Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «E»:
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Entropion
Entropion involves the turning in of the edges of the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) so that the lashes rub against the eye surface.
Causes
Entropion can be present at birth (congenital).
In babies, it rarely causes problems because the lashes are very soft and do not easily damage the cornea. I...
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Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in other substances, without being changed themselves. For example, they can change starches, proteins, and sugars into substances the body can use. Blood clotting is another example of enzymes at work.
Enzymes are essential to all b...
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Enzyme markers
Enzyme markers are tests for specific enzyme activity in the body. Diseases or defects passed down through families can cause enzymes to stop working or to be less active.
Test results are reported as a percentage of normal enzyme activity....
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Eosinophil count - absolute
An absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils become active when you have certain allergic diseases, infections, and other medical conditions.
See also: Blood differential
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a v...
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Eosinophilic fasciitis
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a syndrome in which muscle tissue underneath the skin, called fascia, becomes swollen and thick. Rapid swelling can occur in the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
The disease is similar to scleroderma.
Causes
The cause of eosinophilic fasciitis is unknown. People with this cond...
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Epicanthal folds
An epicanthal fold is skin of the upper eyelid -- from the nose to the inner side of the eyebrow -- that covers the inner corner (canthus) of the eye.
Considerations
The presence of an epicanthal fold is normal in people of Asiatic descent. An epicanthal fold is also common in children with Down sy...
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Epidermolysis bullosa
Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of inherited disorders in which skin blisters develop in response to minor injury.
Causes
There are four main types of epidermolysis bullosa:
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Hemidesmosomal epidermolysis bullosa
Junctional epidermolysi...
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Epidural abscess
An epidural abscess is q collection of pus (infected material) between the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord and the bones of the skull or spine. The abscess causes swelling in the area.
Causes
Epidural abscess is a rare disorder caused by infection in the area between the bones of the sk...
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Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe).
See also: Croup
Causes
Epiglottitis is a life-threatening disease. The epiglottis is a piece of cartilage at the back of the tongue. Its job is to close off the windpipe when swallowing. It keeps food from entering t...
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Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder involving repeated, spontaneous seizures of any type. Seizures ("fits," convulsions) are episodes of disturbed brain function that cause changes in attention or behavior. They are caused by abnormally excited electrical signals in the brain.
See also: Seizures
Causes
S...
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Epilepsy - children - discharge
Your child has epilepsy. People with epilepsy have seizures. A seizure is a sudden brief change in the electrical activity in your brain. The doctor gave your child a physical examination and did some tests to find out why.
What to Expect at Home
If the doctor sent your child home with some medicin...
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Epilepsy - resources
The following organizations are good resources for information on epilepsy:
American Epilepsy Society - www.aesnet.org
Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) - www.efa.org
Alternative Names
Resources - epilepsy...
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Epilepsy - what to ask your doctor - adult
You have epilepsy. People with epilepsy have seizures. A seizure is a sudden brief change in the electrical activity in your brain. It leads to brief unconsciousness and uncontrollable body movements.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of yourself...
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Epilepsy - what to ask your doctor - child
Your child has epilepsy. People with epilepsy have seizures. A seizure is a sudden brief change in the electrical activity in your brain. It leads to brief unconsciousness and uncontrollable body movements.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of yo...
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Epilepsy or seizures - discharge
You have Epilepsy. People with epilepsy have seizures. A seizure is a sudden brief change in the electrical activity in your brain. The doctor gave you a physical examination and did some tests to find out why.
What to Expect at Home
Your doctor sent you home with some medicines to help you avoid h...
