ASCENDING NEURITIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Ascending neuritis refers to a condition characterized by the inflammation of nerves that gradually progresses in an upward or ascending manner from the periphery to the central nervous system. Neuritis is a medical term used to describe the inflammation of nerves, which can result in various symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. In the case of ascending neuritis, these inflammatory changes typically begin in the peripheral nerves, which are located away from the brain and spinal cord, and then progressively spread towards the central nervous system.
Ascending neuritis is often associated with autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves. This condition can also be triggered by certain infections, like viral or bacterial infections. The inflammation gradually damages the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering of nerve fibers, causing disruptions in the transmission of electrical signals between the nerves and the brain.
As the inflammation progresses upwards, individuals with ascending neuritis may experience a variety of symptoms. These can include weakness that starts in the legs and gradually moves upwards, sensory disturbances like numbness or tingling, decreased reflexes, muscle pain, and difficulty with coordination and balance. In severe cases, ascending neuritis can result in paralysis, respiratory failure, or even life-threatening complications.
Prompt medical evaluation and intervention are crucial for diagnosing and managing ascending neuritis. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause of inflammation, managing symptoms with pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs, and providing supportive care to prevent further complications. Physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and mobility.
-
Inflammation progressing upward along a nerve-trunk in a direction away from the periphery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ASCENDING NEURITIS
- ascendinngneuritis
- a scending neuritis
- as cending neuritis
- asc ending neuritis
- asce nding neuritis
- ascen ding neuritis
- ascend ing neuritis
- ascendi ng neuritis
- ascendin g neuritis
- ascending n euritis
- ascending ne uritis
- ascending neu ritis
- ascending neur itis
- ascending neuri tis
- ascending neurit is
- ascending neuriti s
Etymology of ASCENDING NEURITIS
The term "ascending neuritis" is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the nerves that progressively moves from the distal end (farthest from the center of the body) towards the proximal end (closest to the center of the body). The etymology of the word can be broken down into its two components:
1. Ascending: The word "ascending" comes from the Latin word "ascendere", which means "to go up" or "to rise". In the context of the medical term, it refers to the direction of the progression of inflammation or irritation, wherein it moves in an upward direction.
2. Neuritis: The term "neuritis" refers to the inflammation of a nerve. It is derived from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve", and the suffix "-itis", which denotes inflammation.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
