EPIDEMIC TETANY Meaning and
Definition
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Epidemic tetany refers to a medical condition characterized by sudden and repetitive muscle spasms or cramps due to low calcium levels in the blood, commonly occurring within a specific population during an epidemic outbreak. The term "tetany" is derived from the Greek word "tēnein," meaning to stretch, as this condition often manifests as involuntary and prolonged muscle contractions.
Typically, epidemic tetany arises due to an acute deficiency of calcium, which is essential for normal muscle function, in combination with low levels of magnesium and vitamin D. It is most frequently observed in areas with limited access to sources of dietary calcium, primarily affecting young children and pregnant or lactating women. During an epidemic, the scarcity of resources and malnutrition may exacerbate these deficiencies, leading to an increased susceptibility to epidemic tetany.
Symptoms of epidemic tetany include a tingling or numbness sensation in the extremities, muscle spasms in the hands and feet, facial grimacing, difficulty speaking, and, in severe cases, seizures. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory distress.
Treatment for epidemic tetany involves the administration of intravenous calcium or oral supplements with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, along with addressing the underlying nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, ensuring access to a balanced diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and other necessary nutrients is essential for long-term prevention and control of epidemic tetany.
In conclusion, epidemic tetany refers to a condition characterized by muscle spasms caused by low levels of calcium, primarily affecting a specific population during an epidemic outbreak. Timely medical intervention and addressing nutritional deficiencies are vital in managing and preventing this condition.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPIDEMIC TETANY
- wpidemic tetany
- spidemic tetany
- dpidemic tetany
- rpidemic tetany
- 4pidemic tetany
- 3pidemic tetany
- eoidemic tetany
- elidemic tetany
- e-idemic tetany
- e0idemic tetany
- epudemic tetany
- epjdemic tetany
- epkdemic tetany
- epodemic tetany
- ep9demic tetany
- ep8demic tetany
- episemic tetany
- epixemic tetany
- epicemic tetany
- epifemic tetany
Etymology of EPIDEMIC TETANY
The word "epidemic tetany" is derived from two components:
1. Epidemic: The term "epidemic" originates from the Greek word "epidēmia", which can be broken down further into "epi" meaning "upon" or "among" and "dēmos" meaning "people" or "population". It refers to the occurrence of a disease or a health-related condition that spreads rapidly and affects a significant number of individuals within a particular population or geographic area.
2. Tetany: The term "tetany" comes from the Greek word "tetanos", which means "rigidity" or "stiffness". It is used to describe a condition characterized by spasms, muscle cramps, and chronic contractions that result from low levels of calcium in the blood.
Similar spelling word for EPIDEMIC TETANY
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