INTERNUCLEAR OPHTHALMOPLEGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) is a neuro-ophthalmologic disorder characterized by impaired horizontal eye movements and a specific pattern of gaze dysfunction. It occurs as a result of damage to the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF), a structure that connects the oculomotor nucleus of one eye with the abducens nucleus of the other eye.
Individuals with internuclear ophthalmoplegia typically present with an inability to adduct or move the affected eye towards the nose, while the contralateral eye is able to abduct normally. This results in a horizontal gaze palsy and may cause diplopia, often worsened when attempting to look towards the affected side. INO usually affects both eyes, although it can be unilateral in some cases.
The most common causes of internuclear ophthalmoplegia include multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, head trauma, and brainstem or pontine tumors. In MS, INO often presents as an early symptom and can be a strong indicator of the disease.
Diagnosis of internuclear ophthalmoplegia is made by clinical examination, which may involve assessing the patient's ability to perform eye movements and evaluating for associated neurological signs. Neuroimaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be recommended to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment of internuclear ophthalmoplegia depends on the underlying etiology. In some cases, the disorder may improve spontaneously over time. Other treatment modalities may include managing symptoms, such as diplopia, with prisms or occlusion therapy. Treating the underlying condition contributing to INO is also crucial.
Overall, internuclear ophthalmoplegia is a neuro-ophthalmologic syndrome characterized by impaired horizontal eye movements due to damage to the MLF, most commonly caused by conditions like
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Etymology of INTERNUCLEAR OPHTHALMOPLEGIA
The word "internuclear ophthalmoplegia" is derived from the following terms:
1. "Inter-" is a prefix meaning "between" or "among".
2. "Nuclear" refers to the nuclei, which are the collection of nerve cells within the central nervous system.
3. "Ophthalm" is derived from the Greek word "ophthalmos", meaning "eye".
4. "Plegia" comes from the Greek term "plegia", which means "paralysis" or "inability to move".
Therefore, "internuclear ophthalmoplegia" refers to a condition that involves paralysis or impairment of eye movement due to a dysfunction within the nerve cell nuclei involved in coordinating eye movements. The term describes the specific location and nature of the condition within the nervous system.
