Perigangliitis is a medical term that refers to inflammation occurring around the ganglia (clusters of nerve cells). The word is pronounced /perɪˌɡæŋɡliˈaɪtɪs/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The term’s spelling is derived from combining "peri-," meaning surrounding, and "ganglia," referring to a group of nerve cells. The suffix "-itis" is added to indicate the inflammation component, making perigangliitis a descriptive term used by healthcare professionals to identify inflammation around the ganglia.
Perigangliitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the tissues surrounding a ganglion. A ganglion is a collection of nerve cells, usually located outside the central nervous system, that function together to transmit electrical signals. The condition typically occurs due to infection, resulting in the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the periganglionic tissue.
The specific causes of perigangliitis can vary, but they often involve bacterial or viral infections. Common pathogens, such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria, can infiltrate the periganglionic region, leading to an immune response and subsequent inflammation. The symptoms of perigangliitis may include local pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. In severe cases, systemic symptoms like fever and malaise may also be present.
To diagnose perigangliitis, healthcare professionals may perform a physical examination to assess the affected area and look for signs of inflammation. Medical imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI may be used to visualize the ganglia and surrounding tissues. Treatment typically involves the administration of antibiotics or antiviral medications to combat the underlying infection and alleviate inflammation.
If left untreated, perigangliitis can lead to complications such as abscess formation or the spread of infection to nearby structures. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in managing this condition.
Inflammation of the tissues surrounding a ganglion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "perigangliitis" is a medical term composed of two main parts: "peri-" and "gangliitis".
1. "Peri-" is a prefix in medical terminology derived from the Greek word "peri", meaning "around" or "surrounding". It is often used to indicate the location or vicinity of a certain structure or condition.
2. "Gangliitis" is derived from the word "ganglion", which is a small mass or knot of nerve tissue. "Ganglion" itself comes from the Greek word "ganglion", meaning "a tumor" or "swelling". In medical terminology, "gangliitis" refers to the inflammation of a ganglion.
Therefore, when combined, "perigangliitis" refers to the inflammation of a ganglion located in the surrounding area of a specific structure or organ.