ARSENIC ENCEPHALOPATHY Meaning and
Definition
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Arsenic encephalopathy is a medical condition characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms caused by exposure to high levels of arsenic. Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that can be found naturally in the environment or as a result of human activities such as mining or industrial processes.
When arsenic enters the body through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact, it can accumulate in various organs including the brain, leading to encephalopathy. This condition arises due to the damaging effects of arsenic on the central nervous system, particularly the brain.
Common symptoms of arsenic encephalopathy include confusion, seizures, headache, delirium, impaired cognitive function, weakness, and paralysis. These neurological signs can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the level and duration of arsenic exposure. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and death.
Diagnosis of arsenic encephalopathy involves a thorough physical examination, medical history assessment, and laboratory tests such as blood and urine samples to measure arsenic levels. Imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to evaluate any brain abnormalities.
Treatment typically involves removing the source of arsenic exposure and providing supportive care to manage symptoms. Chelation therapy may be administered to enhance the elimination of arsenic from the body. Additionally, medications and therapies can be utilized to address specific symptoms such as anticonvulsants for seizures or anti-inflammatory drugs for brain swelling.
Prevention of arsenic encephalopathy focuses on minimizing exposure to arsenic through ensuring safe drinking water sources, avoiding contact with contaminated soil or air, and implementing regulations and practices to reduce occupational or environmental arsenic exposure.
Common Misspellings for ARSENIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
- zrsenic encephalopathy
- srsenic encephalopathy
- wrsenic encephalopathy
- qrsenic encephalopathy
- aesenic encephalopathy
- adsenic encephalopathy
- afsenic encephalopathy
- atsenic encephalopathy
- a5senic encephalopathy
- a4senic encephalopathy
- araenic encephalopathy
- arzenic encephalopathy
- arxenic encephalopathy
- ardenic encephalopathy
- areenic encephalopathy
- arwenic encephalopathy
- arswnic encephalopathy
- arssnic encephalopathy
- arsdnic encephalopathy
- arsrnic encephalopathy
Etymology of ARSENIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
The word "arsenic" derives from the Old French word "arsenic" and Latin word "arsenicum", which were both derived from the Greek word "arsenikon". This Greek word referred to a yellow pigment called "orpiment" that was often mistakenly believed to contain arsenic. The term "encephalopathy" is a combination of the Greek words "enkephalos", meaning "brain", and "pathos", meaning "suffering" or "disease". Therefore, "arsenic encephalopathy" is a medical term that refers to a brain disorder or disease caused by arsenic poisoning.
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