RHEUMATIC TETANY Meaning and
Definition
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Rheumatic tetany refers to a medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions due to low levels of calcium in the blood, often resulting from rheumatic fever. It is a type of tetany, which refers to a state of sustained muscle spasms or cramps caused by the overexcitability of nerves. Rheumatic tetany typically occurs in individuals with a history of rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated streptococcal infections.
The low levels of calcium associated with rheumatic tetany can result from a variety of factors including malabsorption of calcium from the diet or impaired renal function. Symptoms of rheumatic tetany can vary in severity but often include muscle stiffness, tremors, and painful contractions. In severe cases, individuals may experience difficulty breathing, muscle spasms in the hands and feet, and even loss of consciousness.
The diagnosis of rheumatic tetany typically involves assessing the patient's medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to evaluate calcium and other mineral levels. Treatment primarily involves addressing the underlying cause, such as supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, and treating any complications resulting from muscle spasms or tetany. In cases where the condition is severe or recurrent, medications such as calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to help regulate calcium levels and control muscle contractions.
Overall, rheumatic tetany is a medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions due to low levels of calcium in the blood, often associated with rheumatic fever. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals with this condition.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RHEUMATIC TETANY
- eheumatic tetany
- dheumatic tetany
- fheumatic tetany
- theumatic tetany
- 5heumatic tetany
- 4heumatic tetany
- rgeumatic tetany
- rbeumatic tetany
- rneumatic tetany
- rjeumatic tetany
- rueumatic tetany
- ryeumatic tetany
- rhwumatic tetany
- rhsumatic tetany
- rhdumatic tetany
- rhrumatic tetany
- rh4umatic tetany
- rh3umatic tetany
- rheymatic tetany
- rhehmatic tetany
Etymology of RHEUMATIC TETANY
The term "rheumatic tetany" is a combination of two words: "rheumatic" and "tetany".
1. Rheumatic: The word "rheumatic" originates from the Latin term "rheumatismus", which was used to describe any disorder affecting the joints and muscles. The Latin term itself derived from the Greek word "rheumatismos", meaning "a swelling or inflamed condition". In ancient Greek medicine, "rheuma" referred to any kind of bodily fluid, but over time, it became associated with inflammatory conditions that affected the joints and muscles.
2. Tetany: The term "tetany" comes from the French word "tétanie", which is derived from the Greek word "tētanos", meaning "tension" or "spasm".
Similar spelling word for RHEUMATIC TETANY
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