Atelomyelia is a medical term primarily used to describe the absence of the normal development of spinal cord segments. This word is spelled as /ætɪləmɑɪˈiːliə/, where "a" sounds like in "cat," "e" is pronounced similar to "bet," "i" is like "ee," and "o" is like "law." The word has Greek roots, where "atelos" means "incomplete" and "myelos" means "marrow" or "spinal cord." This term is used to diagnose and treat diseases or injuries affecting the spinal cord.
Atelomyelia is a medical term that refers to a rare congenital condition characterized by the incomplete development or malformation of the spinal cord. Derived from the Greek words "atelos" meaning incomplete and "myelos" meaning spinal cord, atelomyelia is typically present at birth and affects the structure and function of the spinal cord.
In individuals with atelomyelia, there is a failure of the neural tube to completely close during the early stages of fetal development, leading to abnormalities in the spinal cord. The condition can manifest in various ways, including spinal cord tethering, wherein the spinal cord becomes abnormally attached to surrounding tissues, or spinal dysraphism, which involves abnormal development or fusion of the vertebrae.
Symptoms of atelomyelia may vary depending on the severity and location of the malformation. Common manifestations include weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs, altered sensation, difficulty with coordination and balance, scoliosis, and bladder and bowel dysfunctions. The condition may also be associated with other congenital anomalies, such as Chiari malformation, hydrocephalus, or spina bifida.
Diagnosis of atelomyelia typically involves a thorough medical history assessment, physical examination, and imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize the spinal cord and surrounding structures.
Treatment options for atelomyelia aim to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. This may involve surgical interventions to correct spinal abnormalities or release tethering, physical therapy to improve mobility and function, and ongoing monitoring and support to address associated conditions and minimize long-term disabilities.
Imperfect development of the spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atelomyelia" is a medical term derived from Greek roots. It can be broken down as follows:
1. "A-" is a prefix in Greek that often signifies negative or absence.
2. "telos" (τέλος) means "end" or "completion" in Greek.
3. "myelos" (μυελός) refers to the spinal cord in Greek.
4. The suffix "-ia" ( -ία) is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a condition or disorder.
Therefore, "atelomyelia" is a compound word where "atelos" signifies the absence or incomplete nature of something, and "myelos" refers to the spinal cord. Combined, the term atelomyelia describes a condition characterized by partial or incomplete development of the spinal cord.