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prevalence

How Common a Condition Is

Plain-language definition

The proportion of a population affected by a condition at a given time. Helps patients understand how common their diagnosis is.

Where this term comes up

  • It predominantly affects males and is one of the most common inherited optic neuropathies, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 30,000 to 50,000 people.

    Condition · Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)

  • Prescribing guidance recommends considering HLA-B1502 testing before starting* in patients with ancestry from higher-prevalence populations, and avoiding carbamazepine in carriers unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

    Medication · Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

  • Keratoconus - increased prevalence, thought to relate to chronic mechanical trauma from lid eversion against the pillow and habitual eye rubbing

    Condition · Floppy Eyelid Syndrome

Category
Clinical term
Also written as
No alternate forms listed.

Clinical terms are words clinicians use to describe symptoms, signs, risk factors, or patterns seen during evaluation.

Related glossary terms

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.