How Do You Spell POSITIVE SCOTOMA?

1. A positive scotoma is a term used in ophthalmology to describe a specific type of visual disturbance where a person experiences the perception of abnormal bright spots or shapes in their field of vision. The term "positive" is utilized to indicate the presence or addition of abnormal visual stimuli in the person's vision. A scotoma, on the other hand, refers to an area of impaired vision or blindness within the visual field.

   This visual phenomenon generally involves the perception of bright or luminous flashes, flickers, or shimmering patterns that are not actually present in the person's external environment. Positive scotomas can present in varying sizes, shapes, colors, and levels of intensity, and may occur in one or both eyes. They typically appear as well-defined patches or clusters that persist for a few moments before fading away.

   Positive scotomas can result from a variety of underlying causes, including retinal disorders, migraines, and ocular or neurological conditions. Retinal disturbances, such as retinal detachment or ischemia, can disrupt the normal visual processing and lead to the development of positive scotomas. Migraines often involve visual disturbances, including positive scotomas, as part of the aura phase that precedes the onset of a headache. Certain ocular or neurological conditions, such as optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis, can also cause positive scotomas.

   A thorough examination by an ophthalmologist is crucial to determine the cause of positive scotomas and develop an appropriate treatment plan, targeting the underlying condition if present.

2. One which is perceived subjectively as a black spot within the field of vision.

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

Common Misspellings for POSITIVE SCOTOMA

The term "positive scotoma" can be broken down into two parts:

1. Positive: In this context, "positive" refers to the presence of something abnormal or additional. It is derived from the Latin word "positivus", meaning "having been placed" or "affirmative".

2. Scotoma: The word "scotoma" comes from the Greek word "skotoma", which means "darkness". In medical terminology, a scotoma refers to an area of impaired or lost vision.

Therefore, the etymology of "positive scotoma" suggests that it refers to an abnormal or additional perception of darkness or impaired vision in a specific area.