Application of Electric Current in Diagnosis and Treatment Medical and Surgical Galvanism

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the application of electric current in medical diagnostics and treatment, including techniques, definitions, and clinical implications.

Electrolysis

The process by which electrical energy is used to drive a chemical reaction, typically involving the dissociation of electrolyte solutions into ions.

Iontophoresis

The technique of introducing charged ions into tissues through the skin using electrical current.

Electrophoresis

A method that allows for the separation of different substances in a solution based on their electrical charge.

Electroosmosis

The movement of liquid through a porous material induced by an electric field.

Zeta Potential

The measure of the attractive or repulsive forces between particles in a suspension, corresponding to the electrical charge on the particle surfaces.

Chronaxie

The minimum time required for a current double the strength of the rheobase to stimulate a muscle or nerve.

Rheobase

The minimum current strength required to elicit a noticeable response from a muscle or nerve over an infinite duration.

Electrodiagnosis

The use of electrical methods to diagnose health conditions, exemplified by techniques like ECG and EEG.

Electrotherapy

The use of electrical energy to treat various diseases and conditions.

Antifibrillation

The process of restoring normal heart rhythm from fibrillation using electrical stimulation.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A psychiatric treatment in which seizures are electrically induced in anesthetized patients to relieve severe depression.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

A pain relief technique that involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate nerves.

Electromyelography (EMG)

A diagnostic technique used to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them by measuring electrical activity.

Electrocardiography (ECG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time.

Silver Iontophoresis

A method using electrical current to deliver silver ions through the skin for therapeutic purposes.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment

The use of iontophoresis to treat excessive sweating.

Curarization

The administration of muscle relaxant drugs during ECT to prevent severe muscular contractions.

Electrical Burns

Injuries caused by contact with electrical energy that results in tissue damage.

Electrodes

Conductors through which electrical energy enters or leaves the body in electrodiagnostic and electrotherapy applications.

Capillary Action

The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces.

Electrogastrography

A recording of the electrical activity of the stomach.

Electrooculography

A technique used to measure eye movements by recording the electrical potentials.

Electronystagmography

A diagnostic test that records involuntary eye movements to assess vestibular function.

Electroretinography

A diagnostic test that measures the electrical responses of the retina to light.

pH Influence on Zeta Potential

The relationship between the pH of a solution and the zeta potential, affecting particle behavior.

Erythrocyte Aggregation

The clumping of red blood cells, influenced by zeta potential and plasma components.

Curative Electrotherapy

Therapeutic use of electricity for healing purposes.

Safety Precautions in Electrotherapy

Guidelines to prevent adverse reactions related to the use of electrical currents in treatment.

Electric Shock Severity Factors

Elements that influence the extent of injury from electric shock, including voltage and current path.

Household Electrical Systems

Home electrical systems where improper use can cause electrical injuries.

Voltage Measurement

The assessment of electrical potential difference which influences shock severity.

Resistance of the Human Body

A measure of how much the body opposes the flow of electric current.

Direct Current

Electrical current that flows in one direction steadily, commonly used in therapeutic applications.

Alternating Current

Electric current that reverses direction periodically, used in various electrical devices.

Electrical Circuit Completion

The condition required for electrical current to flow, essential for electrical safety.

Therapeutic Electric Current Characteristics

Attributes of electric currents used therapeutically, including frequency and intensity.

Patient Monitoring in Electrotherapy

The continuous observation of patients during electrical treatment to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Residency with Electric Current

Long-term effects or discomfort resulting from exposure to electric currents.

Surgical Electrosurgery

The use of electric currents for surgical cutting and coagulating tissues.

Behavior of Electrical Ions

The movement and interaction of ions in response to electric fields.

Clinical Applications of Iontophoresis

Used for drug delivery, especially for dermatological therapies.

Indications for ECT

Conditions for which Electroconvulsive Therapy is commonly applied, including severe depression.

Contraindications for Iontophoresis

Medical conditions or situations that make iontophoresis unsafe or ineffective.

Electrical Nerve Stimulation

A technique used to modulate nerve impulses using electrical currents.

High-Voltage Injuries

Severe injuries resulting from exposure to high-voltage electrical sources.

Low Voltage Effects

Damaging effects from low-voltage exposure, commonly leading to burns.

EMG Testing in Clinical Diagnosis

A technique to evaluate muscle and nerve function.

Electric Shock and Thermal Burns

Injuries resulting from high current that cause damage to body tissues.

Device Functionality Checks

Regular inspections to ensure the safety and effectiveness of electrical therapeutic devices.

Nerve Conduction Velocity

The speed at which an electrical impulse travels through a nerve.

Muscle Relaxation during ECT

The alleviation of muscle tension during electroconvulsive therapy via pharmacological agents.

Physiological Effects of Direct Current

The bodily responses elicited by the application of direct electrical current.

Electrophoresis Application

Used for separating molecules based on their charge and mass.

Clinical Importance of Zeta Potential

Significance of zeta potential in understanding intercellular interactions.

Electrical Field Effects on Liquids

Influences on liquid movement when an electric field is applied.

Acute vs. Chronic Electric Injuries

Differentiating between immediate and long-term effects of electric shock.

Prevention of Electric Shock

Strategies to avoid accidental injuries resulting from electrical devices.

Voltage Control in Therapeutic Applications

Regulating voltage levels to ensure safe electrotherapy treatments.

Thermal Effects of Electrical Energy

Heat generated by electrical currents that can cause tissue damage.

Bioelectricity in Medical Treatments

The use of electrical phenomena in biological systems for therapeutic benefits.

Foam insulation for electrical safety

Material used to protect against accidental electrical exposure.

Network of Electric Circuits in Home

The system of wiring in homes where electrical devices operate.

Conductive vs. Non-Conductive Materials

Difference between materials that allow and block the flow of electric current.

Physiological Assessment Techniques

Methods used to evaluate body functions, often including electrical measurements.

Neurological Monitoring

Observation of brain and nerve function using electrical measurements.

Cardiac Risk Factors for Electric Shock

Conditions that may exacerbate the effects of electric shock on the heart.

Electrical Insulation

Materials that prevent the flow of electrical current used for safety.

Signs of Electrical Burns

Manifestations of injury resulting from electrical contact, identifying the severity.

Regulatory Compliance in Electrotherapy

Adherence to safety and effectiveness standards in therapeutic practices involving electricity.

Capsule Electrophoresis

A specific form of electrophoresis aimed at studying encapsulated substances.

Therapeutic Electric Bath

A therapeutic application involving immersion in water with electric current.

Electric Current Safety Guidelines

Protocols for the safe use of electric currents in therapeutic settings.

Electrical Resistance Testing

Evaluation of resistance levels to identify vulnerabilities in electrical systems.

Clinical Effects of High Frequencies

Impact of high-frequency electrical currents on tissues.

Pathophysiological Changes from Electric Shock

Alterations in body functions due to electric shock exposure.

Professional Training for Electrical Safety

Education for practitioners to minimize risks associated with electric treatments.

Electric Current Pathways in the Body

Routes through which electric current flows, potentially causing varied effects.

Burn Management from Electrical Injuries

Approaches to treat injuries resulting from electric burns.

Management of Muscle Spasms during ECT

Interventions used during ECT to manage involuntary muscle contractions.

Electrode Placement for EMG

Specific positioning of electrodes for accurate nerve conduction studies.

Interference Patterns in Electrophoresis

Distinct shapes resulting from the interaction of different particles moving electrically.

Chronic Pain Therapy with TENS

Long-term use of TENS devices to manage persistent pain conditions.