How Do You Spell RHEUMATIC TETANUS?

1. Rheumatic tetanus is a medical condition characterized by the presence of severe involuntary muscle contractions and spasms, resulting from the infection with the bacteria Clostridium tetani. These contractions, commonly referred to as tetanic spasms or fits, primarily affect the muscles of the neck, jaw, and facial regions, often causing a characteristic locked jaw known as trismus. Rheumatic tetanus is a specific form of tetanus where the infection occurs as a complication of rheumatic fever, a condition characterized by inflammation of the heart, joints, and connective tissues.

   The bacterium Clostridium tetani enters the body through breaks in the skin, typically caused by a puncture wound or deep laceration, and releases a potent neurotoxin known as tetanospasmin. This toxin mainly targets the nervous system, specifically the inhibitory neurons responsible for regulating muscle contractions. As a result, the affected individual experiences prolonged and often painful muscle spasms, leading to rigidity, arching of the back, and the characteristic "trismus" or lockjaw.

   The symptoms of rheumatic tetanus may also include difficulty in swallowing, muscle stiffness and rigidity in other parts of the body, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and sweating. Without prompt medical intervention, the spasms can become life-threatening, potentially leading to respiratory failure or other complications.

   The treatment of rheumatic tetanus typically involves a combination of measures aimed at managing symptoms, providing supportive care, and administration of antitoxin medications to neutralize the neurotoxin. Antibiotics are also prescribed to combat the underlying bacterial infection. Additionally, hospitalization and close monitoring of respiratory function are often necessary to ensure the patient's safety and recovery.

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

Common Misspellings for RHEUMATIC TETANUS

The word "rheumatic tetanus" is a medical term that combines the words "rheumatic" and "tetanus".

The term "rheumatic" comes from the Greek word "rheumatikos", meaning "subject to a flow or flux". It originally referred to any condition characterized by an excessive flow or discharge, particularly related to the flow of bodily fluids. Over time, the term became specifically associated with diseases that involve inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or connective tissues.

"Tetanus" is derived from the Greek word "tetanos", which means "to stretch" or "to contract". It refers to a medical condition caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which produces toxins that affect the nervous system, leading to muscular stiffness, convulsions, and lockjaw.