Insulin Shock Treatment
Definition:
Insulin shock treatment is a medical procedure that involves giving a person a high dose of insulin to lower their blood sugar levels quickly. This can sometimes cause the person to have convulsions (which are sudden, uncontrolled movements) or even go into a coma (a deep state of unconsciousness). This treatment is not commonly used today and is mostly historical.
Usage Instructions:
This term is primarily used in medical contexts, particularly when discussing treatments for certain mental health conditions in the past. It's important to note that this practice has largely been replaced by safer methods.
Example Sentence:
"In the early 20th century, some doctors used insulin shock treatment to try to help patients with severe mental illnesses."
Advanced Usage:
Although insulin shock treatment is not a common practice anymore, understanding its history can help learners grasp the evolution of medical treatments. It's useful in discussions about psychiatric treatments and the ethical considerations surrounding older medical practices.
Word Variants:
- Insulin: A hormone made by the pancreas that helps control blood sugar levels. - Shock: In a medical context, it often refers to a state of reduced blood flow to the organs, which can be life-threatening.
Different Meaning:
- "Shock" can also refer to the emotional response to a surprising or distressing event. For example, "She was in shock after hearing the bad news."
Synonyms:
- Insulin coma therapy: Another term that refers to the same treatment approach. - Hypoglycemic coma: A coma caused by very low blood sugar levels, which can be a result of insulin shock.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "insulin shock treatment." However, understanding the word "shock" might help learners see how it is used in phrases like "in shock" (feeling very surprised or upset).
Conclusion:
Insulin shock treatment is an important historical term in the medical field, especially concerning treatments for mental health.