POLIOENCEPHALITIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Polioencephalitis is a medical term that refers to the inflammation or swelling of the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord. The prefix "polio-" denotes the presence of gray matter, and "encephalitis" describes the inflammation of the brain. This condition is considered an encephalitic illness, which involves the brain in addition to the inflammation of the spinal cord.
Polioencephalitis can be caused by various factors, such as viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune responses, or exposure to toxins. Viral infections, specifically certain strains of the herpes simplex virus, are often associated with this condition. The inflammation in the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord can lead to a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, neck stiffness, seizures, muscle weakness, and changes in behavior or cognition.
The severity of polioencephalitis varies based on the underlying cause and the affected individual's immune response. Some cases may resolve with supportive care and antiviral medications, while others can result in long-term neurological complications or even be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of polioencephalitis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history review, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment generally aims to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, control seizures, and support overall health.
Prevention of polioencephalitis often focuses on immunization against specific viruses that can lead to this condition. Vaccines for viral encephalitis, such as herpes simplex virus, are available and recommended in some regions to minimize the risk of developing polioencephalitis caused by these particular pathogens.
-
Inflammation of the gray matter of the brain, either of the cortex or of the central nuclei, acute encephalitis, acute hemorrhagic cortical encephalitis; an acute infectious disease marked at the onset by fever, headache, convulsions, or stupor, followed by ocular palsies, symptoms resembling those of bulbar paralysis, aphasia, or idiocy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLIOENCEPHALITIS
- polioencephalivis
- polioencephaliuis
- polioencephalitys
- polioencephalitas
- polioencephalitms
- polioencephaliths
- polioencephaliti3
- polioencephalitic
- polioencephalitiq
- polioencephalitir
- po lioencephalitis
- pol ioencephalitis
- polioen cephalitis
- polioenc ephalitis
- polioenceph alitis
- polioencepha litis
- polioencephal itis
- polioencephali tis
- polioencephalit is
- polioencephaliti s
Etymology of POLIOENCEPHALITIS
The word "polioencephalitis" is derived from Greek roots. "Poli-" is derived from "polioús", meaning "gray", referring to the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord. "Encephalitis" is derived from "enkephalos", meaning "brain", and "-itis", meaning inflammation. Thus, "polioencephalitis" describes inflammation of the gray matter of the brain.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
