Carphologia

Carphologia is a medical term that refers to the automatic and aimless plucking at the bedclothes by a patient, especially in the advanced stages of fever or in states of delirium. It is often considered a sign of severe illness and is commonly observed in patients suffering from typhus and other severe fevers.

Overview

Carphologia is a symptom rather than a disease in itself. It is often observed in patients who are severely ill, particularly those suffering from high fevers or delirium. The term is derived from the Greek words 'karphos', meaning 'straw', and 'logia', meaning 'study'. It is also known as 'floccillation', which comes from the Latin word 'floccus', meaning 'tuft of wool'.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of carphologia is the automatic and aimless plucking at the bedclothes by a patient. This is often accompanied by other symptoms of severe illness, such as fever, delirium, and confusion. The patient may also exhibit signs of restlessness and agitation.

Causes

Carphologia is most commonly observed in patients suffering from severe fevers, such as typhus, typhoid, and malaria. It can also occur in patients with delirium due to other causes, such as alcohol withdrawal or drug overdose. The exact cause of carphologia is not known, but it is thought to be related to the effects of high fever and delirium on the brain.

Treatment

Treatment for carphologia primarily involves treating the underlying cause of the symptom. This may involve the use of antipyretics to reduce fever, antibiotics to treat infections, or other treatments as appropriate. In some cases, sedatives may be used to help calm the patient and reduce agitation.

See Also

• Delirium
• Fever
• Typhus
• Typhoid
• Malaria

References

Carphologia Resources
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