain impulses within the nervous system.

Rehabilitation

This refers to the overall process of ensuring that people make the best possible recovery from their stroke. It usually involves help from nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and where appropriate speech and language therapists.

Relapse

A flare-up in the symptoms of MS.

Remission

The spontaneous recovery from MS symptoms following a flare-up.

Rheumatologist

A doctor who specialises in diseases of the joints, muscles and connective tissue.

Rigidity

The stiffness seen in Parkinson’s disease.
Read more information about Parkinson's disease