Clinical Diagnosis · Nervous System · Hard
Meningismus
Meaning: The triad of neck stiffness, headache and light sensitivity suggesting irritation of the brain's protective membranes.
In practice: The febrile child had meningismus, so a lumbar puncture was arranged.
Word parts
- mening- means the meninges
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Absence or loss of function of the blood-filtering organ in the upper left abdomen, increasing the risk of serious infections.
Answer: Asplenia
Which word means: A progressive decline in memory, thinking and reasoning severe enough to interfere with daily life and independence.
Answer: Dementia
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