RESOURCES: Glossary

Definitions: E

Edema: Collection of fluid in the tissue causing swelling.

Efficiency of Gait: Measuring energy expenditure, speed and endurance.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): A procedure that uses electrodes on the scalp to record electrical activity of the brain. Used for detection of epilepsy, coma, and brain death.

Electromyography (EMG): An insertion of the needle electrodes into muscles to study the electrical activity of muscle and nerve fibres. It may be somewhat painful to the patient. Helps diagnose damage to nerves or muscles.

Embolism: The sudden blocking of an artery or a vein by a blood clot, bubble of air, deposit of oil or fat, or small mass of cells deposited by the blood flow.

Emotional Lability: Exhibiting rapid and drastic changes in emotional state (laughing, crying, anger) inappropriately without apparent reason.

Encephalography: Non-invasive use of ultrasound waves to record echoes from brain tissue. Used to detect hematoma, tumor, or ventricle problems.

Endotracheal Tube: A tube that serves as an artificial airway and is inserted through the patient's mouth or nose. It passes through the throat and into the lungs to facilitate respiration.

Equilibrium Reactions: These are automatic postural adjustments which occur in response to displacement of the body's centre of gravity. They are reactions that maintain and restore balance during normal movement. Equilibrium reactions keep us where we want to be or provide the gross saving reactions which come in to play when all else has failed.