MERCURIAL TREMOR Meaning and
Definition
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Mercurial tremor is a medical term used to describe involuntary shaking or trembling movements that occur as a result of mercury poisoning. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe neurological symptoms when it enters the body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin.
Mercurial tremor is characterized by rhythmic and uncontrollable shaking of different parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, legs, or head. The tremors are often intermittent and can vary in severity, appearing and disappearing suddenly. They may worsen with movement, stress, or anxiety.
In addition to tremors, individuals with mercurial tremor may also experience other associated symptoms, including muscle weakness, lack of coordination, difficulty walking, and difficulties with speech or swallowing. These symptoms can greatly impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities.
The presence of mercurial tremor is a clinical indication of mercury poisoning and requires immediate medical attention. Diagnosis is typically made through a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of mercury in the body.
Treatment for mercurial tremor primarily focuses on removing the source of mercury exposure, such as discontinuing the use of mercury-containing products or removing mercury from the environment. Supportive care may also be provided to manage the symptoms and promote overall well-being. Physical and occupational therapy may be beneficial for individuals with mercurial tremor to enhance mobility and function.
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One due to chronic poisoning by mercury.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MERCURIAL TREMOR
- mercurial tremop
- mercurial tremos
- mercurialtremoar
- mercurialtremore
- m ercurial tremor
- me rcurial tremor
- mer curial tremor
- merc urial tremor
- mercu rial tremor
- mercur ial tremor
- mercuri al tremor
- mercuria l tremor
- mercurial t remor
- mercurial tr emor
- mercurial tre mor
- mercurial trem or
- mercurial tremo r
Etymology of MERCURIAL TREMOR
The term "mercurial tremor" has its roots in two different sources.
1. "Mercurial" derives from the Latin word "mercurialis", which is related to the Roman god Mercury. In Roman mythology, Mercury was considered the god of commerce, communication, and travel, among other aspects. The metal mercury (also known as quicksilver) associated with the planet Mercury was seen as fluid, volatile, and changeable, much like the god himself. Thus, "mercurial" came to describe something that is unpredictable, erratic, or changeable.
2. "Tremor" comes from the Latin word "tremor", which means a shaking or trembling movement. The term is often used in medical contexts to describe an involuntary rhythmic movement or shaking of certain body parts.
