Hippocratic finger

Hippocratic face is a term used in medicine to describe a specific facial expression that is characteristic of individuals who are in the terminal stages of a serious illness, such as cancer or kidney disease. The term is derived from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who is often referred to as the "Father of Medicine".

History

The term "Hippocratic face" is named after Hippocrates, who first described this facial expression in his writings. Hippocrates was a Greek physician who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries BC, and his teachings and writings form the basis of much of modern medicine. He is best known for the Hippocratic Oath, which is still used today as a code of ethics for physicians.

Characteristics

The Hippocratic face is characterized by a number of specific features. These include:

• Pallor: The skin becomes pale and loses its normal color.
• Sunken eyes: The eyes appear deeply set in the face.
• Nose: The nose may appear sharp and pointed.
• Temples: The temples may appear sunken.
• Ears: The ears may appear cold and may droop.
• Lips: The lips may appear thin and drawn.

These changes are thought to be due to a combination of factors, including weight loss, dehydration, and the body's response to serious illness.

Clinical significance

The appearance of a Hippocratic face in a patient is generally considered to be a poor prognostic sign. It indicates that the patient is in the terminal stages of their illness and that death is likely to occur in the near future. However, it is important to note that the presence of a Hippocratic face is not a definitive indicator of impending death, and other clinical signs and symptoms should also be taken into account.

See also

• Hippocrates
• Pallor
• Sunken eyes
• Nose
• Temples
• Ears
• Lips