Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
A degenerative dis-
ease of the brain that causes dementia and, eventu-
ally, death. It is believed to be caused by an
unconventional microbe called a prion, rather than
by bacteria or a virus. Abbreviated CJD. Symptoms
of CJD include forgetfulness, nervousness, trem-
bling hand movements, unsteady gait, muscle
spasms, chronic dementia, balance disorder, and
loss of facial expression. CJD is classified as a
spongiform encephalopathy, and it has some rela-
tionship to animal diseases in that category, most
notably bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad
cow disease). There is neither treatment nor cure
for CJD. Also known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome,
Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease, and spastic
pseuodoparalysis.
crib death
See 
SIDS.
crippled
A medically outmoded and politically
incorrect term that implies a serious loss of normal
function through damage or loss of an essential
body part or element. The term has been replaced
by handicapped.
critical care
The specialized care of patients
whose conditions are life-threatening and who
require comprehensive care and constant monitor-
ing, usually in intensive care units. Also known as
intensive care.
Crohn’s colitis
Crohn’s disease involving only
the large intestine (colon). See also 
Crohn’s dis-
ease.
Crohn’s disease
A chronic inflammatory bowel
disease that primarily involves the small and/or
large intestine. Crohn’s disease can be a chronic,
recurrent condition, or it can cause minimal symp-
toms. In mild forms, Crohn’s disease causes scat-
tered, shallow, ulcers in the inner surface of the
bowel. In more serious cases, deeper and larger
ulcers can develop, causing scarring, stiffness, and