Accidental symptom is spelled /ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl ˈsɪmptəm/. The word "accidental" is spelled with a double "c" to indicate the pronunciation of the "c" as /ks/. The word "symptom" is spelled as it sounds with stress on the second syllable /ˈsɪmptəm/. The term "accidental symptom" refers to a symptom that is unintended, unexpected or not typically associated with a particular condition or disease. It could also indicate a symptom that is brought on by external factors, rather than an inherent characteristic of the illness.
Accidental symptom refers to an unexpected or unintended physical or mental manifestation that occurs alongside a primary condition or illness, which may or may not be related or directly caused by the primary condition. This secondary symptom is typically coincidental and not directly associated with the primary condition, disease, or ailment being studied or treated.
An accidental symptom may emerge spontaneously or as a side effect of ongoing treatment, medications, or therapies for the primary condition. It is often not anticipated or foreseen by medical professionals, as it may not have been previously observed or documented in relation to the primary condition. In some cases, accidental symptoms may also be the result of comorbidities or underlying conditions that were not initially known or diagnosed.
Accidental symptoms can present themselves in various ways, such as physical discomfort, abnormal sensations, mental or cognitive disturbances, or changes in routine bodily functions. These symptoms can be baffling for both patients and healthcare providers, as they may deviate from the expected progression or manifestation of the primary condition.
In medical research and practice, accidental symptoms are important to acknowledge and investigate further, as they may provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of diseases or uncover previously unknown connections between seemingly unrelated conditions. They require careful evaluation and monitoring to determine their potential impact on treatment decisions and patient management.
Any morbid phenomenon occurring in the course of a disease, but having no relation with it.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "accidental symptom" can be understood by examining the origins of each component word individually.
1. Accidental: The word "accidental" derives from the Latin word "accidentalis", which is derived from the Latin root "accidens". "Accidens" means "happening" or "occurring". In English, "accidental" refers to something occurring by chance or as a result of an unforeseen event.
2. Symptom: The word "symptom" comes from the Greek word "symptōma", which means "anything that has befallen", from the root "symptein" meaning "to befall" or "to happen". In English, "symptom" refers to an indication or sign of a disease or medical condition.