Medical terminology

[scatterbrain]

Why can't doctor's speak in plain English? Are they trained like solicitors - in the art of baffling people with babble to keep ordinary people from knowing what they mean :p

Does anyone know what...

acute inflammatory cranial neuropathy

...means :brainache:

(in the context of being 'unlikely').

Scatterbrain

[chuckle_monster]

Hi Scatterbrain,

I'm certainly no expert but think it's easier to split up the words IYSWIM. Acute (although it sounds awful) just means that it has recently come about/occured (as opposed to chronic- long term) neuropathy is any kind of disease of the peripheral nerves (usually causing weakness/numbness.) Inflammatory is self explanatory as is cranial.

So, in conclusion.......:puzzled: .....ahem (i think!!!) I would say that it has something to do with a disease of the nerves causing nerve swelling in the brain? It is important that you understand that this is a total guess on my part and that also if you google "acute inflammatory cranial neuropathy" in the quote marks it shows a research paper which indicates that this is a type of Migraine (opthalmoplegic ones if you read this page!! http://www.w-h-a.org/wha2/Newsite/resultsnav.asp?color=c2d9f2&idContentNews=401 ) I have to admit if it was me, to think it was a type of migraine sounds a lot less scary, even though migraines are horrid.
I've no idea of the validity of this website though, so it's best to ask your doctor if you have any concerns!

Really hope this helps, don't be afraid to ask if I'm writing rubbish!!!

Chuckle x

[redhed]

ime, 98% of it, when translated, means: "we don't know what is wrong with you".

In particular, any "syndrome" with a name that is just a list/description of the symptoms = they have no clue whatsoever. Whenever I hear something like that I know they're bluffing. It's like "What's wrong with me? My toe is hurting!" :doctor:"Ah well, redhed, you have severe toe-hurtyitis"

Pffft. You don't say? :yeahright: Now if they called it "gout" or something, I might begin to believe they had a handle on it.

[Cherrypie]

Neuropathy is the medical term for a disease of your nervous system or damage to your nerves. Cranial neuropathy therefore refers to the nerve in the head.
Acute inflammation hopefully speaks for itself!

As far as I'm aware, GBS falls within the remit of acute inflammatory cranial neuropathy.

HTH.

BTW Scatter, I did quite care for quite a lot of patients with GBS when I worked at Guys. Though that was some years ago now. How are things going in terms of recovery?

[scatterbrain]

BTW Scatter, I did quite care for quite a lot of patients with GBS when I worked at Guys. Though that was some years ago now. How are things going in terms of recovery?

Thanks for asking Cherrypie. It's a bit of a :huh: at the moment. The most likely scenario (according to my neurologist) is that I have recovered from GBS, but have now developed something new. I'm having loads of tests (MRI/EMG/Bloods) to confirm what it might be.

My reflexes are all working, I have almost full feeling in my hands & legs and I can walk almost normally. Over the past month, though, I have developed double vision, increased fatigue, shaking and dizzyness. Recovery from GBS doesn't usually result in new symptoms after a few months and so they're checking out what it might be. I'll find out on 6th June.

Just had to admit defeat & cut my work hours from full time to 3 days a week for now :(

Lol Redhed. I asked my GP what that term meant (as it was was written on the notes from my neurologist to my GP) and she said she didn't know!

Scatterbrain

[Cherrypie]

Shocked that your GP couldn't decipher the terminology Scatter! All standard medical jargon really.

Sorry to hear that further symptoms have developed. Hope they can get to the bottom of it soon. xx

[Angel]

In particular, any "syndrome" with a name that is just a list/description of the symptoms = they have no clue whatsoever. Whenever I hear something like that I know they're bluffing. It's like "What's wrong with me? My toe is hurting!" :doctor:"Ah well, redhed, you have severe toe-hurtyitis"

:clap:

Scatterbrain, I'd agree with cherrypie, it's all fairly standard terminology but hope you get some more answers from the neurologist in a few weeks. Are you being seen locally ?

[scatterbrain]

Yes, the N&N and the B hospital round the corner from there mostly. I'm at the N&N on Monday afternoon for EMG tests.

Then in a couple of weeks I should have a diagnosis.

Scatterbrain

[chuckle_monster]

Just wanted to say Good Luck for your EMG tests this afternoon Scatterbrain, I hope it goes well for you:thumb:
Chuckle

[iGnome]

the reason that doctors and nurses talk in big words is so that the patients jaw drops to the floor in shock and we can make a run for the tea room. :teehee:

[scatterbrain]

I can relate to that :lol: . Now, if they just said 'it'll take too long to explain & I want a cup of tea so I'll tell you later', I'd understand perfectly :tongue:

Thanks Chuckle Monster :grin:

Scatterbrain