Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: DUANE SYMDROME.
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Condition – Duane syndrome is a rare eye movement disorder that occurs at birth and is where the eye can not turn fully in the socket. Thus, when someone with Duane syndrome in his or her left eye looks far to the right, the left eye looks like it is looking up or straight. It is caused by a problem with the eye muscles and associated cranial nerves, causing them to contract when they shouldn't and other eye muscles not to contract when they should. Some might say cock-eyed, but that would be harsh. It is named after Alexander Duane who discussed the disorder in detail in 1905.
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Contagion – Not at all contagious, you can’t catch if from being looked at by another Duane.
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| Danger of death – Not much danger of that, unless you don’t see the bus. | |
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Incurability? – There is no cure, and because the missing cranial nerves cannot be replaced, surgery is rare unless the vision of the person is compromised and the eye gets moved to a more central position.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – Not all that likely to get any significant time off, although the condition could un-nerve people a little making them want to get rid of you sooner.
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| Brag-ability – Probably not one to get over excited about with your mates, I would just concentrate really hard on where you’re looking. |
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Overall ridiculousness – Quite a rare condition, and not to be confused with lazy eye or Strabismus (being cross-eyed). |
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More conditions to come soon:
Esotropia, Kawasaki disease and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Some guy/Wiki
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