Systemic myelitis is a medical condition affecting the spinal cord. The word is spelled with the phonemes /sɪˈstɛm.ɪk maɪəˈlaɪtɪs/. The first syllable is "si-" with a short "i" sound, followed by "stem" with a long "e" sound. The second syllable is "ic" with a short "i" sound. The third syllable begins with "mye-" with a long "i" sound, followed by "-li-" with a short "i" sound, and ending with "-tis" with a short "i" sound. The correct spelling of this word is important in medical terminology to maintain accuracy in diagnosis and treatment.
Systemic myelitis refers to a medical condition where there is inflammation of the spinal cord, leading to a variety of symptoms. The term "systemic" indicates that the inflammation affects the entire body, rather than being isolated to a specific region. Myelitis specifically refers to inflammation of the spinal cord, which plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
In systemic myelitis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the spinal cord, resulting in inflammation and damage to the nerve cells. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the spinal cord and cause a range of symptoms such as weakness, numbness or tingling, pain, difficulty walking, muscle spasms, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. Depending on the extent and severity of the inflammation, the symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may progress over time.
The causes of systemic myelitis are multifactorial and can include viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory conditions. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. This may include anti-inflammatory medications, immune-suppressing drugs, physical therapy, and pain management techniques.
Systemic myelitis is a complex medical condition that requires careful diagnosis and management. It can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and may require ongoing medical care to manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
Inflammation confined to special tracts of the spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "systemic myelitis" can be broken down into two parts:
1. Systemic: The word "systemic" comes from the Late Latin word "systemicus", which means "of the whole body". It is derived from the Greek word "sustēmatikós", which means "combining". "Sustēmatikós" is further derived from "sýstēma", meaning "whole" or "entirety". Therefore, "systemic" in this context refers to something involving or affecting the entire system or body.
2. Myelitis: The term "myelitis" is derived from the Greek word "myelos", which means "marrow". In this case, it refers to the spinal cord. The suffix "-itis" indicates inflammation. Therefore, "myelitis" is the inflammation of the spinal cord.