The electroretinography (ERG) test measures the electrical activity of the retina to light. It is performed by placing an electrode on the cornea of the eye after it has been anesthetized. Both hereditary and acquired disorders of the retina can be evaluated with this test. It is also useful in
Muscle pain is most frequently related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically demanding work. Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle at the same time. Muscle pain can also involve the soft tissues that surround muscles. These structures, which are
Alternative Names CVL – infants; Central catheter – infants – surgically placed Information A cental venous line (CVL) is a long, soft plastic tube, called a catheter, that is placed into a large vein in the chest. WHY IS A CVL USED? The main reason for a CVL is to
Definition Thrombolytic therapy is the use of drugs to break up or dissolve blood clots, which are the main cause of both heart attacks and stroke. The most commonly used drug for thrombolytic therapy is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Alternative Names Tissue plasminogen activator; TPA; Alteplase; Reteplase; Tenecteplase; Activase thrombolytic
Definition A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that helps the heart beat regularly and at an appropriate rate. Alternative Names Artificial pacemaker; Permanent pacemaker; Internal pacemaker; Cardiac resynchronization therapy; CRT; Biventricular pacemaker Information A pacemaker generally has two parts: Generator – contains the battery and the information to control
Definition Intermittent catheterization is the temporary placement of a catheter (tube) to remove urine from the body. This is usually done by placing the catheter through the urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside opening) to empty the bladder. Alternative Names Self-catheterization; CISC; CIC; Intermittent catheterization
Definition A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign ) and cancerous (malignant) disease. Alternative Names Mammogram How the Test is Performed You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will
Definition X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created. Structures that are dense
Definition Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body. Alternative Names Sonogram How the Test is Performed An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which
Definition Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body. Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT ) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand