Meningomyelitis is a medical term that refers to inflammation of the spinal cord and meninges. The word is pronounced as /mɛnɪŋoʊmaɪəlaɪtɪs/, which can be broken down into individual phonemes to understand its spelling. The first syllable is "menin" (mɛnɪn), followed by "go" (oʊ) and "my" (maɪ). The next syllable is "el" (əl) and the final syllable is "itis" (aɪtɪs). The spelling of meningomyelitis can be tricky due to the combination of vowels and consonants, but breaking down the word into individual sounds makes it easier to spell correctly.
Meningomyelitis is a medical condition characterized by the simultaneous inflammation of the meninges, the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, and the spinal cord itself. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition typically caused by an infection, although it can also be the result of an autoimmune response.
The inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord leads to a range of symptoms, including severe headaches, neck stiffness, fever, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. In some cases, individuals may also experience weakness or paralysis in their limbs or even loss of bladder and bowel control.
There are several potential causes for meningomyelitis, with the most common being bacterial or viral infections. Bacterial meningomyelitis is often caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis, while the viral form can be caused by viruses such as herpes simplex or enteroviruses. Autoimmune meningomyelitis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system.
Treatment for meningomyelitis typically involves the administration of antibiotics or antiviral medications to combat the infection. Supportive care, such as pain relief and intravenous fluids, may also be provided to manage symptoms and maintain hydration. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially if paralysis or other debilitating symptoms are present.
It is vital to seek immediate medical attention if someone exhibits symptoms associated with meningomyelitis, as prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome and minimizing potential complications.
Inflammation of the spinal cord and of its enveloping arachnoid and pia mater, and less commonly also of the dura mater.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "meningomyelitis" is derived from two elements: "meningo-" and "-myelitis".
The first element, "meningo-", is derived from the Greek word "mēninges", which refers to the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. This element is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a relationship with the meninges.
The second element, "-myelitis", is derived from the Greek word "muelos" which means "marrow". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of the spinal cord.
Combining these two elements, "meningomyelitis" refers to the inflammation of both the meninges and the spinal cord.