Fascicular ophthalmoplegia is a term that refers to a neurological condition characterized by weakness or paralysis of certain eye muscles. The term is pronounced as /fəˈsɪkjʊlər ɒfθælməˈpliːdʒə/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The word "fascicular" refers to the fascicles or bundles of nerve fibers, while "ophthalmoplegia" means paralysis of eye muscles. The correct spelling of such complex words requires a good understanding of the phonetic transcription system, which represents each sound in the word using symbols.
Fascicular ophthalmoplegia refers to a rare medical condition characterized by paralysis or weakness in one or more of the eye muscles due to damage or dysfunction in the fascicles, which are small bundles of nerve fibers that transmit signals controlling eye movement. Specifically, it affects the cranial nerves responsible for controlling eye muscles, such as the third (oculomotor), fourth (trochlear), and sixth (abducens) cranial nerves.
The condition typically leads to the inability to move the affected eye(s) in certain directions, causing limited or impaired eye movements, double vision (diplopia), and potential misalignment of the eyes (strabismus). The fascicular ophthalmoplegia can be either unilateral, affecting one eye, or bilateral, affecting both eyes.
Fascicular ophthalmoplegia can occur due to various causes, including vascular lesions, such as aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations, trauma, tumors compressing the nerves, or inflammatory conditions affecting the nerves. The specific underlying cause determines the prognosis and treatment options. In some cases, the condition can improve spontaneously within weeks or months, while in others, it may require medical interventions, such as medication, surgery, or rehabilitation therapies.
Prompt medical attention and appropriate diagnostic procedures, such as imaging scans and nerve conduction studies, are crucial for the accurate diagnosis and management of fascicular ophthalmoplegia. Specialized ophthalmologists and neurologists are typically involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, aiming to alleviate symptoms, restore normal eye movements, and improve the patient's quality of life.
O. due to a lesion in the pons.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "fascicular ophthalmoplegia" can be broken down into three parts: "fascicular", "ophthalm", and "plegia".
1) "Fascicular" originates from the Latin word "fasciculus", meaning "a small bundle". It refers to a bundle of nerve fibers or tissue.
2) "Ophthalm" comes from the Greek word "ophthalmos", which means "eye".
3) "Plegia" is derived from the Greek word "plegia", meaning "stroke" or "paralysis".
Therefore, "fascicular ophthalmoplegia" describes a condition involving paralysis of the eye muscles due to damage or lesions in the nerve bundles.