How Do You Spell SUBDURAL EMPYEMA?

1. Subdural empyema is a medical condition characterized by the presence of a pus-filled collection between the outer lining of the brain (the dura mater) and the brain itself. The term "subdural" refers to the location of the infection, beneath the dura mater.

   Empyema, in medical terms, describes the accumulation of pus in a body cavity, usually as a result of a bacterial infection. In the case of subdural empyema, the condition is typically caused by the spread of infection from nearby sources, such as sinusitis or middle ear infection, or as a complication of neurosurgical procedures or head trauma.

   Symptoms of subdural empyema may include severe headache, fever, altered mental status, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and neurological deficits. The condition requires urgent medical attention since it can quickly progress and cause life-threatening complications, such as brain abscess, meningitis, or brain herniation.

   Diagnosis of subdural empyema often involves a combination of physical examination, imaging techniques (such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of infection and determine the causative organism.

   Treatment typically involves a combination of surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy. The pus collection is drained through a surgical procedure called burr hole evacuation or craniotomy to remove infected material and relieve pressure on the brain. Antibiotics are administered intravenously to target the bacterial infection responsible for the empyema.

   Prompt and effective treatment is crucial to prevent further complications and optimize patient outcomes.

Common Misspellings for SUBDURAL EMPYEMA

The word "subdural empyema" has Greek and Latin roots. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:

1. Subdural:

- "Sub" is a prefix of Latin origin meaning "under" or "below".

- "Dura" is a noun of Latin origin, which means "tough" or "hard". In the context of human anatomy, it refers to the dura mater, which is a tough membrane that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Combining "sub" and "dura" gives the term "subdura" or "subdural", meaning "underneath the dura mater".

2. Empyema:

- "Empyema" is a noun of Greek origin, derived from "empyēma", which means "abscess" or "pus".