How Do You Spell STATUS HYDROCEPHALICUS?

1. Status hydrocephalicus is a medical term used to describe a severe condition characterized by hydrocephalus, which is the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, leading to an increase in intracranial pressure. This condition is often associated with significant neurological impairment and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

   Hydrocephalus occurs due to an imbalance between the production and absorption of CSF, resulting in the fluid accumulating within the brain cavities. Status hydrocephalicus refers specifically to a critical or extreme state of hydrocephalus, where the symptoms and complications are pronounced and potentially irreversible.

   Common clinical manifestations of status hydrocephalicus include increased head circumference, bulging fontanelles, frequent vomiting, irritability, lethargy, seizures, and developmental delays in infants. In adults, symptoms may include chronic headaches, difficulty in walking, impaired coordination, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence.

   The diagnosis of status hydrocephalicus is usually confirmed through neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, which can identify the accumulation of CSF and its impact on the brain structures. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent further damage to the brain and relieve the elevated intracranial pressure.

   The treatment modalities for status hydrocephalicus typically involve surgical intervention, such as the insertion of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt to divert the excess fluid to another part of the body where it can be absorbed. Rehabilitation and supportive therapies may also be part of the management plan to address any existing neurological deficits. Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial to assess the response to treatment and ensure optimal outcomes.

2. The terminal condition in epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, marked by extreme emaciation and exhaustion, vomiting, contractures of the extremities, and coma.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STATUS HYDROCEPHALICUS

The etymology of the word "status hydrocephalicus" can be broken down as follows:

1. Status: This Latin word means "state" or "condition". It is derived from the Latin verb "stare", which means "to stand" or "to stay". In English, "status" is often used to refer to a person's social or legal position.

2. Hydrocephalicus: This term is derived from the Greek words "hudro" meaning "water" and "cephalicus" meaning "relating to the head". Hydrocephalicus refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to an enlarged head.