ELECTROCONVULSIVE Meaning and
Definition
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Electroconvulsive, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is a medical procedure that involves passing an electric current through the brain to produce a controlled seizure. Typically used as a treatment for severe mental disorders, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or catatonia, electroconvulsive therapy aims to alleviate symptoms that have not responded to other forms of therapy or medication.
During the procedure, the patient is first given a muscle relaxant and an anesthetic to prevent pain and minimize physical movement. Then, electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp, delivering brief pulses of electrical current to the brain, which induces a therapeutic seizure. The seizure is carefully monitored and lasts for a short duration.
The exact mechanism behind electroconvulsive therapy's effectiveness is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the seizure activity alters the chemical balance in the brain, leading to improvements in mood and cognition. Electroconvulsive therapy is usually administered in a series of sessions for best results, with a frequency determined by the severity of the condition being treated.
While electroconvulsive therapy can be highly effective, it is a controversial treatment due to its potential side effects, which may include temporary confusion, memory loss, headaches, and muscle soreness. These side effects are typically short-term and resolve following treatment. Nevertheless, the benefits and risks of electroconvulsive therapy are carefully considered on an individual basis, with close monitoring and evaluation by a trained healthcare professional.
Common Misspellings for ELECTROCONVULSIVE
Etymology of ELECTROCONVULSIVE
The word "electroconvulsive" originates from two separate roots: "electro" and "convulsive".
The root "electro" is derived from the Greek word "ēlektron", meaning "amber" or "electricity". It was initially used to describe amber's property to attract lightweight objects when rubbed, leading to the discovery of static electricity. Over time, the term "electro" came to represent anything related to electricity and got incorporated into various scientific fields.
The term "convulsive" has its roots in the Latin word "convulsus", which means "to shake violently". It stems from the verb "convellere", which translates to "to tear loose" or "to pull violently".
When these two roots are combined, "electroconvulsive" refers to a technique or phenomenon involving electricity and causing involuntary convulsions or muscle contractions.
Similar spelling words for ELECTROCONVULSIVE
- electron shell,
- electronically,
- electropositive,
- electrochemical,
- electromotXsive,
- electronic voltmeter,
- electrocutioner,
- electronegative,
- electron multiplier,
- electronegativity,
- electroneutral.
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