SUBARACHNOID PRESSURES Meaning and
Definition
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Subarachnoid pressures refer to the pressure exerted within the subarachnoid space, which is the area between the arachnoid and pia mater layers of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The subarachnoid space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear and colorless fluid that serves multiple purposes, including providing cushioning and protection to the brain and spinal cord.
The pressure in the subarachnoid space is crucial for the normal functioning of the central nervous system, as it maintains a delicate balance between the production, circulation, and absorption of CSF. Variations in subarachnoid pressures can occur due to various factors such as changes in blood flow, impaired CSF production or absorption, or obstructions in the flow of CSF.
Monitoring subarachnoid pressures is an important component of diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the central nervous system, including hydrocephalus, intracranial hypertension, and traumatic brain injury. Elevated subarachnoid pressures can result in symptoms like headaches, visual disturbances, nausea, and altered mental status. Conversely, low subarachnoid pressures can lead to symptoms like postural headaches, dizziness, and neck pain.
Understanding subarachnoid pressures is crucial for neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals involved in the care of patients with neurologic disorders. Measuring subarachnoid pressures can be done through invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture or intraventricular catheter placement, or it can be indirectly estimated using non-invasive methods like transcranial Doppler ultrasound or MRI techniques.
Common Misspellings for SUBARACHNOID PRESSURES
- aubarachnoid pressures
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Etymology of SUBARACHNOID PRESSURES
The term "subarachnoid pressures" can be broken down into two parts: "subarachnoid" and "pressures".
- "Subarachnoid" is an adjective that refers to the space located within the meninges, which are the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. This space is called the subarachnoid space, and it contains cerebrospinal fluid.
- "Pressures" is a noun that denotes the force exerted per unit area. In the context of subarachnoid pressures, it refers to the fluid pressure within the subarachnoid space.
The etymology of the word "subarachnoid" can be traced back to its Greek origins:
- "Sub-" is a Latin prefix meaning "under" or "below".
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