The term "parathyreoprival tetany" refers to a medical condition caused by the removal of the parathyroid glands. The spelling of this complex word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: /ˌpærəˈθaɪrɪəʊpraɪvəl ˈtɛtəni/. The IPA symbols represent each sound in the word, with the stress falling on the third syllable. Correct spelling is essential in medical terminology to ensure proper communication and understanding among healthcare professionals.
Parathyreoprival tetany is a medical condition characterized by muscular spasms, twitching, and convulsions caused by a deficiency or malfunction of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are four small endocrine glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland in the neck. Their primary function is to produce and release parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of calcium in the body.
In parathyreoprival tetany, the parathyroid glands are either absent or non-functioning due to surgical removal, injury, or dysfunction. This results in significantly reduced or no production of PTH, which disrupts normal calcium regulation. Calcium is essential for various processes in the body, including proper nerve and muscle function. Without sufficient levels of PTH, blood calcium levels decrease, leading to a condition called hypocalcemia.
Symptoms of parathyreoprival tetany include muscle cramps, tingling or numbness in the extremities, spasms in the hands and feet, facial twitching, and seizures. These symptoms are due to the low calcium levels affecting the nervous system and causing hyperexcitability of neurons.
Treatment for parathyreoprival tetany primarily involves restoring calcium levels through supplementation. Depending on the severity of the condition, calcium may be administered orally or intravenously. Vitamin D supplements may also be prescribed to aid in the absorption of calcium from the intestine. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct or replace dysfunctional parathyroid glands.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in managing parathyreoprival tetany, as severe calcium deficiency can lead to life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
Tetania parathyreopriva.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "parathyreoprival tetany" comes from a combination of several words:
1. Parathyreoprival: This term is derived from three components:
- Parathyreo: Referring to the parathyroid glands, which are small endocrine glands located in the neck that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH).
- Priv-: A combining form meaning "deprived" or "removed".
- -al: A suffix used to form adjectives.
Therefore, parathyreoprival can be understood as "pertaining to the deprivation or removal of the parathyroid glands".
2. Tetany: A medical term derived from the Greek word "tetanos", meaning "stiffness". Tetany refers to a condition characterized by muscle spasms and stiffness due to abnormal calcium levels in the blood.