Glossary

Enzymes and protein complexes that alter the DNA expression (e.g. a cell’s function) in a cell without altering the structure of the DNA. This is done by controlling the processes that determine whether a gene is turned “on” or “Off”.

ETS2 Repressor Factor. A Protein Coding gene related to  cellular pathways involved in response to cellular stimuli or to cellular senescence. Mutations in this gene have been related to craniosynostosis.

A pathway involved in DNA transcription. ERK (extracelluar signalling-regulated kinases) and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) are protein switches that act by phosphorylating proteins in cascade that ends in proteins being transcribed by DNA.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – the degree of sedimentation of red blood cells in a specimen of blood containing an anticoagulant over a one hour period reported as mm/hr. This is a non-specific measure for inflammation.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy. Refers to the use of an endoscope to create a passage from the third ventricle of the brain to the external spinal fluid spaces immediately underlying it. Used to treat hydrocephalus.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score – a calculated score based on the patient’s age, etiology of the hydrocephalus and whether or not the patient’s hydrocephalus has been previously treated with a shunt. Age of less than 1 month, hydrocephalus due to an infection and a history of previous shunting predict the least likelihood of success (0%) while an age of greater than 10 years, hydrocephalus sue to an obstruction at the level of the aqueduct of Sylvius and no previous shunting predicts the highest likelihood of success (90%).

External ventricular drain. This is a tube whose proximal end is within the ventricle and its distal end exits the patient into a closed drainage system. It allows for the controlled management of the CSF with drainage and intracranial pressure monitoring.

This term is used when there has been no change in either the clinical condition of a patient’s disease or in any tests used to follow the disease such as a radiograph or blood test.

= “flexion, abduction, and external rotation” as used in term Faber Test. The is an test to usually used to evaluate pain and a positive test (aggreviation of pain) confirms pain due to sacroiliac or hip abnormalities. It is performed with the patient lying supine with the involved side’s leg being flexed at the hip and knee, abducted at the hip and its ankle lying on th either leg’s knee (legs form a figure “4”). Examiner pushes down on flexed knee of involved limb while stabilizing contralateral anterior iliac crest.