IDIOPATHIC TETANUS Meaning and
Definition
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Idiopathic tetanus is a medical condition characterized by a state of prolonged muscular contraction and spasm caused by the release of neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Unlike tetanus that is contracted through an external wound or injury, idiopathic tetanus refers to cases where the specific source of infection cannot be ascertained or identified.
The term "idiopathic" means arising spontaneously or of unknown cause, and in the context of tetanus, it indicates that the infection has developed without a clear external trigger. Usually, tetanus results from contamination of wounds with spores of Clostridium tetani, which can be found in soil, dust, and animal feces. However, in idiopathic tetanus, the mode of transmission remains unclear, and there is no apparent injury site or known exposure to potential sources of contamination.
The symptoms of idiopathic tetanus typically appear within 7 to 21 days after infection. They often start with muscle stiffness and spasms in the jaw, giving rise to the common name "lockjaw." The muscle contractions then spread to other parts of the body, including the neck, arms, and legs. Additional symptoms may include fever, sweating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and difficulty swallowing. Without prompt medical intervention, idiopathic tetanus can lead to severe complications such as respiratory distress, pneumonia, and cardiac arrest.
Treatment for idiopathic tetanus usually involves a combination of wound care, administration of tetanus immunoglobulin and antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Vaccination against tetanus is a vital preventive measure, and individuals should ensure that their immunizations are up to date to protect themselves from this potentially life-threatening condition.
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T. occurring without any visible wound to serve as a portal of entry for the specific bacillus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IDIOPATHIC TETANUS
- udiopathic tetanus
- jdiopathic tetanus
- kdiopathic tetanus
- odiopathic tetanus
- 9diopathic tetanus
- 8diopathic tetanus
- isiopathic tetanus
- ixiopathic tetanus
- iciopathic tetanus
- ifiopathic tetanus
- iriopathic tetanus
- ieiopathic tetanus
- iduopathic tetanus
- idjopathic tetanus
- idkopathic tetanus
- idoopathic tetanus
- id9opathic tetanus
- id8opathic tetanus
- idiipathic tetanus
- idikpathic tetanus
Etymology of IDIOPATHIC TETANUS
The term "idiopathic tetanus" can be broken down into the roots "idiopathic" and "tetanus".
1. Idiopathic: The word "idiopathic" is derived from the Greek words "idios" meaning "one's own" or "peculiar" and "pathos" meaning "disease" or "suffering". In medical terminology, "idiopathic" is used to describe a condition or disease that arises spontaneously or from an unknown cause. It suggests that the cause of the condition is unique to the individual.
2. Tetanus: The word "tetanus" comes from the Greek word "tetanos", which means "stiff" or "tension". In medicine, tetanus refers to an acute and often fatal infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms.
