| pp | near point of accommodation [Lat. punctum proximum]; postprandial; postpartum |
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| PPA | palpation, percussion, auscultation; pepsin A; phenylpropanolamine; phenylpyruvic acid; Pittsburgh p... |
| PPCM | postpartum cardiomyopathy |
| PPD | packs per day; paraphenylenediamine; percussion and postural drainage; permanent partial disability;... |
| PPH | past pertinent history; persistent pulmonary hypertension; phosphopyruvate hydratase; postpartum hem... |
| apyretic tetanus | 1. Hyperexcitability of nerves and muscles due to decrease in concentration of extracellular ionised calcium, which may be associated with such conditions as parathyroid hypofunction, vitamin D deficiency and alkalosis or result from ingestion of alkaline salts, it is characterised by carpopedal spasm, muscular twitching and cramps, laryngospasm with inspiratory stridor, hyperreflexia and choreiform movements. 2. Tetanus. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| benign tetanus | A disorder marked by intermittent tonic muscular contractions of the extremities, especially the hands and feet (carpopedal spasm), accompanied by paresthesias and, when severe, by crowing respirations due to laryngospasm and seizures; results from hypocalcaemia, caused by various disorders, including gastrointestinal abnormalities. Synonym: intermittent cramp. (05 Mar 2000) |
| generalised tetanus | The most common type of tetanus, often with trismus as its initial manifestation; the muscles of the head, neck, trunk and limbs become persistently contracted, and then painful paroxysmal tonic contractions (tetanic seizures) are superimposed; the high mortality rate (50%) is due to asphyxia or cardiac failure. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal closure tetanus | An obsolete term for a tetanic muscular contraction occurring during the time the circuit is closed, the current then running, while the negative pole is applied. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal duration tetanus | An obsolete term for a tetanic contraction occurring on application of the cathode or negative pole, while the circuit is closed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal opening tetanus | An obsolete term for a tonic contraction in a muscle, to which the cathode is applied; when the circuit is opened, the contraction is suddenly interrupted. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cephalic tetanus | A type of local tetanus that follows wounds to the face and head; after a brief incubation (1-2 days) the facial and ocular muscles become paretic yet undergo repeated tetanic spasms. The throat and tongue muscles may also be affected. Synonym: cerebral tetanus, head tetanus, hydrophobic tetanus, rose cephalic tetanus, Rose's cephalic tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cerebral tetanus | A type of local tetanus that follows wounds to the face and head; after a brief incubation (1-2 days) the facial and ocular muscles become paretic yet undergo repeated tetanic spasms. The throat and tongue muscles may also be affected. Synonym: cerebral tetanus, head tetanus, hydrophobic tetanus, rose cephalic tetanus, Rose's cephalic tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Ritter's opening tetanus | The tetanic contraction that occasionally occurs when a strong current, passing through a long stretch of nerve, is suddenly interrupted. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rose cephalic tetanus | A type of local tetanus that follows wounds to the face and head; after a brief incubation (1-2 days) the facial and ocular muscles become paretic yet undergo repeated tetanic spasms. The throat and tongue muscles may also be affected. Synonym: cerebral tetanus, head tetanus, hydrophobic tetanus, rose cephalic tetanus, Rose's cephalic tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| complete tetanus | Tetanus in which stimuli to a particular muscle are repeated so rapidly that decrease of tension between stimuli cannot be detected. (05 Mar 2000) |
| head tetanus | A type of local tetanus that follows wounds to the face and head; after a brief incubation (1-2 days) the facial and ocular muscles become paretic yet undergo repeated tetanic spasms. The throat and tongue muscles may also be affected. Synonym: cerebral tetanus, head tetanus, hydrophobic tetanus, rose cephalic tetanus, Rose's cephalic tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| puerperal tetanus | Tetanus occurring during the puerperium from infection of the obstetric wound. Synonym: postpartum tetanus, uterine tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| hydrophobic tetanus | A type of local tetanus that follows wounds to the face and head; after a brief incubation (1-2 days) the facial and ocular muscles become paretic yet undergo repeated tetanic spasms. The throat and tongue muscles may also be affected. Synonym: cerebral tetanus, head tetanus, hydrophobic tetanus, rose cephalic tetanus, Rose's cephalic tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| neonatal tetanus | Tetanus occurring in newborn infants, usually due to infection of umbilical area with Clostridium tetani, often a result of ritualistic practices; has high fatality rate (about 60%). Synonym: neonatal tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |