How Do You Spell OPHTHALMOPLEGIA EXTERNA?

1. Ophthalmoplegia externa is a medical term referring to paralysis or weakness of the muscles that control eye movement, specifically the external muscles of the eye. These external eye muscles include the six muscles responsible for moving each eye in different directions — up, down, left, and right — and ensuring both eyes work together to provide binocular vision.

   This condition results in the inability to move the eyes in certain directions, leading to limited or no control over eye movements. It can affect one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral), depending on the underlying cause. Ophthalmoplegia externa is often characterized by symptoms such as double vision, crossed eyes, drooping eyelids, or difficulty moving the eyes. Individuals may also experience pain or discomfort in the affected eye area.

   There are several potential causes of ophthalmoplegia externa, including nerve damage or dysfunction, muscular disorders, autoimmune diseases, infections, trauma, genetic factors, or certain medications. Treatment options for this condition vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, managing the underlying condition or addressing the specific triggers can help alleviate symptoms. Other treatment approaches may involve medications, such as muscle relaxants or immunosuppressants, surgical intervention, or the use of corrective lenses or prism glasses for visual alignment.

   It is important for individuals experiencing any symptoms of ophthalmoplegia externa to seek prompt medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

2. Paralysis affecting one or more of the nerves supplying the extrinsic eye-muscles.

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

Common Misspellings for OPHTHALMOPLEGIA EXTERNA

The term "ophthalmoplegia externa" is derived from the combination of three different words: "ophthalmoplegia", "external", and a suffix "a".

1. "Ophthalmoplegia": This word is composed of two Greek roots, "ophthalmos" meaning "eye" and "plegein" meaning "to strike" or "to paralyze". Ophthalmoplegia refers to the paralysis or weakness of the muscles responsible for eye movement.

2. "Extern": It is an English word derived from the Latin word "externus", which means "external" or "outside".

3. Suffix "-a": This suffix in medical terminology often signifies a condition or a state.

Putting it all together, "ophthalmoplegia externa" refers to external ophthalmoplegia, which indicates the paralysis or weakness of the muscles involved in eye movement that occurs outside the eye itself.