LOCKEDJAW Meaning and
Definition
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Lockedjaw is a medical term commonly referred to as tetanus, a serious bacterial infection that affects the muscles and nerves. It is characterized by intense muscle stiffness, particularly in the jaw and neck, which can lead to difficulty in opening the mouth and swallowing. The term "lockedjaw" stems from the rigid and often spasm-prone state of the jaw muscles, causing the affected individual to be unable to fully open their mouth.
Tetanus is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium, typically entering the body through a deep wound or puncture. Once introduced, the bacteria release toxins that interfere with nerve signals, making the muscles contract and become rigid. This rigidity extends to the muscles of the jaw, creating the characteristic "lockjaw" symptom.
Alongside lockjaw, other symptoms of tetanus may include muscle stiffness and spasms in the neck, back, and abdominal muscles, resulting in arching of the back and an overall rigid posture. Additional signs might include difficulty swallowing, fever, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and sweating. In severe cases, tetanus can lead to muscle fractures and respiratory compromise due to the inability to breathe properly.
Treatment for tetanus typically involves a combination of administering tetanus immune globulin (TIG) to neutralize the bacterial toxins and hospital care to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. Prevention is primarily achieved through vaccination, as regular boosters of the tetanus vaccine help to maintain immunity against the bacterium.
Common Misspellings for LOCKEDJAW
- kockedjaw
- pockedjaw
- oockedjaw
- lickedjaw
- lkckedjaw
- llckedjaw
- lpckedjaw
- l0ckedjaw
- l9ckedjaw
- loxkedjaw
- lovkedjaw
- lofkedjaw
- lodkedjaw
- locjedjaw
- locmedjaw
- locledjaw
- locoedjaw
- lociedjaw
- lockwdjaw
- locksdjaw
Etymology of LOCKEDJAW
The word "lockedjaw" is a compound word composed of "locked" and "jaw".
"Locked" comes from the Old English word "locian", meaning 'to fasten or shut.' The term evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*lukōną", related to the Old Norse "lúka" and Old High German "louhhan", which all carried similar meanings.
"Jaw", on the other hand, originated from the Old English "ceowan", which meant 'to chew or devour.' This term is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*keuwo" or "*kiawō".
The term "lockedjaw" specifically refers to a condition known as tetanus, characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms including those in the jaw, leading to difficulty in opening the mouth.
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