NUCLEAR OPHTHALMOPLEGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Nuclear ophthalmoplegia refers to a medical condition characterized by paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles due to dysfunction or damage to the nerve nuclei within the brainstem that control eye movements. The term "nuclear" in this context refers to the brainstem nuclei responsible for controlling the eye muscles.
The brainstem contains several different nuclei that send signals to the eye muscles via cranial nerves, enabling coordinated movements of the eyes. However, in cases of nuclear ophthalmoplegia, there is a disruption or impairment of these nerve nuclei, leading to difficulties in moving the eyes.
Symptoms of nuclear ophthalmoplegia commonly include limited or complete loss of eye muscle control, resulting in the inability to move the eyes in certain directions or coordinate eye movements properly. This can lead to double vision, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), or even a drooping eyelid (ptosis). Other associated symptoms may include difficulty focusing, problems with depth perception, and challenges with maintaining balance.
Various factors can contribute to nuclear ophthalmoplegia, including strokes, trauma to the head or brainstem, infections, tumors, multiple sclerosis, or other neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment options for this condition usually aim to manage underlying causes, alleviate symptoms, and improve eye muscle function. These can include medication, muscle exercises, prism lenses to correct double vision, and in severe cases, surgery to correct eye muscle imbalances. The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
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O. due to a lesion of the nuclei of origin of the motor nerves of the eye.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEAR OPHTHALMOPLEGIA
Etymology of NUCLEAR OPHTHALMOPLEGIA
The word "nuclear ophthalmoplegia" is derived from two components: "nuclear" and "ophthalmoplegia".
1. Nuclear: The term "nuclear" in this context refers to the nucleus, which is a central part or core of a structure. It comes from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning the kernel or the central part of a fruit. In medical terminology, "nuclear" typically refers to structures or conditions pertaining to the nucleus.
2. Ophthalmoplegia: The term "ophthalmoplegia" combines two Greek roots - "ophthalmos" meaning "eye" and "plegia" meaning "paralysis". Thus, "ophthalmoplegia" translates to "paralysis of the eye muscles". It denotes a condition where there is weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for eye movement.
