Search Results - Cretinism
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Cretinism is a condition of severely stunted physical growth and mental development due to untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones ( hypothyroidism) or from prolonged nutritional deficiency of iodine. The term cretin describes a person so affected, but, like such words as spastic, idiot, and lunatic, also is a word of abuse. Cretin became a medical term in the 18th century, from an Alpine French dialect prevalent in a region where persons with such a condition were especially common (see below); it saw wide medical use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and then spread more widely in popular English as a markedly derogatory term for a person who behaves stupidly. Because of its pejorative connotations in popular speech, health-care workers have mostly abandoned cretin. The etymology of cretin is uncertain. Several hypotheses exist. The most common derivation provided in English dictionaries is from the Alpine French dialect pronunciation of the word Chrétien ("(a) Christian"), which was a greeting there. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the translation of the French term into "human creature" implies that the label "Christian" is a reminder of the humanity of the afflicted, in contrast to brute beasts.[1] Other sources suggest that Christian describes the person's "Christ-like" inability to sin, stemming, in such cases, from an incapacity to distinguish right from wrong.[2] Other speculative etymologies have been offered
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Showing 1 to 5 of 5 Articles matching 'Cretinism' in related articles. |
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1. Iodine Deficiency Can Cause Cretinism - Prevent Cretinism From Happening to Your Child
August 03, 2009
Cretinism, for those who might not be truly aware of it, manifests itself insidiously in a child. Some parents might not notice the signs readily in their children. However, if detected and treated promptly, you can stop cretinism in its tracks and give your child a better chance at a happier life.
What is Cretinism?
Cretinism is a condition caused by extreme hypothyroidism during fetal life, infancy, and childhood. The characteristics of cretinism include stunted body growth and mental retardation. Hypothyroidism in the most critical stages of development is highly devastating for t... (read more)
Author: Ryan English
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2. Cretinism Information and Treatment
August 20, 2008
Cretinism results from inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones during fetal life or early infancy. The brain and skeleton fail to develop properly, resulting in mental retardation and dwarfism. If the baby was born with the condition, it is called congenital hypothyroidism. Congenital hypothyroidism can be endemic, genetic, or sporadic. Cretinism is a condition of stunted body growth and impaired mental development. The symptoms, which appear during early infancy, are the gradual development of a characteristic coarse, dry skin, a slightly swollen face and tongue, umbilical hernia, and an ope... (read more)
Author: Juliet Cohen
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3. Hypothyroidism - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
July 30, 2008
Hypothyroidism is the most common of the thyroid disorders. It occurs when the thyroid gland becomes underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The metabolic rate falls and normal bodily functions slow down. Up to 10% of women over the age of 65 show some signs of hypothyroidism. Although less common, hypothyroidism does occur among the young. Neonatal hypothyroidism, called cretinism, is associated with mental retardation, jaundice (yellowing of skin), poor feeding, breathing difficulties, and growth problems.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
Primary hypothyroidism is a disor... (read more)
Author: Rick hutch
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4. IODINE DEFICIENCY AND NECK SWELLING
July 24, 2008
It has not been established the exact quantity of iodine that is the daily requirement of the body. But the range is between 0.04 and 0.01 milligrams per day. The food and water that we take contains very little percentage of iodine which reduces to zero the risk of overdose as a result of those stored in the thyroid gland which can be there for some time Children from parents that lacked iodine may develop cretinism. This is a situation whereby the child will be dwarfed, retarded mentally, have enlarged thyroid gland and a defective speech. You will equally notice in the child, symptoms like ... (read more)
Author: Eze ThankGod
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5. Complete Information on Cretinism
June 19, 2008
Cretinism is a circumstance of seriously stunted physiological and psychological increase payable to raw inborn inadequacy of thyroid hormones. Cretins have dwarfed bodies, with curvature of the backbone and pendulous stomach. Their limbs are distorted, their features are crude, and their hair is rough and scanty. Mental growth is retarded throughout living. Congenital hypothyroidism can be indigenous, hereditary, or intermittent. Neurological disability may be balmy, with reduced muscle color and coordination, or then serious that the individual cannot support or walking. Cognitive disability... (read more)
Author: Juliet Cohen
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