How Do You Spell LEPTOMENINGITIS EXTERNA?

Pronunciation: [lˌɛptə͡ʊmˌɛnɪnd͡ʒˈa͡ɪtɪs ɛkstˈɜːnə] (IPA)

Leptomeningitis externa is a medical term that refers to the inflammation of the outermost layer of the brain and spinal cord. The word is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /lɛptoʊmɛnɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs ɛkˈstɜrnə/. The first syllable, "lepto," is pronounced as "leptoh," and the second syllable, "meningitis," is pronounced as "menin-jai-tis." The final part, "externa," is pronounced as "ek-stur-nuh." The spelling of this complex word may be difficult for some individuals, but with practice, it can be spelled correctly.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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LEPTOMENINGITIS EXTERNA Meaning and Definition

  1. Leptomeningitis externa refers to a medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the outermost layers of the meninges, which are the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The term "leptomeningitis" specifically refers to inflammation of the two inner layers of the meninges, while "externa" denotes that the inflammation is occurring in the outermost layer known as the dura mater.

    This condition is often caused by bacteria entering the cranial or spinal compartments through various routes such as a skull fracture, surgical procedures, or infections in adjacent structures like the ear or sinuses. Leptomeningitis externa is less common than its counterpart, meningitis, which involves inflammation of the inner layers of the meninges.

    Symptoms of leptomeningitis externa typically include severe headaches, neck stiffness, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may also experience sensitivity to light, confusion, and altered mental state. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, such as the spread of infection to the brain or spinal cord, which can lead to serious neurological damage.

    Treatment often involves the administration of intravenous antibiotics to target the specific bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain any abscess or remove the source of infection. Prognosis varies depending on the individual's overall health, the causative organism, and the timeliness of treatment initiation.

  2. Inflammation of the arachnoid, arachnitis.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for LEPTOMENINGITIS EXTERNA

  • leptwomeningitisexterna
  • leptoomeningitisexterna
  • l eptomeningitis externa
  • lept omeningitis externa
  • lepto meningitis externa
  • leptom eningitis externa
  • leptome ningitis externa
  • leptomen ingitis externa
  • leptomeni ngitis externa
  • leptomenin gitis externa
  • leptomening itis externa
  • leptomeningi tis externa
  • leptomeningit is externa
  • leptomeningiti s externa
  • leptomeningitis e xterna
  • leptomeningitis ex terna
  • leptomeningitis ext erna
  • leptomeningitis exte rna
  • leptomeningitis exter na
  • leptomeningitis extern a

Etymology of LEPTOMENINGITIS EXTERNA

The term "leptomeningitis externa" consists of several roots:

1. "Lepto-" is derived from the Greek word "leptos", meaning "thin" or "slender".

2. "Meningitis" originates from the Greek word "meninx", which translates to "membrane" or "meninges", the three protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

3. "Externa" comes from the Latin word "externus", meaning "external" or "outer".

Combining these roots, "leptomeningitis externa" signifies inflammation occurring in the external or outer layers of the meninges, particularly the arachnoid and pia mater.