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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetone body (ketone body)
​An acetone body, or ketone body, refers to compounds produced during fat metabolism, including acetone, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyrate.


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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetonuria
​ Acetonuria refers to the presence of ketone bodies in the urine, typically seen in ketosis.


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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetylcholinesterase inhibitor An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is a drug that blocks the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby enhancing its activity in the brain. These medications are used to slow cognitive decline in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, though they do not cure it.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acoustic shock Acoustic shock is a reaction that occurs after exposure to a sudden unexpected loud noise, often referred to as an acoustic incident. It most commonly affects individuals who use headsets or telephones for prolonged periods, such as call centre operators or communication staff. The sudden noise can trigger a reflexive response in the auditory system and surrounding muscles.


Symptoms of acoustic shock may include ear pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), anxiety, and sometimes emotional distress such as depression. Unlike noise-induced hearing loss, acoustic shock does not usually cause permanent damage to hearing. However, the condition can still significantly affect a person’s comfort and ability to work, making prevention and early management important.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acoustic neuroma Acoustic neuroma is another name for vestibular schwannoma, a benign tumour that develops from Schwann cells covering the vestibular portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve. This tumour usually grows slowly and arises near the inner ear, affecting structures responsible for hearing and balance.


As the tumour enlarges, it may press on nearby nerves and brain structures. Symptoms commonly include hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and problems with balance. In some cases, facial numbness or weakness may also occur if nearby nerves are compressed. Treatment options may include monitoring, surgical removal, or radiation therapy depending on the tumour’s size and symptoms.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acoustic nerve
​ The acoustic nerve is another name for the cochlear nerve, which is a component of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). This nerve plays a vital role in the auditory system by transmitting sound information from the inner ear to the brain, allowing the brain to interpret and recognize sounds.



The cochlear portion of this nerve carries electrical signals generated by the hair cells within the cochlea, which respond to sound vibrations. Damage or dysfunction of the acoustic nerve can lead to hearing impairment or complete hearing loss. Because of its essential role in hearing, it is an important structure studied in audiology and neurology.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acoustic incident
​ An acoustic incident refers to a sudden and unexpected burst of noise transmitted through a telephone handset or headset. This type of noise exposure typically occurs in environments where communication devices are frequently used, such as call centres, emergency communication systems, or telephone-based workplaces. The sudden sound may be unusually loud or sharp and can startle the person using the device.



Such incidents are significant because they have the potential to trigger a condition known as acoustic shock. Although the noise exposure is usually brief, the unexpected nature of the sound can produce both physical and psychological symptoms. Preventive measures in workplaces that rely heavily on headsets often include sound-limiting devices and safety protocols designed to reduce the risk of such incidents.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetylcysteine
​ Acetylcysteine is a medication used as eye drops to dissolve mucus in dry eye conditions and given intravenously to prevent liver damage after paracetamol overdose. It has also shown benefit in certain lung conditions.


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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acoustic
​The term acoustic refers to anything related to sound or the sense of hearing. In medicine and physiology, it is commonly used when describing structures, processes, or conditions associated with the ear and auditory system. For example, the acoustic nerve—also known as the auditory nerve—transmits sound signals from the inner ear to the brain.



In addition, the word acoustic may also describe diagnostic techniques and medical instruments that use sound waves. These include acoustic testing methods used to assess hearing ability or evaluate ear function. Thus, the term plays an important role in fields such as audiology, otolaryngology, and medical acoustics.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetylcholine
​ Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter released at parasympathetic nerve endings and neuromuscular junctions. After transmitting a nerve impulse, it is rapidly broken down by cholinesterase. It also has pharmaceutical use during certain eye surgeries.