PACHYMENINGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pachymeningitis refers to a medical condition characterized by inflammation or thickening of the dura mater, which is the outermost and toughest layer of the protective covering (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can lead to the development of scar tissue, resulting in the thickening of the dura mater.
Pachymeningitis can occur as a primary condition or secondary to other underlying causes, such as infections (such as tuberculosis or syphilis), autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), tumors, or certain medications. It is often a chronic and progressive condition that can potentially cause serious complications if left untreated.
Common symptoms of pachymeningitis may include severe headaches, neck stiffness, changes in vision or hearing, cognitive impairment, balance problems, motor weakness, seizures, and other neurological deficits. The diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and various imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment for pachymeningitis involves addressing the underlying cause when possible, such as administering antibiotics for infections or immune-suppressing medications for autoimmune diseases. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove any tumor or decompress the affected area. Additionally, medications to control pain and manage other symptoms may be prescribed to improve the patient's quality of life.
Overall, pachymeningitis is a rare and potentially serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention to prevent further complications and minimize the impact on an individual's overall health and well-being.
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Inflammation of the dura mater.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PACHYMENINGITIS
- oachymeningitis
- lachymeningitis
- -achymeningitis
- 0achymeningitis
- pzchymeningitis
- pschymeningitis
- pwchymeningitis
- pqchymeningitis
- paxhymeningitis
- pavhymeningitis
- pafhymeningitis
- padhymeningitis
- pacgymeningitis
- pacbymeningitis
- pacnymeningitis
- pacjymeningitis
- pacuymeningitis
- pacyymeningitis
- pachtmeningitis
- pachgmeningitis
Etymology of PACHYMENINGITIS
The word "pachymeningitis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "pachy" meaning thick and "meninx" meaning membrane. In medical terminology, "pachymeningitis" refers to the inflammation of the dura mater, which is the thick outermost layer of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.
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