CEREBRAL MALARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Cerebral malaria is a severe and potentially life-threatening neurological complication that occurs as a result of infection with the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous species of malaria parasites. It is characterized by the presence of the malaria parasite in the blood vessels of the brain, leading to inflammation and disruption of normal brain function.
This condition typically manifests as a severe form of malaria, causing rapid progression of symptoms, including high fever, seizures, confusion, coma, and impaired consciousness. It primarily affects children and adults living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The pathogenesis of cerebral malaria involves several factors, including the adherence of infected red blood cells to blood vessel walls in the brain, leading to obstruction of blood flow and subsequent damage to brain tissues. The immune response also plays a significant role, resulting in the release of toxic molecules and cytokines that further contribute to brain dysfunction and injury.
If left untreated, cerebral malaria can be fatal, and even with prompt and appropriate treatment, it can result in long-term neurological complications, such as cognitive impairment, epilepsy, and motor dysfunction.
The diagnosis of cerebral malaria is based on clinical signs and symptoms, and confirmation usually requires the detection of the malaria parasite through blood tests. Treatment involves the immediate administration of anti-malarial medications along with supportive care, such as fluids, anticonvulsants, and management of complications. Prevention strategies, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, malaria prophylaxis medications, and mosquito control measures, are crucial in reducing the risk of acquiring cerebral malaria.
Common Misspellings for CEREBRAL MALARIA
- xerebral malaria
- verebral malaria
- ferebral malaria
- derebral malaria
- cwrebral malaria
- csrebral malaria
- cdrebral malaria
- crrebral malaria
- c4rebral malaria
- c3rebral malaria
- ceeebral malaria
- cedebral malaria
- cefebral malaria
- cetebral malaria
- ce5ebral malaria
- ce4ebral malaria
- cerwbral malaria
- cersbral malaria
- cerdbral malaria
- cerrbral malaria
Etymology of CEREBRAL MALARIA
The word "cerebral" originates from the Latin word "cerebrum", meaning "brain". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "ker", which refers to the head. "Cerebral" is used to describe anything related to the brain or intellect.
The term "malaria" has roots in Italian, deriving from the words "mala" meaning "bad" and "aria" meaning "air". It was initially used to describe the disease's association with the bad air found in swampy regions. Over time, it became the common name for the infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through mosquito bites.
Therefore, the term "cerebral malaria" combines "cerebral" to indicate its impact on the brain and "malaria" to describe the specific type of malaria that affects the brain.
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