APOPLECTIFORM DEAFNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Apoplectiform deafness is a medical condition characterized by sudden, temporary, and severe hearing loss that occurs as a result of a cerebrovascular event, particularly a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke. This condition is called "apoplectiform" due to its resemblance to apoplexy or a sudden loss of consciousness.
During an apoplectiform deafness episode, a person experiences a sudden and profound hearing impairment in one or both ears, typically accompanied by other neurological symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or weakness on one side of the body. The duration of the hearing loss can vary, ranging from a few seconds to minutes, hours, or even days, but in most cases, it tends to last less than 24 hours.
This condition results from the interruption of blood flow to the cochlea, the hearing organ within the inner ear, due to a blockage or reduced blood supply to the auditory arteries. The lack of oxygen and nutrients to the cochlea leads to a temporary dysfunction or damage to the delicate hair cells responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals, resulting in the hearing loss.
Apoplectiform deafness is considered a medical emergency and requires urgent medical attention to promptly rule out more serious underlying conditions that may accompany this symptom, such as stroke or transient ischemic attack. Treatments may focus on addressing the underlying cause and managing acute symptoms to potentially restore or improve hearing. However, the long-term prognosis for apoplectiform deafness can vary depending on the individual case and the extent of damage sustained by the auditory system.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for APOPLECTIFORM DEAFNESS
- zpoplectiform deafness
- spoplectiform deafness
- wpoplectiform deafness
- qpoplectiform deafness
- aooplectiform deafness
- aloplectiform deafness
- a-oplectiform deafness
- a0oplectiform deafness
- apiplectiform deafness
- apkplectiform deafness
- aplplectiform deafness
- appplectiform deafness
- ap0plectiform deafness
- ap9plectiform deafness
- apoolectiform deafness
- apollectiform deafness
- apo-lectiform deafness
- apo0lectiform deafness
- apopkectiform deafness
- apoppectiform deafness
Etymology of APOPLECTIFORM DEAFNESS
The word "apoplectiform deafness" is not a common term in English medical terminology. It appears to be a combined term consisting of "apoplectiform" and "deafness".
Etymologically, "apoplectiform" is derived from the term "apoplexy", which comes from the Greek word "apoplēxia" meaning "a seizure" or "a striking down". It was originally used to describe a sudden loss of consciousness or paralysis as a result of bleeding in the brain. Over time, the term expanded to be used more broadly and metaphorically to describe any sudden and overwhelming event or reaction. "Apoplectiform" can be considered as the adjective form of "apoplexy".
On the other hand, "deafness" is derived from the Old English word "dēaf" which means lacking the sense of hearing.
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