SYMPATHETICOTONIA Meaning and
Definition
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Sympatheticotonia is a medical term used to describe a state of increased sympathetic nervous system activity in the body. This condition refers to an overactive functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response.
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system, regulating unconscious bodily functions. It consists of a complex network of nerves, ganglia, and neurotransmitters. When activated, it causes various physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilation of the bronchioles, and pupil dilation, among others. These responses prepare the body to face perceived threats or stressors.
In sympatheticotonia, there is a chronic and sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an imbalance in the autonomic regulation of bodily functions. This can result in symptoms such as hypertension (high blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), increased sweating, gastrointestinal disturbances, and disturbances in temperature regulation.
Sympatheticotonia can arise due to various factors, including underlying medical conditions, chronic stress, anxiety, certain medications, endocrine disturbances, or neurologic disorders. Diagnosis usually involves assessing clinical symptoms, measuring blood pressure and heart rate, and often ruling out other causes for the presented symptoms.
Treatment for sympatheticotonia aims to address the underlying cause, and may involve a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques. By restoring the balance of the autonomic nervous system, symptoms associated with sympatheticotonia can often be alleviated or controlled.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYMPATHETICOTONIA
Etymology of SYMPATHETICOTONIA
The word "sympatheticotonia" is derived from two primary components: "sympathetic" and "otonia".
1. "Sympathetic" is derived from the Latin word "sympatheticus", which is ultimately derived from the Greek word "sympatheia". "Sympatheia" is a combination of the Greek words "syn", meaning "together", and "pathos", meaning "feeling or suffering". Hence, "sympathetic" conveys a sense of shared suffering or feeling together.
2. "Otonia" stems from the Greek word "tonos", meaning "tension" or "tone". It is used to refer to the state of muscle tension in the body.
When combined, "sympatheticotonia" essentially describes the condition of increased muscle tension that arises from feelings of shared suffering, empathy, or sympathetic response.
