Dictionary

electrodiathermy See cauterization.

electrodesiccation Use of an electric current to destroy cancerous tissue and control bleeding.

electroconvulsive therapy The use of controlled, measured doses of electric shock to induce convulsions. Convulsions so induced can sometimes treat clinical depression that is unresponsive to medication. Abbreviated ECT.

electrocardiogram A recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Abbreviated ECG and EKG. An ECG is a simple, noninvasive procedure. Electrodes are placed on the skin of the chest and connected in a specific order to a machine that, when turned on, measures electrical activity all over the heart. Output usually appears on a…

electric shock therapy See electroconvulsive therapy.

electric shock An extreme stimulation of the nerves, muscles, and other parts of the body that is caused by contact with electrical current. Electric shock can cause burning at the site of entry of the electricity, unconsciousness, and death. If a person may be in contact with high voltage, no one else should touch the…

elective mutism Complete lack of speech, believed to be chosen on the part of the patient. True elective mutism may be a reaction to a traumatic event, the aftermath of damage to or pain in the mouth or throat, or a symptom of extreme shyness. In other cases, the lack of speech is eventually found…

elder abuse The physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of an elderly person, usually one who is disabled or frail. Like child abuse, elder abuse is a crime that all health and social services professionals are mandated to report.

elbow joint See elbow.

elbow bursitis A common form of bursitis that is also known as olecranon bursitis. At the tip of the elbow (olecranon area) is the olecranon bursa, a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction during motion. Because of its location, the olecranon bursa is subject to trauma, ranging from simple repetitive…

elbow, tip of the The bony tip of the elbow, which is formed by the near end of the ulna, one of the two long bones in the forearm (the other is the radius). See also olecranon.

elbow, tennis Lateral epicondylitis caused by injured tendons from the muscles that attach to the outer bone of the elbow (called the lateral epicondyle), which is a part of the humerus bone.