A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  

radiation — treatment using radiation to destroy cancer cells.

radioactive drugs — drugs used to look at the internal organs of the body or to treat certain diseases like cancer.

remission — a period of time without symptoms of a chronic condition.

resistant — does not respond.

respite care — care and supervision usually provided by volunteer organizations that provides a person's caregiver some time of rest or relief.

rooting — a reflex that newborn babies have, along with the reflexes for sucking and swallowing. Rooting means turning the head to search for the nipple and milk.

rubella — also called German measles. Rubella virus causes rash, mild fever, and arthritis. If a woman gets rubella while she is pregnant, she could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth defects.

schizophrenia — a brain disease that can cause loss of personality, agitation, catatonia (being in a statue-like state), confusion, psychosis (a disorder in which a person is not in touch with reality), unusual behavior, and withdrawal. The illness usually begins in early adulthood. No one knows the exact cause of schizophrenia, but a problem with a gene called COMT has been found to raise the risk of developing it.