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Guillain–Barré syndrome

an acute, progressive, demyelinating type of peripheral neuropathy that starts with muscular weakness and loss of normal sensation in the extremities, spreading inward as the disease progresses. The condition often begins in the feet and ascends toward the head. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the individual is almost totally paralyzed, in which case the disorder is life threatening. Because the syndrome often develops after an infection, it may result from an immune reaction. [Georges Guillain (1876–1961) and Jean Barré (1880–1967), French neurologists]

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Psychology term of the day

November 6th 2024

fractal

fractal

n. a geometric shape that can be divided into parts that each resemble the pattern of the whole shape. Thus, a fractal is a shape possessing the quality of self-similarity.