PSEUDOPARAPLEGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pseudoparaplegia is a term used in the medical field to describe a condition where an individual presents with symptoms resembling paraplegia, but without an underlying structural or neurologic cause. The term "pseudoparaplegia" is derived from the Greek prefix "pseudo," meaning false or deceptive, and the word "paraplegia," which refers to the paralysis of the lower half of the body, typically affecting both legs.
Individuals with pseudoparaplegia may experience a variety of symptoms, including difficulty or inability to move the lower limbs, impaired sensation, muscle weakness or atrophy, and abnormal reflexes. These symptoms, although they resemble those of true paraplegia, are not caused by any anatomical or functional abnormalities within the spinal cord or peripheral nervous system.
Psychological factors, such as conversion disorder or somatic symptom disorder, are believed to play a significant role in the development of pseudoparaplegia. Conversion disorder refers to a condition in which psychological distress is manifested through physical symptoms, while somatic symptom disorder involves excessive anxiety or concern about one's health leading to disproportionate focus on physical symptoms.
The diagnosis of pseudoparaplegia is typically made after medical professionals thoroughly evaluate the individual's medical history, conduct physical examinations, and rule out any organic causes of paralysis. Treatment for pseudoparaplegia primarily involves addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to the condition, often through psychotherapy, counseling, and other psychosocial interventions.
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Apparenparalysis in the lower extremities, in which the tendon and skin reflexes and the electrica ireactions are normal; the condition is sometimes observed in rickets.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSEUDOPARAPLEGIA
- pseudoparaplegaa
- pseudoparaplegma
- pseudoparaplegha
- pseudoparaplegii
- pseudoparaplegie
- pseudoparaplegic
- pseudewparaplegia
- pseudueparaplegia
- ps eudoparaplegia
- pse udoparaplegia
- pseu doparaplegia
- pseud oparaplegia
- pseudopa raplegia
- pseudopar aplegia
- pseudoparapl egia
- pseudoparaple gia
- pseudoparapleg ia
- pseudoparaplegi a
Etymology of PSEUDOPARAPLEGIA
The word "pseudoparaplegia" is derived from two main sources:
1. "Pseudo": This is a prefix meaning "false" or "not genuine". It comes from the Greek word "pseudes" (ψευδής), which carries the same meaning.
2. "Paraplegia": This term refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body, typically caused by spinal cord injury or disease. It is a combination of two Greek words: "para" (παρά), meaning "beside" or "alongside", and "plegein" (πλήσσειν), meaning "to strike" or "to hit".
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