Strychninism is a term used to describe the effects of strychnine poisoning. The word is spelled with the letters "s-t-r-y-c-h-n-i-n-i-s-m" and is pronounced /ˈstrɪknaɪnɪzəm/. The emphasis is on the second syllable, with the "n" followed by a short "i" sound. The "y" is pronounced as a long "i" sound, and the final syllable consists of "-ism," which is pronounced as "izm." Strychnine is a highly toxic substance found in some plants, and it can cause convulsions, muscle rigidity, and even death in humans and animals.
Strychninism is a noun that refers to a condition caused by the ingestion or exposure to strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid derived from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. This condition is characterized by a variety of symptoms and can potentially be life-threatening.
Common symptoms of strychninism include muscle stiffness, spasms, and recurring convulsions. These symptoms typically start with muscle contractions in the face and jaw, eventually spreading to the rest of the body. The convulsions may be severe and violent, causing the individual to experience arching of the back, rigid limbs, and contorted facial expressions. The spasms and convulsions are often described as painful and may lead to exhaustion and physical injury.
In addition to muscle-related symptoms, strychninism can also manifest psychological symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. Other symptoms may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, strychninism can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Given the highly toxic nature of strychnine, even small amounts can lead to strychninism. It can be unintentionally ingested through contaminated food, water, or medical treatments, or deliberately used as a poison. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in cases of strychninism to minimize the potential damage to the central nervous system and prevent fatality. Treatment may involve administration of anticonvulsant medications, respiratory support, and the use of activated charcoal to aid in the elimination of the toxin from the body.
Chronic strychnine poisoning.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "strychninism" is derived from the chemical compound strychnine, which is a highly toxic alkaloid found in the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree.
The term "strychninism" is formed by adding the suffix "-ism" to the word "strychnine". The suffix "-ism" is commonly used to denote a condition, state, or doctrine related to a particular substance or concept. In this case, "strychninism" refers to the effects and symptoms caused by strychnine poisoning.
These effects include muscle spasms, convulsions, respiratory distress, and, if severe, can lead to paralysis and death. The word "strychninism" is typically used in medical and toxicological contexts to describe poisoning or intoxication caused by strychnine.