Shell shock Health Dictionary

Shell Shock: From 1 Different Sources


See post-traumatic stress disorder.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Shock

Collapse of the circulation resulting in inadequate tissue perfusion to the body cells.... shock

Septic Shock

A dangerous disorder characterised by a severe fall in blood pressure and damage to the body tissues as a result of SEPTICAEMIA. The toxins from the septicaemia cause widespread damage to tissue, provoke clotting in small blood vessels, and seriously disturb the circulation. The kidneys, lungs and heart are particularly affected. The condition occurs most commonly in people who already have a chronic disease such as cancer, CIRRHOSIS of the liver or DIABETES MELLITUS. Septic shock may also develop in patients with immunode?ciency illnesses such as AIDS (see AIDS/HIV). The symptoms are those of septicaemia, coupled with those of SHOCK: cold, cyanotic limbs; fast, thready pulse; and a lowered blood pressure. Septic shock requires urgent treatment with ANTIBIOTICS, intravenous ?uids and oxygen, and may require the use of drugs to maintain blood pressure and cardiac function, arti?cial ventilation and/or renal DIALYSIS.... septic shock

Toxic Shock Syndrome

First described in 1978, this disorder is characterised by high fever, diarrhoea, SHOCK and a rash. It is frequently associated with the use of tampons (see TAMPON), but has occasionally been reported in men. The syndrome may also be linked to the use of contraceptives such as the diaphragm, cap and sponge (see under CONTRACEPTION), and skin wounds or infections may also be a cause. The disease is due to a staphylococcal toxin (see STAPHYLOCOCCUS; TOXINS). Treatment consists of supportive measures to combat shock and eradication of the staphylococcus by ANTIBIOTICS. The design of tampons has been improved. Recurrence of the disorder has been reported and women who have had an episode should stop using tampons and vaginal contraceptives.... toxic shock syndrome

Insulin Shock

A disorder in which the body produces excess INSULIN, which then reduces the amount of glucose in the blood (HYPOGLYCAEMIA). Treatment is with glucose or GLUCAGON. Untreated, the patient goes into a COMA and dies.... insulin shock

Shock Therapy

See ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT).... shock therapy

Anaphylactic Shock

See: SERUM SICKNESS. ... anaphylactic shock

Cardiogenic Shock

The result of myocardial infarction. Reduction in contractility and output of the heart.

Symptoms: low blood pressure, reduced urinary output, water in the lungs, etc. See: MYOCARDITIS. ... cardiogenic shock

Shellfish Poisoning

In the United Kingdom this occurs in two main forms. Shell?sh may be the cause of typhoid fever (see ENTERIC FEVER) as a result of their contamination by sewage containing the causative organism. They may also be responsible for what is known as paralytic shell?sh poisoning. This is caused by a toxin, or poison, known as saxotoxin, which is present in certain planktons which, under unusual conditions, multiply rapidly, giving rise to what are known as ‘red tides’. In these circumstances the toxin accumulates in mussels, cockles and scallops which feed by ?ltering plankton. The manifestations of such poisoning are loss of feeling in the hands, tingling of the tongue, weakness of the arms and legs, and di?culty in breathing. There is also growing evidence that some shell?sh poisoning may be due to a virus infection. (See also FOOD POISONING.)... shellfish poisoning

Shock Lung

See ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS).... shock lung

Nervous Shock

Non-medical term for nervous collapse. “All gone to pieces” syndrome following a period of abnormal stress or shock. Nervous breakdown. Psychiatric illness. Posttraumatic stress disorder.

Alternatives. Betony, Black Cohosh, Hops, Lady’s Slipper, Mistletoe, Oats, Skullcap, Valerian.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Skullcap, Mistletoe, Valerian. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.

Formula. Equal parts: Hops, Rosemary, Valerian. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Supplements. B-complex, B12, B6, E. Magnesium, Dolomite. Calcium. ... nervous shock

Electric Shock Treatment

See ECT.... electric shock treatment

Shock, Electric

The sensation caused by an electric current passing through the body, and its effects.

A current of sufficient size and duration can cause loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, burns, and tissue damage.

(See also electrical injury.)... shock, electric

Acoustic Shock

an adverse reaction to a sudden unexpected noise (an *acoustic incident). The condition is characterized by symptoms that may include pain, dizziness, tinnitus, anxiety, and depression. It is not usually associated with permanent reduction of hearing, in comparison to noise-induced hearing loss (see deafness).... acoustic shock

Episodic Cranial Sensory Shock

see exploding head syndrome.... episodic cranial sensory shock

Spinal Shock

a state of *shock accompanied by temporary paralysis of the lower extremities that results from injury to the spine and is often associated with *ileus. If the spinal cord is transected, permanent motor paralysis persists below the level of spinal-cord division.... spinal shock

Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

a bacterial disease characterized by fever, shock, and multiple organ failure. It is similar to the *toxic shock syndrome caused by staphylococci, but in these cases the infecting organisms are *Streptococcus Type A bacteria. See also necrotizing fasciitis.... streptococcal toxic shock syndrome



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