póstraumática

Póstraumática is a term used in Portuguese to describe phenomena, conditions, or processes that occur after a traumatic event. As an adjective, it is commonly found in compound formulations such as lesão pós-traumática or condição pós-traumática, where it qualifiers the sequelae or consequences that follow trauma. The concept spans both physical injuries and psychological effects, as well as secondary problems that arise in the aftermath of an incident.

Etymology and orthography are straightforward: the term derives from post- (after) and trauma (wound or injury). In modern usage, the more standard orthography tends to be pós-traumática with a hyphen and an acute on the o in pós; however, variants such as póstraumática have appeared in older or regional texts. In everyday practice, the emphasis is on the post-traumatic nature of the condition rather than on a fixed spelling.

Usage and scope vary by field but commonly appear in medicine, dentistry, neurology, and psychology. Examples include post-traumatic pain, post-traumatic arthritis, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and other post-traumatic sequelae. The term is often used interchangeably with pós-traumática, though some sources prefer the hyphenated form to signal a compound adjective.

See also terms include pós-trauma, trauma, and transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (PTSD). Póstraumática is thus a descriptive label for outcomes that emerge after trauma, with contemporary practice favoring the standard pós-traumática spelling in modern texts.