Medical terminology used in articles on blepharospasmThe medical terminology in some of the articles may be better understood with the help of a GLOSSARY: |
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| acetylcholinesterase | enzyme produced naturally in the body to break down the production of acetylcholine - a chemical that promotes messages going from nerve endings to other nerve endings |
| apraxia of eyelid | difficulty in opening the eyes in the absence of spasms |
| aqueous | watery |
| atrophy | wasting away [in the case of blepharospasm - muscle fibers may become progressively weaker due to treatments] |
| axonal sprouts | beginning growth from nerve extensions |
| buccolingual | pertaining to the cheek or tongue |
| chemodenervation | botulinum toxin injections |
| cranial | pertaining to the skull (head) |
| doxorubicin injections | chemomyectomy (experimental, permanent treatment) |
| dyskinesias | abnormal involuntary movements |
| dystonia | involuntary, uncontrollable muscular contractions or movements |
| edema | body tissues contain an excessive amount of fluid |
| endocytotic | toxic substance within a cell |
| epiphora | abnormal overflow of tears down the cheek |
| etiology | cause (study or theory of the cause of any disease) |
| exocytotic | toxins released from cells |
| hematoma | swelling filled with blood |
| hypertrophy | increase in size, frequently due to over activity |
| idiopathic | of unknown cause |
| keratitis | inflammation of the cornea (outside coat) of the eyeball |
| lacrimal gland | gland producing tears |
| lagophthalmos | incomplete closure of the eyelids |
| levator aponeurosis | tendon that pulls the eyelid up |
| levator palpebrae | main muscle responsible for eyelid opening |
| levodopa | an anti-parkinsonian medication |
| medial aspect | area of the brain towards the center |
| neuroimaging | images of the nervous system, especially the brain |
| neuromuscular junctions | pertaining to where the nerve passes the impulse to the muscle |
| orbicularis muscle | muscle circling the orbit of the eye |
| orbicularis oculi | muscle encircling the opening or orbit of the eye |
| oromandibular (OMD) | pertaining to the mouth and lower jaw |
| pathophysiology | causes |
| peripheral neurectomy | when the nerves are cut (neurectomy) around the outer part [of the eye muscles in the context of BEB literature] |
| postsynaptic | following a synapse (a synapse is a microscopic space between nerve endings where exchange of chemicals carries the message from one nerve to another) |
| pretarsal orbicularis muscle | the circular muscle group closest to the center of the eye orbit |
| ptosis | drooping [of eyelids] |
| spasmodic dysphonia | a form of dystonia affecting the muscles controlling the vocal cords. As a result, the speech of people with SD may be reduced to a whisper, or be produced only haltingly, and with great effort |
| spasmodic torticollis | also known as cervical dystonia, a movement disorder affecting muscles in the neck and shoulders, may turn head into abnormal posture, head bobbing or uncontrollable head turning striated muscle - muscle fibers in voluntary muscles which have alternate light and dark bands (striations) |
| tarsal plate | a curved plate of fibrous tissue providing supporting structure for the eyelid (Same as tarsus) |
| tarsus | a curved plate of dense white fibrous tissue forming supporting structure of the eyelid |
| temporal aspect | part [of brain] located near the temples |
| thalamus | a middle portion of the brain through which sensory impulses pass to reach the higher level of the brain (the cerebrum). The cerebrum controls voluntary movements and higher mental functions |
| tonic spasm | constant, unceasing |
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Disability index page BEBRF Blepharospasm Home Page |
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