Infectious myoclonia is a medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle jerks and spasms. The spelling of this term can be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with medical terminology. The first word, "infectious," is pronounced as in·fek·shəs, with stress on the second syllable. The second word, "myoclonia," is pronounced as my·ə·kloh·nee·ə, with stress on the fourth syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription reveals the specific sounds of each syllable, making it easier to correctly spell and pronounce complicated medical terms like infectious myoclonia.
Infectious myoclonia is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by involuntary muscle jerking or spasms, which occur as a result of an underlying infection. Myoclonia is a neurological disorder that affects the muscles, causing rapid contractions and relaxation of particular muscles or groups of muscles. It is considered infectious when it is triggered by an infectious agent, such as a virus or bacterium, that invades the body and causes an immune response.
The symptoms of infectious myoclonia can vary widely depending on the specific infection involved, but typically include sudden, brief, and irregular jerking movements of the limbs, face, or torso. These spasms can occur at rest or during voluntary movements, and may be accompanied by other neurological manifestations, such as tremors or uncontrolled movements. The severity of the symptoms can range from mild twitching to severe and disabling spasms.
The diagnosis of infectious myoclonia involves a thorough medical history review, neurological examination, and various diagnostic tests, including blood tests, imaging studies, and electroencephalography (EEG). Treatment typically focuses on managing the underlying infection through appropriate antimicrobial therapy, while symptoms may be controlled with medications that suppress muscle spasms or other supportive measures.
It is important to differentiate infectious myoclonia from other causes of myoclonus, such as genetic, metabolic, or drug-induced factors. Additionally, prompt identification and treatment of the underlying infection can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications associated with infectious myoclonia.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "infectious myoclonia" is not a recognized medical term or condition. However, it seems to be a combination of two separate medical terms: "infectious" and "myoclonia".
1. Infectious: The word "infectious" comes from the Latin word "infectiosus", which means "causing infection". It derives from the Latin verb "inficere", meaning "to infect" or "to contaminate".
2. Myoclonia: The term "myoclonia" is derived from two Greek words. "Myo" means "muscle", and "clonia" means "violent action". Myoclonia refers to a sudden, brief involuntary twitching or jerking of a muscle or muscle group.