HEMIANOSMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hemianosmia is a medical condition characterized by the partial loss or impairment of the sense of smell in one nostril. Derived from the Latin words "hemi," meaning half, and "anosmia," meaning loss of smell, hemianosmia specifically refers to the loss of smell in only one side of the nose. This condition is considered relatively rare compared to complete anosmia, which is the total loss of smell.
Individuals with hemianosmia may experience a significant reduction in their ability to detect and identify odors through the affected nostril. They may not perceive certain smells or may have a distorted perception of them. The impairment often occurs due to lesions or abnormalities in the olfactory system, such as nasal polyps, sinus infections, head trauma, or tumors.
Hemianosmia can have various causes and can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying condition. It can occur as a result of damage to the olfactory nerves, olfactory bulbs, or olfactory epithelium, which are responsible for transmitting odor signals to the brain. Some individuals may also have congenital hemianosmia, which is present from birth.
Treatment for hemianosmia aims to address the underlying cause and may involve medical interventions such as surgery, medication, or rehabilitation techniques. In some cases, the loss of smell may improve spontaneously, depending on the nature of the underlying condition. Additionally, olfactory training and smell stimulation therapies can be beneficial in enhancing olfactory function and potentially aiding in the recovery of hemianosmia to some extent.
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Loss of smell on one side.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMIANOSMIA
- hemianosmha
- hemianosmii
- hemianosmie
- hemianosmic
- hemiaknowsmia
- h emianosmia
- he mianosmia
- hem ianosmia
- hemi anosmia
- hemia nosmia
- hemian osmia
- hemiano smia
- hemianos mia
- hemianosm ia
- hemianosmi a
Etymology of HEMIANOSMIA
The term "hemianosmia" is derived from two parts: "hemi-" and "anosmia".
1. "Hemi-": This prefix in medical terminology indicates "half" or "partial". It derives from the Greek word "hēmi-" meaning "half".
2. "Anosmia": This word refers to the loss or impairment of the sense of smell. It originates from the Greek word "a-" meaning "without" and "osmē" meaning "sense of smell".
Therefore, "hemianosmia" combines these elements to describe a condition that affects only half or a partial loss of the sense of smell.
