HYPSARRHYTHMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hypsarrhythmia refers to an abnormal pattern of brain waves that is typically observed on an electroencephalogram (EEG). It is characterized by highly disorganized and chaotic electrical activity in the brain. The term "hypsarrhythmia" is derived from the Greek words "hypsos" meaning "disorder" and "rhythmos" meaning "rhythm."
This neurological abnormality is commonly associated with a rare and severe form of epilepsy called West syndrome or infantile spasms. It primarily affects infants between the ages of three and twelve months, though it can occur in older children or adults as well. Hypsarrhythmia is typically a sign of an underlying neurological condition rather than a standalone disorder.
The EEG pattern of hypsarrhythmia is distinctive, characterized by high-amplitude and asynchronous brain wave activity. It appears as irregular spikes, sharp waves, and slow wave discharges across multiple brain regions. The chaotic and uncontrolled electrical activity of hypsarrhythmia often manifests as developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and seizures in affected individuals.
The exact cause of hypsarrhythmia is still unknown, but it is believed to result from abnormalities in the structural or functional development of the brain. It can be associated with genetic mutations, brain malformations, or various other neurological disorders. Treatment for hypsarrhythmia generally involves addressing the underlying cause, controlling seizures with antiepileptic medications, and sometimes implementing therapies such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or vigabatrin to alleviate the abnormal EEG pattern and improve the developmental outcomes of affected individuals.
Common Misspellings for HYPSARRHYTHMIA
- gypsarrhythmia
- bypsarrhythmia
- nypsarrhythmia
- jypsarrhythmia
- uypsarrhythmia
- yypsarrhythmia
- htpsarrhythmia
- hgpsarrhythmia
- hhpsarrhythmia
- hupsarrhythmia
- h7psarrhythmia
- h6psarrhythmia
- hyosarrhythmia
- hylsarrhythmia
- hy-sarrhythmia
- hy0sarrhythmia
- hypaarrhythmia
- hypzarrhythmia
- hypxarrhythmia
- hypdarrhythmia
Etymology of HYPSARRHYTHMIA
The word "Hypsarrhythmia" is believed to have originated from the Greek roots "hypsos" meaning "height" or "high", and "rhythmos" meaning "rhythm". In medical terminology, "hypsarrhythmia" refers to a disorder characterized by abnormal and chaotic brain waves, often associated with seizures, commonly seen in individuals with infantile spasms or West syndrome. The term was first coined and introduced by the neurologist and pediatrician William James West in 1841, as he described the unique EEG pattern associated with the condition.
