Diplomyelia is a term used in the medical field to describe a rare condition where an individual has two separate spinal cords, each with its own set of nerves. The word is spelled as "dye-ploh-my-EE-lee-uh." The "dye" represents the "d" sound, while "ploh" indicates the "pl" sound. "My" is pronounced as "my," and "EE" is used to represent the long "e" sound. Finally, "lee" represents the "l" sound, while "uh" signifies the "a" sound. The IPA transcription of "diplomyelia" can help individuals understand the correct pronunciation of the word.
Diplomyelia is a medical term used to describe a rare congenital condition characterized by the presence of two spinal cords within a single vertebral column. It is typically seen at birth and is caused by incomplete separation of the neural tube during fetal development. This anomaly is often associated with other spinal abnormalities, such as vertebral malformations or tethered cord syndrome.
The duplicated spinal cords in diplomyelia often have their own nerve roots and blood supply, but they can also share some structures. The condition can differ in severity and presentation, with some individuals experiencing no symptoms throughout their lives, while others may develop neurological deficits or other complications.
The symptoms of diplomyelia can include motor deficits, such as muscle weakness or paralysis, difficulty with coordination, sensory abnormalities, and problems with bowel or bladder control. The severity and location of symptoms depend on the degree of spinal cord duplication and the level at which the abnormality occurs.
Diagnosis of diplomyelia typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly utilized to visualize the spinal cord and identify the presence of duplicate structures.
Treatment for diplomyelia depends on the specific symptoms and needs of the individual. It may involve conservative management with physical therapy and assistive devices, or surgical intervention to address associated complications, such as spinal cord tethering or spinal fusion. Long-term care and monitoring are often necessary to manage any potential neurological or functional issues that may arise.
The presence of a fissure in the spinal cord, the two lateral halves being more or less distinct.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "diplomyelia" is a medical term that combines two Greek roots:
1. "Diplo" is derived from the Greek word "διπλοῦς" (diplous), meaning "double" or "twofold".
2. "Myelia" is derived from the Greek word "μυελός" (myelos), which refers to the spinal cord or bone marrow.
Thus, "diplomyelia" can be understood as "double spinal cord", indicating a condition characterized by the presence of two spinal cords or a segmentally duplicated spinal cord.