Hair-on-end skull
An X-ray appearance of the skull with vertical, brush-like bone trabeculae due to expanded bone marrow. It is typical of severe congenital anaemias such as thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia.
Hernia truss
A support with a pad that holds an inguinal hernia back from the outside. It is only a temporary solution when surgery is not possible and can cause pressure sores.
See also: Support bandage
History-taking group
A student-organised small group in which medical students conduct supervised conversations with patients and reflect on their communication skills.
See also: Medical history (anamnesis)
Home care service
A provider that cares for people needing care at home, for example with personal hygiene, medication or wound care. Costs are covered via long-term care or health insurance.
Hydatidiform mole
An abnormal pregnancy in which placental tissue grows in a cystic, grape-like pattern, usually without a viable embryo. After evacuation, hCG is monitored.
Head of department (chief physician)
Senior doctor who heads a hospital department and bears overall medical and organisational responsibility.
Health check-up (Germany)
Preventive health examination for people with statutory health insurance in Germany: once between the ages of 18 and 34, and every three years from 35.
Huntington’s disease
Inherited, progressive brain disease with involuntary movements, psychiatric changes and dementia.
Hypoglossal canal
Bony canal above the occipital condyles through which the twelfth cranial nerve leaves the skull.