Hydrophobia
Type: Symptom
Definition
An extreme or irrational fear of water, characteristic of late-stage rabies infection.
Clinical Details
The virus severely damages the brainstem centers that coordinate the complex movements required for swallowing. Attempting to drink triggers agonizing, involuntary spasms of the pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles. Eventually, even the sight or sound of water can trigger these terrifying reflex spasms.