How Do You Spell HEMISPASM?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛmɪspˌazəm] (IPA)

Hemispasm is a medical term used to refer to a sudden and involuntary contraction of muscles on one side of the face. The spelling of this word is based on its Greek roots, with "hemi" meaning "half" and "spasm" meaning "contraction." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /hɛmɪˈspæzəm/, with emphasis on the first and third syllables. Hemispasm can be treated with medication, injections or surgery, depending on the severity and frequency of the contractions.

HEMISPASM Meaning and Definition

1. Hemispasm is a medical term used to describe a neurological condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions or spasms that primarily affect one side of the body. The term "hemi-" refers to "half" or "one side," while "spasm" refers to an involuntary and sudden contraction of muscles.

   This condition, also known as hemifacial spasm, typically manifests in the muscles of the face, specifically around the eye and mouth on one side. The spasms can be repetitive, causing the muscles to contract and relax rapidly and uncontrollably. In most cases, only one side of the face is affected, although it can eventually progress to involve both sides in rare instances.

   Hemispasm is often caused by the compression or irritation of the facial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face. This compression can occur due to various factors, such as blood vessels pressing against the nerve or nerve damage. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

   Symptoms of hemispasm may include twitching or tics around the eye or mouth, involuntary closure of the eye, a sensation of facial discomfort or pain, and difficulty speaking or eating. These symptoms can be intermittent or continuous, and their severity may vary.

   Treatment options for hemispasm may include medications to reduce muscle spasms, botulinum toxin injections to temporarily paralyze the affected muscles, and, in more severe cases, surgical interventions to relieve the pressure on the facial nerve.

   In conclusion, hemispasm refers to a neurological condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that primarily affect one side of the body, mainly involving the muscles of the face.

2. A spasm affecting one or more muscles of one side of the face or body only.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for HEMISPASM

• gemispasm
• bemispasm
• nemispasm
• jemispasm
• uemispasm
• yemispasm
• hwmispasm
• hsmispasm
• hdmispasm
• hrmispasm
• h4mispasm
• h3mispasm
• henispasm
• hekispasm
• hejispasm
• hemuspasm
• hemjspasm
• hemkspasm
• hemospasm
• hem9spasm

Etymology of HEMISPASM

The word "hemispasm" is a medical term that is derived from two components: "hemi-" and "-spasm".

1. "Hemi-" is derived from the Greek word "hēmi" (ἡμι-), meaning "half" or "one side". It is often used in medical terminology to refer to something that is related to, or affecting, one side of the body.

2. "-Spasm" is derived from the Greek word "spasmos" (σπασμός), meaning "convulsion" or "involuntary contraction". In medical terminology, it is commonly used to describe a sudden and abnormal contraction of muscles.

Therefore, when combined, "hemispasm" refers to a condition characterized by an involuntary contraction or twitching of muscles on one side of the body.