Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

epilepsy, petit mal
A form of epilepsy in which
only absence (petit mal) seizures occur, with very
brief, unannounced lapses in consciousness. See
also 
seizure, absence.
epilepsy, temporal lobe
Epilepsy characterized
by abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe of
the brain. This activity does not cause grand mal
seizures; rather, it causes unusual behaviors and pat-
terns of cognition. Temporal lobe epilepsy may, for
example, cause sudden outbursts of unexpected
aggression or agitation, or it may be characterized by
aura-like phenomena. Temporal lobe epilepsy is dif-
ficult to diagnose because temporal lobe seizures
may not show up on an EEG. Diagnosis may instead
be made through observation of symptoms or the use
of brain imaging technology. Temporal lobe epilepsy
can often be treated with the same antiseizure med-
ications that are used for other forms of epilepsy. See
also 
seizure; seizure disorders; temporal lobe.
epileptic aura
See 
aura.
epilepticus, status
See 
status epilepticus.
epinephrine
The official name for adrenaline in
the British Pharmacopoeia. See also 
adrenaline.
epiphyseal plate fracture
See 
fracture, Salter-
Harris.
epiphysis
The growth area near the end of a bone.
episcleritis
Inflammation of the episclera, a thin
membrane that covers the white of the eye (sclera).
Episcleritis is typically benign, easily treated with top-
ical anti-inflammatory drops, and usually quickly
resolved. Episcleritis can sometimes accompany other
diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
episiotomy
A surgical procedure for widening
the outlet of the birth canal to facilitate delivery of the
baby and to avoid a jagged rip of the area between
the anus and the vulva (perineum). During an epi-
siotomy, an incision is made between the vagina and
the rectum. The usual cut goes straight down and
does not involve the muscles around the rectum or
the rectum itself. An episiotomy can decrease the
amount of maternal pushing, and it may also
decrease trauma to the vaginal tissues and expedite
delivery of the baby when quick delivery is necessary.
However, episiotomies are associated with increased
incidence of extensions or tears into the muscle of
the rectum or even the rectum itself. Episiotomies
and natural tearing can often be avoided with the use
of perineal massage during delivery. Repair of the
episiotomy is by simple stitching.
epispadias
A congenital malformation in which
the opening of the urethra is on the top side of the
penis. Hypospadias is a corresponding malformation
in which the opening of the urethra is on the under-
side of the penis. Surgical repair is usually recom-
mended for epispadias. See also 
hypospadias.