"Ictus epilepticus" is a medical term used to describe a prolonged seizure that lasts more than five minutes or a series of seizures without recovery in between. The pronunciation of this word can be a bit challenging due to its Latin origins. The correct pronunciation is [ˈɪktəs ɛpɪlɛptɪkəs], with the stress falling on the first syllable of both words. The first word, ictus, is pronounced with a short "i" and the "u" is pronounced as "uh." The second word, epilepticus, has the stress on the second-to-last syllable and is pronounced with a "kuh" sound instead of a "sih" sound.
Ictus epilepticus is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by a prolonged or continuous seizure or a series of seizures that occur back-to-back without the individual regaining consciousness in between. It is a severe form of epileptic seizure activity that requires immediate medical attention.
During an ictus epilepticus, an individual experiences recurrent seizures that last longer than usual or occur too close together. This condition is considered a medical emergency as it can pose serious health risks. Prolonged seizures can lead to oxygen deprivation to the brain and other vital organs, potentially causing severe injury or even death if left untreated.
The causes of ictus epilepticus can vary, including brain injuries, infections, underlying medical conditions, drug overdose or withdrawal, and poorly controlled epilepsy. It can affect individuals of any age, including children and adults with known or unknown epilepsy.
Treatment for ictus epilepticus typically involves immediate intervention to halt the seizure activity and ensure the individual's safety. This may involve administering antiepileptic medications, such as benzodiazepines, to stop the seizures. In some cases, additional medical interventions, such as intravenous medications or anesthesia, may be necessary to bring the seizure activity under control.
Due to the potentially life-threatening nature of ictus epilepticus, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance if someone is experiencing prolonged or recurrent seizures without regaining consciousness. Prompt medical intervention can help prevent further injury and complications associated with this condition.
An epileptic convulsion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ictus epilepticus" is a medical term used to describe a prolonged or continuous seizure or convulsion.
The term can be broken down into two parts: "ictus" and "epilepticus".
1. "Ictus" derives from the Latin word "īctus", which means "blow", "stroke", or "seizure". It is also related to the Latin verb "īcere", which means "to hit" or "to strike". In medical terminology, "ictus" is commonly used to refer to a sudden attack or seizure-like episode.
2. "Epilepticus" is derived from "epilepsy", which originates from the Greek word "epilēpsía".