Medical dictionary

What is an electromyography? An electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test to analyse the health of the muscles and the nerve cells (neurons) that control them by analysing electrical activity in the muscles. What does a electromyography involve? Electromyography consists of two parts: a nerve conduction study and a needle EMG. The nerve conduction study involves putting electrodes o

What is it? An intracardiac electrogram is an exam that tests the heart’s electrical system function, in order to see whether there is any arrhythmia. What does it involve? This test is considered an invasive one and is carried out under local anaesthetic. During the procedure, the doctor will insert electric cables into the chest, which will start sending periodical electric

What is electroretinography?Electroretinography, also known as electroretinogram, is a diagnostic test used to measure the electrical response of the cells of the retina (the back wall of the eye) when exposed to light.  The rod and cone cells that make up the retina are light-sensitive and are essential to our ability to see. They react to light and cause an electrical signal that

What is an embolism? An embolism is the blockage of an artery by either an air bubble or blood clot which can affect the part of the body as ischemia occurs in the area of the affected blood vessel. There are several clinical forms of embolism: the cerebral, in which the obstruction affects a brain vessel and results in a severe stroke; pulmonary embolism in which the pulmonary artery gets b

What is embryo adoption?Adoption of embryos refers to the fertility treatment where a woman is implanted with embryos from an anonymous donor.When eggs are “harvested”, the biological mother undergoing an assisted reproduction treatment does not always receive all the embryos obtained. This leaves a surplus of embryos which under the law must be properly frozen and stored. The options are the

What is embryology? Embryology is the speciality that studies the formation and development of the embryo up until its birth. Its development begins with fertilisation, which leads to the formation of the zygote. Once the process in which the main structures and organs of the embryo are developed, the result is the foetus. The foetus appears during the first month. Embryo

What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)? EMDR is a new type of psychotherapy that can help patients process and overcome past experiences. It helps patients process the emotions and beliefs associated with traumatic events that happened in their past, and are causing them mental anguish or other negative mental health symptoms. It can allow patients to see these events from a

What is emergency eye care? Emergency eye care is 24-hour access for individuals who have sustained trauma to the eye or who have severe eye pain, sudden loss of vision and other eye-related injuries. The goal is to obtain immediate treatment.   What counts as an eye emergency? The following are considered an emergency: Retinal detachment - where the retina peels away from

What is emergency surgery?Emergency surgery is when immediate, unplanned action needs to be taken after a patient has become seriously ill, badly injured or not breathing. It's done in order to save a patient's life or to deal with severe threat to organs, limbs or tissue. What type of conditions require emergency surgery?Emergency surgery can apply to various conditions. These include:S