ELECTROGASTROGRAM Meaning and
Definition
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An electrogastrogram (EGG) refers to a medical diagnostic test that measures and records the electrical activity of the stomach muscles. The term "electrogastrogram" can be broken down into several components: "electro" meaning electricity, "gastro" pertaining to the stomach, and "gram" indicating a recording or writing.
During an EGG, electrodes are attached to the skin of the patient's abdomen, which detect and record the electrical signals produced by the stomach muscles as they contract and relax. These electrical signals are known as gastric myoelectrical activity. The EGG is typically performed over a certain duration of time, ranging from minutes to several hours, in order to capture both fasting and postprandial (after-meal) periods.
By examining the patterns and rhythms of the recorded signals, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the functioning of the stomach, such as the rate and regularity of the muscle contractions. Information obtained from an electrogastrogram can be particularly useful in diagnosing various gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis (a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying), dyspepsia (indigestion), and certain motility disorders.
The electrogastrogram has proven to be a non-invasive and relatively simple diagnostic tool in assessing stomach function. However, it should be noted that it is not typically used as a standalone test but rather in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory investigations to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's gastric activity.
Etymology of ELECTROGASTROGRAM
The word "electrogastrogram" is derived from three main roots: "electro", "gastro", and "gram".
1. "Electro" is derived from the Greek word "ēlektron", meaning "amber". It refers to electricity or electrical properties.
2. "Gastro" comes from the Greek word "gaster", meaning "belly" or "stomach". It pertains to the digestive system, particularly the stomach.
3. "Gram" is derived from the Greek word "gramma", meaning "written" or "record". It signifies a trace or record of something.
Combining these roots, "electrogastrogram" literally means "a record or trace of the electrical activity in the stomach". The term is typically used in the medical field to refer to a diagnostic test that measures and records the electrical activity of the stomach muscles.
