HIPPOCRATIC FACE Meaning and
Definition
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Hippocratic Face is a term often used in medicine to describe a characteristic facial appearance associated with severe illness or impending death. The term originates from the Greek physician Hippocrates, who is considered the father of modern medicine. Hippocratic Face is a visual manifestation of the physical consequences of a person's deteriorating health.
The hallmark features of Hippocratic Face include a hollow or sunken appearance, with prominent, sunken eyes and temples, deep furrows and hollowed cheeks. The skin may appear pale and waxen, indicating poor circulation and oxygenation. The overall facial expression may be describable as grim and lacking in vitality, reflecting the individual's underlying illness and physiological decline.
Hippocratic Face is commonly observed in terminal diseases characterized by significant weight loss, such as advanced stages of cancer, severe malnutrition, or certain chronic illnesses. It is believed to be an indicator of extensive tissue wasting and generalised muscle loss. It can also be observed in cases of extreme exhaustion or in severe psychological distress.
The recognition of Hippocratic Face is important in a clinical context, as it often represents an alarming sign that the individual's health has significantly deteriorated, and that interventions may be necessary. However, it should be noted that the presence of a Hippocratic Face is not always synonymous with imminent death, as certain medical interventions or improvements in overall health can potentially reverse or alter this appearance.
Common Misspellings for HIPPOCRATIC FACE
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Etymology of HIPPOCRATIC FACE
The term "Hippocratic Face" derives from the Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE and is often referred to as the father of medicine. The word "Hippocratic" comes from his name.
The concept of the "Hippocratic Face" or "Hippocratic facies" dates back to ancient Greece and is mentioned in the work of several Greek physicians who studied under or were influenced by Hippocrates. It refers to a specific set of facial features associated with severe illness or impending death.
The etymology of the term is straightforward. "Hippocratic" refers to Hippocrates, acknowledging his significant contributions to medicine, while "face" simply refers to the appearance or expression of the human face.
