HEPATIC STUPOR Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatic stupor refers to a medical condition characterized by a state of profound mental confusion and lethargy resulting from severe liver dysfunction or failure. It is a term commonly used in the context of advanced liver disease, especially liver cirrhosis or hepatic encephalopathy.
When the liver is unable to perform its normal functions efficiently, toxic substances, primarily ammonia, accumulate in the bloodstream. These toxins, which are usually filtered and metabolized by the liver, can then reach the brain and cause various neurological symptoms. Hepatic stupor is the most severe form of hepatic encephalopathy and is typically associated with an extremely high level of ammonia in the blood.
The symptoms of hepatic stupor can vary but often include profound confusion, disorientation, extreme lethargy, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and altered consciousness. Patients may also exhibit motor abnormalities such as muscle stiffness or tremors. In severe cases, individuals may become unresponsive or comatose.
Prompt medical attention is crucial for individuals experiencing hepatic stupor. Treatment involves addressing the underlying liver dysfunction, managing the elevated ammonia levels, and attempting to improve liver function. This can be achieved through dietary changes, medications, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.
Overall, hepatic stupor is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by severe liver dysfunction, leading to profound mental confusion and lethargy.
Common Misspellings for HEPATIC STUPOR
- gepatic stupor
- bepatic stupor
- nepatic stupor
- jepatic stupor
- uepatic stupor
- yepatic stupor
- hwpatic stupor
- hspatic stupor
- hdpatic stupor
- hrpatic stupor
- h4patic stupor
- h3patic stupor
- heoatic stupor
- helatic stupor
- he-atic stupor
- he0atic stupor
- hepztic stupor
- hepstic stupor
- hepwtic stupor
- hepqtic stupor
Etymology of HEPATIC STUPOR
The term "hepatic" is derived from the Greek word "hepar", meaning "liver". In medical terminology, "hepatic" refers to anything related to the liver.
The word "stupor" originates from the Latin word "stupere", which means "to be stunned or amazed". In medical terminology, "stupor" refers to a state of extreme confusion, drowsiness, or altered consciousness.
When combined, "hepatic stupor" describes a condition of profound confusion or altered mental status that occurs due to liver dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy.
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