SYNKINESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Synkinesis is a term used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe the involuntary and simultaneous contraction or movement of muscles that are usually not associated with each other. It refers to a condition characterized by the abnormal and simultaneous activation of muscle groups that are functionally unrelated, leading to unintentional and synchronic movements.
Synkinesis typically occurs as a result of nerve damage or injury, particularly in relation to facial nerves. When nerve fibers regenerate or re-establish connections following trauma or surgery, they may sometimes reconnect to the wrong target muscles. This misrouting can lead to aberrant connections, causing inadvertent movement or contraction. Facial synkinesis is a common manifestation, where individuals experience involuntary movements or contractions of certain facial muscles when they intentionally or unintentionally try to activate other facial muscles.
This condition can lead to various symptoms, including twitching or spasms around the eye or mouth, uncontrolled grimacing, or abnormal movements of the eyebrows. Synkinesis can be bothersome and may affect an individual's facial expression, ability to smile, or even impede proper eye closure.
Treatment for synkinesis may involve physical therapy techniques, such as biofeedback and neuromuscular retraining, to help regain control over affected muscles and reduce involuntary movements. In some cases, surgical options or the use of medications like botulinum toxin injections may also be considered to manage the symptoms associated with synkinesis.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYNKINESIS
- synckinesis
- syncinesis
- syncinesys
- aynkinesis
- zynkinesis
- xynkinesis
- dynkinesis
- eynkinesis
- wynkinesis
- stnkinesis
- sgnkinesis
- shnkinesis
- sunkinesis
- s7nkinesis
- s6nkinesis
- sybkinesis
- symkinesis
- syjkinesis
- syhkinesis
- synjinesis
Etymology of SYNKINESIS
The word "synkinesis" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "syn" meaning "together" or "with" and "kinesis" meaning "movement". Together, these roots form the term "synkinesis", which refers to the involuntary and simultaneous movement of different muscles or muscle groups.
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