PYREXIAL CONVULSION Meaning and
Definition
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Pyrexial convulsion, also known as febrile seizure, is a medical term used to describe a seizure that occurs in children due to a sudden increase in body temperature, often as a result of a fever. It is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 2-5% of children between the ages of six months and six years. The seizure usually manifests as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, characterized by muscle stiffness, followed by jerking movements, loss of consciousness, and in some cases, loss of bladder or bowel control.
Pyrexial convulsions typically occur when the body temperature rises rapidly, usually above 38°C (100.4°F), although some children may experience seizures at lower temperatures. The exact cause of these convulsions is not fully understood but is thought to be related to the immature nervous system of young children, which may be more susceptible to the effects of high body temperatures.
Most pyrexial convulsions are brief and stop spontaneously within a few minutes, although they can be distressing for both the child and their caretakers. While they may appear alarming, these seizures are generally harmless and do not cause any long-term damage or impairments in most cases. However, it is essential to seek medical attention after a febrile seizure to determine the underlying cause of the fever and ensure appropriate management to prevent future occurrences.
Parents should be educated on the proper management of fevers and instructed on methods to bring down the child's temperature, such as administering antipyretic medications. Additionally, it is important to monitor and manage any underlying illness or infection that may be causing the fever.
Common Misspellings for PYREXIAL CONVULSION
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Etymology of PYREXIAL CONVULSION
The term "pyrexial convulsion" is a medical term used to describe a convulsion or seizure that occurs in association with a high fever, typically in children.
The etymology of "pyrexial" can be traced back to the Greek word "pyréxis" (πυρεξίς), meaning "fever".
The word "convulsion" comes from the Latin word "convulsio", which means "a violent shaking".
Therefore, the term "pyrexial convulsion" combines the Greek term for fever and the Latin term for a violent shaking, to describe the convulsive episodes that can occur during a high fever.
