RETRACTION NYSTAGMUS Meaning and
Definition
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Retraction nystagmus refers to an abnormal eye movement characterized by a backward and upward motion of the eyeballs when attempting to look in an inward direction, particularly towards the nose. It is classified as a form of nystagmus, a condition characterized by involuntary, rhythmic oscillations of the eyes.
During retraction nystagmus, the affected individual experiences a delay or difficulty in initiating voluntary eye movements towards the nose or midline. Instead of moving smoothly towards the desired direction, the eyes may exhibit a jerky or jumping motion. This abnormal eye movement is commonly observed in cases of brainstem lesions or abnormalities affecting the oculomotor system.
Retraction nystagmus can have various underlying causes, including structural or functional abnormalities of the brainstem, such as those caused by tumors, vascular malformations, or multiple sclerosis. Neurological conditions affecting the oculomotor system, like Arnold-Chiari malformation or cerebellar degeneration, can also contribute to the development of retraction nystagmus.
The presence of retraction nystagmus can be evaluated through thorough eye examinations and diagnostic tests. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve addressing the specific condition responsible for the abnormal eye movement. Management may include medical interventions, surgery, or the use of corrective lenses to alleviate symptoms or improve eye control.
In summary, retraction nystagmus is an abnormal eye movement characterized by a backward and upward shift of the eyeballs when attempting to look in an inward direction. It is often associated with brainstem lesions or abnormalities affecting the oculomotor system.
Common Misspellings for RETRACTION NYSTAGMUS
- eetraction nystagmus
- detraction nystagmus
- fetraction nystagmus
- tetraction nystagmus
- 5etraction nystagmus
- 4etraction nystagmus
- rwtraction nystagmus
- rstraction nystagmus
- rdtraction nystagmus
- rrtraction nystagmus
- r4traction nystagmus
- r3traction nystagmus
- rerraction nystagmus
- refraction nystagmus
- regraction nystagmus
- reyraction nystagmus
- re6raction nystagmus
- re5raction nystagmus
- reteaction nystagmus
- retdaction nystagmus
Etymology of RETRACTION NYSTAGMUS
The word "retraction" in "retraction nystagmus" refers to the phenomenon where the eyeball moves backward or retracts into the eye socket. "Nystagmus" is a term derived from the Greek words "nystagmos", which means "drowsiness" or "nodding", and "nystazein", meaning "to nod".
So, "retraction nystagmus" essentially describes a condition characterized by involuntary eye movements where one or both eyes move backward or retract into their sockets. The etymology of the word "retraction nystagmus" doesn't have a specific origin as it is a combination of two descriptive terms in the field of ophthalmology.
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