Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Encephalopathy
Disease, damage, or malfunction of the brain. In general, encephalopathy is manifested by an altered mental state that is sometimes accompanied by physical changes. Although numerous causes of encephalopathy are known, the majority of cases arise from infection, liver damage, anoxia, or kidney failure. The term encephalopathy is very broad and, in most cases, is preceded by various…
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Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain, which may be caused by a bacterium, a virus, or an allergic reaction. Some forms of viral encephalitis are contagious. Encephalitis usually runs a short course, with full recovery within a week, but can cause brain damage and death. Treatment of encephalitis must begin as early as possible to avoid potentially serious and…
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Encapsulated
Confined to a specific area. For example, an encapsulated tumor remains in a compact form.
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Enanthem
Or enanthema, is a rash inside the body. An example: the spots in measles (Koplik’s spots) inside the mouth that look like a tiny grains of white sand surrounded by a red ring. By contrast, a rash on the outside of the body is called an exanthem. A patient with measles may have both an exanthem and an enanthem or…
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Empyema
Empyema is a condition in which pus and fluid from infected tissue collects in a body cavity. The name comes from the Greek word empyein meaning pus-producing (suppurate). Empyema is most often used to refer to collections of pus in the space around the lungs (pleural cavity), but sometimes refers to similar collections in the gall bladder or the pelvic cavity. Empyema may have a…
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Empirical
Based on experience and observation rather than on systematic logic. Experienced physicians often use empirical reasoning to make diagnoses, based on having seen many cases over the years. Less-experienced physicians are more likely to use diagnostic guides and manuals. In practice, both approaches (if properly applied) can lead to the same diagnosis.
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Empiric risk
The chance that a disease will occur in a family, based on experience with the diagnosis, past history, and medical records rather than theory.
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Emphysema
Emphysema: is a lung condition featuring an abnormal accumulation of air due to enlargement and destruction of the lung’s many tiny air sacs resulting in the formation of scar tissue. The destruction of the air sacs and formation of scar tissue is permanent and the disease is incurable, however medication may be helpful to ease symptoms. Emphysema is…
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emia
Suffix meaning blood or referring to the presence of a substance in the blood. As for example, anemia (lack of blood) and hypervolemia (too high a volume of blood). The ending -emia is one of the building blocks derived from Greek (in this case) or Latin used to construct medical terms. From the Greek haima blood + -ia.
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Emesis
Vomiting.
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