APOPLECTIC COMA Meaning and
Definition
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Apoplectic coma is a medical term used to describe a state of unconsciousness or deep coma resulting from a severe and often fatal stroke known as apoplexy. Apoplexy, also known as a cerebral hemorrhage or cerebrovascular accident, is characterized by an interruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to a sudden and often dramatic loss of consciousness.
An apoplectic coma occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients due to a sudden bleeding or rupture of blood vessels in the brain. This interruption in blood flow can be caused by various factors, including hypertension, an aneurysm (a weakened area in a blood vessel that balloons and may eventually burst), or a blood clot that obstructs the blood vessels supplying the brain.
Individuals in an apoplectic coma are typically unresponsive and exhibit no voluntary movement. They may have difficulty breathing and their vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, may be severely affected. In some cases, apoplectic coma can be irreversible, resulting in brain damage or even death.
Prompt medical intervention is crucial in cases of apoplectic coma. Treatment may involve attempts to stabilize the patient's vital signs, relieving pressure on the brain, and addressing the underlying cause of the bleeding, such as surgical intervention to repair a ruptured blood vessel or medications to dissolve blood clots.
Overall, apoplectic coma is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention to maximize the chances of recovery.
Etymology of APOPLECTIC COMA
The Etymology of the word "apoplectic" is derived from the Greek word "apoplektikos", which means "struck down by violence" or "disabled". It originates from the combination of two Greek words: "apo" meaning "away" or "from", and "plektos" meaning "struck". Apoplektikos was primarily used to describe a condition where a person is suddenly rendered unconscious or paralyzed due to a stroke or some other neurological event.
The term "coma" is from the Ancient Greek word "koma", which means "deep sleep" or "state of inactivity". In medical context, coma refers to a prolonged state of unconsciousness where a person is unresponsive to external stimuli.
