CNS
Central Nervous System
Plain-language definition
The brain and spinal cord. Many neuro-ophthalmic conditions involve the CNS because the visual pathway extends from the eyes through the brain.
Where this term comes up
“With negative or unknown AQP4-IgG, at least two core syndromes affecting different CNS regions and additional MRI criteria are required; one must be optic neuritis, myelitis, or area postrema syndrome.”
Condition · Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO/Devic's Disease)
“Children: Contraindicated in children under 2; use cautiously in older children because of CNS depression risk (drowsiness, lethargy, respiratory depression)”
Medication · Brimonidine (Alphagan)
“Management of CNS germinoma. CNS Oncology.”
Publication · Astigmatoma: Pineal Germinoma Presenting as Parinaud Syndrome Initially Misdiagnosed as Astigmatism
- Category
- Anatomy
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Anatomy terms name the eye, orbit, optic nerve, retina, or visual pathway structures that may appear in an exam note or imaging report.
Related glossary terms
- bilaterally
On Both Sides
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- aqueous
Eye Fluid (Front Chamber)
- fundus
Back of the Eye
- humor
Eye Fluid
- autoimmune
Self-Attacking Immune Response
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.