SCLEROSING MYELITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Sclerosing myelitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and subsequent hardening (sclerosis) of the spinal cord, causing a wide range of neurological symptoms. It is considered a rare and progressive disease that primarily affects the central nervous system.
The condition typically develops when the body's immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the spinal cord, known as myelin. This immune-mediated attack leads to inflammation in the affected region and subsequent scarring, or sclerosis. As a result, the communication between the brain and different parts of the body is disrupted, leading to various neurological problems.
Sclerosing myelitis often presents with symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness or tingling sensation, loss of coordination, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, bladder and bowel dysfunctions, and even paralysis. The severity and progression of the disease can vary from person to person.
Although the exact cause of sclerosing myelitis remains unclear, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body. It can also be a result of genetic factors, certain viral or bacterial infections, or exposure to environmental triggers.
Currently, there is no known cure for sclerosing myelitis. Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and preventing further damage to the spinal cord. This may involve the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medications, pain management techniques, physical therapy, and assistive devices to improve overall quality of life.
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Inflammation of the connective tissue (neuroglia) of the spinal cord with resultant hypertrophy of this and compression and atrophy of the nervous substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SCLEROSING MYELITIS
- aclerosing myelitis
- zclerosing myelitis
- xclerosing myelitis
- dclerosing myelitis
- eclerosing myelitis
- wclerosing myelitis
- sxlerosing myelitis
- svlerosing myelitis
- sflerosing myelitis
- sdlerosing myelitis
- sckerosing myelitis
- scperosing myelitis
- scoerosing myelitis
- sclwrosing myelitis
- sclsrosing myelitis
- scldrosing myelitis
- sclrrosing myelitis
- scl4rosing myelitis
- scl3rosing myelitis
- scleeosing myelitis
Etymology of SCLEROSING MYELITIS
The word "sclerosing myelitis" is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by inflammation and hardening of the spinal cord.
The term has its roots in Greek and Latin etymology:
1. "Sclerosing" is derived from the Greek word "sklēros", meaning hard or indurated. It refers to the hardening or thickening of tissues due to fibrosis or scar tissue formation.
2. "Myelitis" originates from the Greek word "muelos", which means marrow or spinal cord, and the suffix "-itis", which denotes inflammation. Therefore, "myelitis" refers to inflammation specifically occurring in the spinal cord.
Combining these roots, "sclerosing myelitis" can be understood to mean the condition of spinal cord inflammation accompanied by hardening or thickening of the affected tissues.
