How Do You Spell ASCENDING MYELITIS?

1. Ascending myelitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the spinal cord, specifically the white matter, which usually starts in the lower regions and gradually progresses towards the upper regions. This inflammatory process is referred to as ascending due to its predictable pattern of spreading from the lower to the upper regions of the spinal cord. Myelitis is the general term used to describe the inflammation of the spinal cord, while ascending refers to the direction of the inflammation.

   Ascending myelitis is often associated with various underlying causes, with viral infections being the most common trigger. Viruses such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and Epstein-Barr virus are known to be associated with ascending myelitis. However, other potential causes include bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and even neurological conditions.

   The symptoms of ascending myelitis typically start with weakness or numbness in the legs, which gradually progresses upwards towards the trunk and arms. Patients may also experience difficulty walking or loss of coordination. As the inflammation progresses, individuals may develop bladder and bowel dysfunction as well as sensory disturbances. In severe cases, ascending myelitis can lead to paralysis and respiratory complications.

   Diagnosis of ascending myelitis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord. Treatment options usually include addressing the underlying cause, such as antiviral medications for viral infections. Other treatments may involve corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and physical therapy to manage symptoms and promote recovery.

2. Progressive inflammation involving successively higher areas of the spinal cord.

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

Common Misspellings for ASCENDING MYELITIS

The word "ascending" in the term "ascending myelitis" refers to the direction of the inflammation or infection within the spinal cord, which progresses from the lower segments to the upper ones. "Myelitis", on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the spinal cord.

The term's etymology can be broken down as follows:

1. Ascending: Derived from the Latin word "ascendere", meaning "to climb or go up". It stems from the combination of "ad-" (to) and "scandere" (to climb).

2. Myelitis: The word is composed of two parts. "Myel-" comes from the Greek word "myelos", which means "marrow". In this context, it refers to the spinal cord. The suffix "-itis" in medical terminology denotes inflammation.