Chiasmal syndrome
Chiasmal Syndrome
Chiasmal syndrome (/kiˈazməl/ syn-drome) is a medical condition characterized by a group of symptoms resulting from damage or compression of the optic chiasm, the part of the brain where the optic nerves partially cross.
Etymology
The term "chiasmal" is derived from the Greek word "χίασμα" (chiasma), meaning "crossing", referring to the X-shaped structure formed at the point below the brain where the right and left optic nerves intersect. The term "syndrome" comes from the Greek word "σύνδρομο" (syndrome), which means "running together", used in medicine to describe a set of symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular disease or abnormality.
Symptoms
The symptoms of chiasmal syndrome can vary depending on the exact location and extent of the damage to the optic chiasm. Common symptoms include bitemporal hemianopsia, a condition in which the outer (temporal) half of the visual field in both eyes is lost, and visual acuity reduction. Other symptoms may include color vision deficits, optic atrophy, and optic disc pallor.
Causes
Chiasmal syndrome is most commonly caused by pituitary adenomas, benign tumors of the pituitary gland that can compress the optic chiasm. Other causes can include craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, gliomas, and aneurysms. In rare cases, chiasmal syndrome can also be caused by neurological disorders or inflammatory diseases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of chiasmal syndrome typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including tests of visual acuity, visual fields, and color vision. Neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans are often used to identify the cause of the chiasmal syndrome.
Treatment
Treatment for chiasmal syndrome depends on the underlying cause. In cases where a tumor is causing the syndrome, surgery, radiation therapy, or medication may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and relieve pressure on the optic chiasm.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chiasmal syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Chiasmal syndrome
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