Clinical Definition Embolism refers to the occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus (mass) that moves down the bloodstream and gets lodged in a blood vessel, causing circulation problems. In Our Own Words An embolism is when an embolus, which is a clump, bubble or mass, gets stuck in the bloodstream and causes a…
Emergency Contraception
Clinical Definition The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception, or the use of drugs or a device to minimize the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Emergency copper intrauterine contraception (IUD) has the lowest failure rate, followed by mifepristone or ulipristal acetate, and then levonorgestrel. Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy…
EMG
Clinical Definition An EMG, or electromyogram, is a test that measures electrical activity of the muscles and the nerves that control them during a two-part examination. It is part of an evaluation to help to detect causes of numbness, paralysis and spasm as well as facial and extremity pain. In the first part, the ability…
Emphysema
Clinical Definition Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease that occurs when the alveoli of the lungs become damaged and lose their elastic properties. Respiratory function is compromised when atelectasis occurs (over-inflation of the alveoli), and damage to the alveoli interferes with gas exchange. Development of disease is due to long-term inhalation of lung irritants like…