TETANUS LATERALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Tetanus lateralis is a medical term used to describe a rare form of tetanus, a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is characterized by severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, often starting in the jaw and neck muscles and spreading to other parts of the body. However, unlike the more common form of tetanus, which affects the entire body, tetanus lateralis refers specifically to a localized type of tetanus that affects only one side of the body.
The distinguishing feature of tetanus lateralis is that the symptoms and muscle spasms are restricted to one side of the body, usually the left or right side. This asymmetrical presentation of tetanus is relatively uncommon and may result from a localized injury or wound on one side of the body, providing an entry point for Clostridium tetani bacteria.
Individuals with tetanus lateralis experience stiffness and spasms in the affected side of the body, including the face, jaw, neck, shoulder, arm, and leg muscles. The symptoms may progress gradually, starting with mild muscle stiffness and progressing to severe muscle contractions and spasms. The muscle spasms are often triggered by external stimuli, such as noise, touch, or sudden movements.
Tetanus lateralis, while uncommon, poses a significant risk to the affected individual as the muscle spasms can be extremely painful and may lead to complications such as fractures, injury to the affected muscles, or difficulty in breathing. Prompt medical attention is necessary to manage the symptoms and prevent serious complications. Treatment typically involves administering tetanus immune globulin (TIG), antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, and providing supportive care to alleviate muscle spasms and pain.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TETANUS LATERALIS
- tetanus lateralic
- tetanus lateraliq
- tetanus lateralir
- t etanus lateralis
- te tanus lateralis
- tet anus lateralis
- teta nus lateralis
- tetan us lateralis
- tetanu s lateralis
- tetanus l ateralis
- tetanus la teralis
- tetanus lat eralis
- tetanus late ralis
- tetanus later alis
- tetanus latera lis
- tetanus lateral is
- tetanus laterali s
Etymology of TETANUS LATERALIS
The term "tetanus lateralis" does not have a specific etymology as it is not a recognized medical term or condition. "Tetanus" originates from the Greek word "tetanos", meaning "stiff" or "tense". It refers to a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which results in severe muscle stiffness and spasms. "Lateralis" is a Latin word that means "lateral" or "side". However, the combination "tetanus lateralis" does not have an established meaning or origin in the medical field.
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