How Do You Spell GLYCORRHACHIA?

1. Glycorrhachia is a medical term that refers to the presence of excessive glucose (sugar) in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is derived from the Greek words "glykys" meaning sweet and "rrhachis" meaning spinal cord, emphasizing the location and nature of the condition.

   In normal circumstances, the glucose levels in the cerebrospinal fluid are tightly regulated and maintained at a relatively constant level. However, glycorrhachia occurs when there is an abnormal increase in glucose concentration within this fluid. This abnormal elevation in glucose levels can be caused by various conditions, including but not limited to bacterial or viral infections of the central nervous system, such as meningitis or encephalitis, tumors affecting the brain or spinal cord, and certain metabolic disorders.

   The presence of glycorrhachia in the cerebrospinal fluid is typically detected through a lumbar puncture or spinal tap, where a small sample of fluid is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. Measurement of glucose levels in the cerebrospinal fluid is an important diagnostic tool in identifying the underlying cause of neurological symptoms. It helps in distinguishing between different types of meningitis (bacterial, viral, or fungal), monitoring the response to treatment, and evaluating the presence of other associated conditions.

   Treatment of glycorrhachia primarily focuses on managing the underlying cause, such as administering appropriate antibiotics for bacterial infections or addressing the metabolic disorder. Lowering the elevated glucose levels in the cerebrospinal fluid can also be achieved through supportive measures, such as maintaining proper hydration and managing blood sugar levels in conditions like diabetes mellitus, which may contribute to glycorrhachia.

2. The presence of sugar in the cerebrospinal fluid.

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

Common Misspellings for GLYCORRHACHIA

The word "glycorrhachia" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "glyko-" meaning "sweet" or "sugar", and "rhakhe" meaning "spinal cord" or "spinal canal". The suffix "-ia" indicates a medical condition or abnormality. Therefore, "glycorrhachia" refers to the presence of glucose (sugar) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).