SPINAL TUBERCULOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott's disease, is a form of tuberculosis that affects the spine. It is a chronic and progressive condition caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily targets the vertebral bodies of the spine, but it may also affect the adjacent discs, spinal ligaments, and the spinal canal.
The infection usually begins in the lungs and then spreads through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the spine. The bacteria infiltrate the affected spinal bone, causing bone destruction and the formation of abscesses. Over time, this leads to the collapse of the vertebral body and consequent compression of the spinal cord and nerves.
Symptoms of spinal tuberculosis typically include back pain, stiffness, and gradual deformity of the spine. As the disease progresses, it may result in neurological complications, such as paralysis or loss of sensation due to nerve compression. Other systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, and fatigue may also be present.
Diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging), and laboratory tests, including the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a sample from the affected site.
Treatment of spinal tuberculosis generally involves a prolonged course of anti-tuberculosis medications to eliminate the bacterial infection. In severe cases or when neurological symptoms are present, surgical intervention may be necessary to stabilize the spine and decompress the affected nerves.
Early detection and appropriate management are crucial to prevent complications and disability associated with spinal tuberculosis.
Common Misspellings for SPINAL TUBERCULOSIS
- apinal tuberculosis
- zpinal tuberculosis
- xpinal tuberculosis
- dpinal tuberculosis
- epinal tuberculosis
- wpinal tuberculosis
- soinal tuberculosis
- slinal tuberculosis
- s-inal tuberculosis
- s0inal tuberculosis
- spunal tuberculosis
- spjnal tuberculosis
- spknal tuberculosis
- sponal tuberculosis
- sp9nal tuberculosis
- sp8nal tuberculosis
- spibal tuberculosis
- spimal tuberculosis
- spijal tuberculosis
- spihal tuberculosis
Etymology of SPINAL TUBERCULOSIS
The word "spinal" comes from the Latin term "spīnālis", which pertains to the spine. It is derived from "spīna", meaning "thorn" or "spine". The term "tuberculosis" originates from the Latin word "tuberculum", meaning "a small swelling" or "tubercle", and the Greek word "sīs", which means "condition". Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
