How Do You Spell FLITTERING SCOTOMA?

Pronunciation: [flˈɪtəɹɪŋ skətˈə͡ʊmə] (IPA)

Flittering scotoma is a medical term used to describe a visual disturbance or temporary blindness in one eye. The word "flittering" is spelled with a double 't', as in /ˈflɪtərɪŋ/, to represent the sound of the fluttering or flickering motion of the visual disturbance. The word "scotoma" is spelled with a silent 'c' and pronounced as /skəʊˈtəʊmə/, which means a blind or dark spot in one's field of vision. This word is commonly used in ophthalmology to describe a common type of visual disturbance.

FLITTERING SCOTOMA Meaning and Definition

1. A "flittering scotoma" is a term used in the field of ophthalmology to describe a specific type of visual disturbance or aura that can occur before or during a migraine headache. It refers to a temporary area of impaired or distorted vision characterized by flickering, shimmering, or zigzag lines that move across the visual field.

   This visual phenomenon is often experienced as a scintillating or sparkling pattern that begins in the center of the visual field and gradually expands outward, typically lasting from a few minutes to an hour or longer. It may affect one or both eyes and typically obscures or distorts the perception of objects, making it difficult to see clearly.

   The term "scotoma" refers to a blind spot or an area of dim or diminished vision within the visual field. In the case of a flittering scotoma, this blind spot is usually accompanied by the dynamic, undulating nature of flickering or shimmering lights or patterns.

   Flittering scotomas are most commonly associated with migraine headaches, especially the "migraine with aura" subtype. They are believed to result from changes in blood flow or electrical activity in the brain that affect the visual cortex, leading to these temporary visual disturbances.

   It is important to note that flittering scotomas can be alarming and may cause anxiety or discomfort, but they are generally harmless and resolve on their own without any specific treatment. However, individuals experiencing flittering scotomas, especially for the first time, should consult with a healthcare professional to confirm the underlying cause and ensure there are no serious underlying conditions.

2. Scintillating s.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for FLITTERING SCOTOMA

• dlittering scotoma
• clittering scotoma
• vlittering scotoma
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• rlittering scotoma
• fkittering scotoma
• fpittering scotoma
• foittering scotoma
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• fljttering scotoma
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• fl9ttering scotoma
• fl8ttering scotoma
• flirtering scotoma
• fliftering scotoma
• fligtering scotoma
• fliytering scotoma
• fli6tering scotoma

Etymology of FLITTERING SCOTOMA

The term "flittering scotoma" is a medical term used to describe a visual phenomenon. It consists of two parts: "flittering" and "scotoma".

The word "flittering" is derived from the verb "flitter", which means to move quickly or flutter. It comes from the Old Norse word "flitra", which also means to flutter or flicker.

"Scotoma" originates from the Greek word "skotōma", meaning darkness or gloom. In medical terminology, a scotoma refers to an area of impaired or lost vision within the visual field.

Therefore, when combined, "flittering scotoma" refers to a flickering or shimmering area of impaired vision, commonly associated with conditions such as migraine aura or ocular migraines.