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VvVAS:Visual Analog Scale. A pain scale in which the patient records pain from 1 to 10, with 10 as the most extreme pain. Vascular Headache: A headache caused by excessive dilation of the arteries in the brain and its dural coverings. See Migraine Headaches. Vegetative State: A condition in which the person utters no words and does not follow commands or make any response that is psychologically meaningful. The transition of a person who remains unconscious from a state of “coma” to one of “vegetative behaviors” reflects subtle changes over a period of several months from a condition of no response to the internal or external environment (except reflexively) to a state of wakefulness but with no indication of awareness (cortical function). A person in this state may have a range of biological responses at the subcortical level such as eye opening (with sleep and wake rhythms) and sometimes the ability to follow with their eyes. Normal levels of blood pressure and respiration (vegetative functions) are maintained automatically. Also called Coma Vigil. Ventral: Pertaining to the front part of the human anatomy. Ventricles, Brain: Four natural cavities in the brain which are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The outline of one or more of these cavities may change when a space-occupying lesion (hemorrhage, tumor) has developed in a lobe of the brain. Verdict: The definitive answer given by the jury concerning the issues the judge asked them to resolve. Vertebra: One of the twenty-four (24) bones that make up the spine. There are three types: cervical (seven in number), thoracic (twelve), and lumbar (five), with each section possessing unique characteristics. The sacralvertebrae are fused in one bone. Vertebrae: The plural of vertebra. Vertebral: Of or pertaining to the vertebrae. Vertebral Body: The front portion of the vertebra which forms the vertebral column when stacked on another vertebra. The disc of the vertebral joint is found between adjacent vertebral bodies. Vertebral Subluxation Complex: See Subluxation Complex. Vertigo: Dizziness with a sensation of spinning. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): Services and supports that help a person with disabilities get a job, go to school, or get a volunteer position. For example, job counseling, computer training, and help finding a job. All states receive federal funding to run vocational rehabilitation programs. These are places people with disabilities can go to and request free VR services and speak to job counselors. Voir Dire: Part of the jury selection process. A number of prospective jurors are selected and seated in the jury box. The judge and/or lawyers ask a series of questions to disclose any predisposition or biases that may impact their judgment. Generally, each party is entitled to three preemptory challenges by which prospective jurors can be removed without cause. If the judge so finds, jurors may also be removed for cause due to obvious bias or other reasons demonstrating an inability to serve. V Sign: A radiographic sign seen on a lateral x-ray view which may represent a torn or stretched transverse ligament. |
