Conditions & Topics (A - Z)

Select from the alphabetical list to find the symptom or condition you're looking for.

V

VACTERL
A syndrome involving birth defects affecting several organs. 'V' stands for vertebral defects (spinal cord), 'A' stands for anal deformities, 'C' stands for cardiac problems, 'TE' stands for tracheoesophageal fistula, 'R' stands for renal abnormalities (urinary system and kidneys) and 'L' stands for limb deformities (arms and legs).

Vacuum extraction
The removal of a fetus from the uterus or vagina via a suction device. Vacuum extraction involves attaching a suction cup to the baby's head and then gently pulling to help ease the baby down the birth canal.

Vagina
The passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods. The vagina connects the cervix (the opening of the womb or uterus) and the vulva (the external genitalia). It is also known as the "birth canal."

Vaginitis
Inflammation, redness or swelling of the vaginal tissues; usually resulting from a bacterial infection.

Vaginitis, Bacterial
Very common vaginal infection characterized by symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge or itching, burning or redness in the genital area.

Vaginitis, Noninfectious
A type of vaginitis that usually refers to vaginal irritation without an infection being present. Most often, the infection is caused by an allergic reaction to, or irritation from, vaginal sprays, douches or spermicidal products. It may also be caused by sensitivity to perfumed soaps, detergents or fabric softeners.

Vaginitis, Viral
Very common vaginal infection, often sexually transmitted, that is caused by one of many different types of viruses (i.e., herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus).

Valves
The "doors" between the chambers of the heart that allow blood to move forward and prevent it from moving backward. The heart valves are called tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral and aortic.

Valvotomy
Surgical release of adhesions that are preventing the valve leaflets from opening properly.

Valvuloplasty
A cardiac catheterization procedure. A small, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, and guided to the inside of the heart. The tube has a deflated balloon in the tip. When the tube is placed in the narrowed valve, the balloon is inflated to stretch the area open. It is also known as balloon dilation.

Variable Immunodeficiency
Variable immunodeficiency is an immunodeficiency disorder characterized by a low level of antibodies, making it difficult for the child's body to fight diseases. It is treated in the Primary Immunodeficiency Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. It also is known as common variable immunodeficiency.

Varicella
The virus which causes chickenpox.

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
Also known as chickenpox, a complication of VZV is hepatitis.

Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG)
A vaccine for chickenpox.

Vascular
Pertaining to blood vessels.

Vascular Anomalies Clinic
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin offers one of the most comprehensive centers for treating vascular malformations and birthmarks in the country. A multidisciplinary group of physicians is dedicated to care for patients with complex vascular anomalies.

Vascular Birthmarks
Birthmarks made up of blood vessels.

Vascular Malformations
A birthmark or a growth, present at birth, which is composed of blood vessels that can cause functional or aesthetic problems.

Vascular Rings
The trachea, or windpipe, may be compressed by another structure (an artery or vein) around the outside. Surgery may be required to alleviate this condition.

Vasculitis
Inflamed blood vessels.

Vasodilator
A medication that dilates or widens the opening in a blood vessel.

Vasoocclusive Crisis
In sickle cell diseases, the pain that occurs when the flow of blood is blocked to an area because the sickled cells are stuck in a blood vessel. It is also known as pain crisis or sickle crisis.

Vasopressin
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland which helps the body conserve the right amount of water. It is also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Vasopressor
A medication that raises blood pressure.

Vasovagal Syndrome
A sudden drop in blood pressure, with or without a decrease in heart rate, that is caused by a dysfunction of the nerves controlling the heart and blood vessels.

Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood from the body back into the heart.

Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (VCFS)
A genetic disease caused by a missing piece of chromosome material on chromosome #22 that results in many different health problems, and affects the normal fetal development of the heart, thymus and parathyroid glands. It is also known as DiGeorge syndrome, Shprintzen syndrome and 22q11.2 Deletion syndrome.

Velocardiofacial Syndrome Clinic
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin offers a multidisciplinary clinic designed to address the various medical, educational and psychosocial needs of the children and their families with this syndrome.

Venereal Disease
These are a variety of diseases that are passed from person to person during sexual contact. Sexual contact can include intercourse and/or oral sex. It is also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Ventilation
Movement of air (gases) in and out of the lungs.

Ventilation Tubes
Small tubes that are surgically placed into your child's eardrum by an ear, nose and throat surgeon. It is also known as ear tubes, myringotomy tubes or tympanostomy tubes.

Ventricle Peritoneal (VP) Shunt
Used to drain excess fluid from around the brain in order to reduce pressure. It is also known as ventriculoperitoneal shunt or VP shunt.

Ventricles
A small chamber or cavity. There are four ventricles in the brain, referred to as: (two) lateral, third and fourth ventricle. Also refers to the chambers in the heart. Normally there are four chambers: right atrium and right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle.

Ventricular Fibrillation
A condition in which the ventricles contract in rapid and unsynchronized rhythms and cannot pump blood into the body.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
An abnormal opening in the wall between the right and left ventricles.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
A condition in which the ventricles beat very quickly.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Used to drain excess fluid from around the brain in order to reduce pressure. It is also known as ventricle peritoneal shunt or VP shunt.

Vernix
This is a white, greasy, cheese-like substance that covers the skin of many babies at birth. It is formed by secretions from the baby's oil glands and protects the baby's skin in the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Vernix may not be present in babies who are born postterm (after 41 weeks of pregnancy). It does not need to be removed and usually absorbs into the skin. It is also known as vernix caseosa.

Vernix Caseosa
This is a white, greasy, cheese-like substance that covers the skin of many babies at birth. It is formed by secretions from the baby's oil glands and protects the baby's skin in the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Vernix may not be present in babies who are born postterm (after 41 weeks of pregnancy). It does not need to be removed and usually absorbs into the skin. It is also known as vernix.

Vertebrae
The bones of the spinal column that house and protect the spinal cord. It is also known vertebral column.

Vertebral Column
Consists of 33 vertebrae with the spinal cord housed within.

Vertigo
Dizziness.

Very Low Birthweight
Refers to a baby who is born weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces).

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
The abnormal flow of urine from the bladder back into the ureters; often as a result of a urinary tract infection or birth defect.

Vestibule
Bony cavity of the inner ear.

Videostroboscopy
A videostroboscopy is an examination performed by an otolaryngologist to evaluate the function of the larynx while the patient is asked to repeat certain sounds by a speech language pathologist.

Viral Exanthem
Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption. The five most common childhood viral exanthems include measles or rubeola, rubella, varicella (or chickenpox), fifth disease and roseola.

Visual Acuity
The space visible to an eye in a given position of gaze.

Visual Acuity Test
Common eye chart test, which measures vision ability at various distances.

Vitamin K
An essential component of blood clotting produced by intestinal bacteria. Babies normally have low levels of this vitamin.

Vitamin Therapy
Using nutrition to decrease the incidence of disease or symptoms.

Vitiligo
Smooth, white patches in the skin caused by the loss of pigment-producing cells.

Vitreous Body
A clear, jelly-like substance that fills the back part of the eye.

Vocal Cord Modules
Benign, callous-like growths on the vocal cords.

Vocal Cords
These paired ligaments are located in the larynx and are covered with mucous membrane. When the cords or folds, as they are also called, are set into vibration, sound is produced. It is also known as vocal folds.

Vocal Folds
These paired ligaments are located in the larynx and are covered with mucous membrane. When the cords or folds, as they are also called, are set into vibration, sound is produced. It is also known as vocal cords.

Vocal Fold Injection
Vocal fold injection, also called injection laryngoplast, is a treatment for vocal fold paralysis, paresis, atrophy, or scar tissue.

Voice
Sound produced by air passing out through the larynx and upper respiratory tract.

Voice Box
A cylindrical grouping of cartilage, muscles and soft tissue which contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords are the upper opening into the windpipe (trachea), the passageway to the lungs. It is also known as larynx.

Voiding Improvement Program (VIP)
Urinary incontinence in children is a common problem. It is estimated that more than 19,000 Wisconsin children and teens ages 5 to 15 wet the bed and/or have poor bladder control during the day. The Voiding Improvement Program (VIP) offers a sensitive approach to the most recent treatments while building self-esteem.

Volvulus
A twisting of the stomach or large intestine that leads to blockage of the digestive tract.

Vomiting
The release of stomach contents through the mouth; also known as throwing-up.

Von Willebrand Disease
A form of hemophilia caused by an abnormality in the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for platelets to be able to attach themselves to a vein or artery to form a clot to stop bleeding.

VP Shunt
Used to drain excess fluid from around the brain in order to reduce pressure. It is also known as ventricle peritoneal shunt or ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Vulva
External, visible part of the female genital area.

Vulvitis
An inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. This is not a condition but rather a symptom that results from a host of diseases, infections, injuries, allergies and other irritants.