Understanding these 4 words can make a difference when you talk with your doctor

There are a number of words within the medical field that have different meanings to doctors than they do to patients. This can cause confusion for both patients and doctors if used the wrong way. This article presents 4 of these terms, why they can be confusing, and ways to help improve communication with your physician.

Weakness

Weakness is a very common issue we see in doctor’s offices and emergency departments. It is defined as the condition of lacking strength. The question is what is lacking strength? Is one leg affected or both legs? Is it an arm or perhaps a hand? Is it that you feel really tired and are having a difficult time standing or walking? All of these could be considered weakness. The location and severity of symptoms is extremely important in helping the physician make the diagnosis.

As a physician, when someone presents with weakness, I want to know if the weakness is generalized (throughout the entire body) or focal (one side of the body or even one extremity). Knowing the location helps me start to differentiate whether I’m dealing with a neurological issue like a stroke (one sided weakness), or whether there could be another cause for the weakness such as infection, congestive heart failure, or a number of other medical conditions.

This differentiation is key to making a proper diagnosis, so remember to be specific about your weakness when talking with your physician.

Lethargic

Lethargy is defined as a lack of energy and enthusiasm. I hear this word often from patients that feel extremely fatigued, or from a parent whose child is less active than their normal state. To most people, the term lethargic does not connote severe life threatening illness. But for doctors, lethargic patients are those who can barely move, are listless, and can have significant confusion. In fact, there is possible legal risk related to this exact word, causing physicians to use it in documentation very seldom, and only when the patient’s condition truly exhibits the severe signs and symptoms listed above.

What words might be more appropriate when talking with your doctor? Using terms such as “less active,” “generalized weakness,” or “fatigued” might better describe your exact situation and symptoms.

It is likely that your doctor will recognize lethargy if it is truly present. However, these other terms may be more accurate to describe your symptoms and will be far less anxiety provoking for your physician.

Dizziness

Dizziness is one of the hardest symptoms to explain. Many patients don’t realize that there are actually two completely different types of dizziness that cause distinct symptoms.

The first type of dizziness is known as vertigo. I usually assess this type of dizziness by asking the patient whether they feel a spinning sensation, or if they feel off-balance, like they are falling to one side or the other. Vertigo can also cause nausea and vomiting. Most vertigo is benign and is caused by a condition within the inner ear that can throw off your equilibrium. However, there are some types of vertigo that can be related to the brain such as a stroke or arterial problem within the neck or brain.

The second type of dizziness is known as near-syncope or syncope. The term syncope means to pass out and this type of dizziness usually presents as a lightheaded feeling. I usually ask patients if they feel like they might pass out or black out. This sensation could be related to benign conditions such as simple dehydration, but can also be caused by problems related to the heart or other more serious conditions.

Sometimes a dizzy sensation is not only difficult to explain, but the feeling is challenging to place into one of these two categories. In fact, some patients feel both of these symptoms. It then becomes the doctor’s job to help you figure this out. Either way, understanding these basic types of dizziness will help you have a better discussion with your physician, and an appropriate management plan.

Fever

Fever defined by medical guidelines is generally greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. But I know what you’re thinking. My normal temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and I have been running 99-100. Isn’t that a fever?

A temperature above 98.6 is certainly not normal. Unfortunately, it is not actually considered a fever until it rises above the 100.4 mark. This seems arbitrary but research suggests that temperatures higher than this number can be associated with more significant infections.

I do not ignore patients who tell me they have elevated temperatures. It is important to recognize the temperature as abnormal and that it could be suggestive of an infection or other illness. However, a temperature below 100.4 is also reassuring that the illness is unlikely to be as dangerous as a higher temperature.

Understanding the difference between an elevated temperature and a fever will allow you to better communicate with your doctor when you or your child are sick.

Conclusion

Communication between patient and doctor is crucial in making a diagnosis and treating an illness. Understanding medical terminology helps enable accurate transfer of information to give you the best care possible.