Lesson 12F: Dysfunction of Special Senses

Anosmia

Loss of olfaction (smell) often misdiagnosed with ageusia.

Ageusia

Loss of gustation (taste) often misdiagnosed with anosmia.

Vertigo

Abnormal sense of equilibrium that leads to perception of movement that isn't occurring.

Tinnitus

Abnormal perception of sound or ringing in the ears, often termed 'phantom noise'.

Otitis

Inflammation of the ear that can affect outer, middle, or inner ear.

Pathological nystagmus

Involuntary and/or unstimulated tracking eye movements associated with equilibrium disturbance.

Cataract

Clouding of the lens leading to blurry or loss of vision, often treatable surgically.

Glaucoma

Death of retinal neurons due to increased intraocular pressure, leading to irreversible vision loss.

Astigmatism

Misshapen cornea causing inability to focus light rays on different planes.

Hyperopia

Farsightedness caused by an eyeball that is too short, corrected with convex lenses.

Myopia

Nearsightedness caused by an eyeball that is too long, corrected with concave lenses.

Presbyopia

Decreased flexibility of the lens with age, causing reduced accommodation for near vision.