Abduction Phenomenon

The abduction phenomenon is a phenomenon that consists of a narrowing of the pupil of the eye when it is quickly and strongly abducted to the side, as well as strong tension in the extraocular muscles associated with this movement. This occurs due to the fact that as a result of intense work of the muscles of the eyeball and the orbicularis oculi muscle, intraocular pressure increases, which leads to pupil contraction. Thus, abduction causes constriction of the pupils, which can remain in this state long after the cessation of physical activity or stress.

The abduction ability of one eye is easily tested by a simple experiment. Covering the other eye with a closed finger located not far from the head, look with both eyes at the thumb until cloudiness appears in it. At the same time, they try to shift their gaze to something located on the opposite side of the thumb. Noticing the disappearance of the cloudiness in the thumb, slowly move the finger with their gaze until the image disappears in it again. With the complete or at least partial exclusion of the operation of the act of abduction, phenomena of irritation of the skull are observed with a characteristic sensation of pressure on the cortical end of the optic nerve. The feeling of pressure is caused by the lack of complete rest of the geniculate body and the adjacent core, which, with a fixed gaze, is deprived of conditions for rest and training. The tone of the neurons of the epithelial fibers increases following the tension exerted on them, which is why the feeling of pressure in the brain sharply increases if there is a sudden relaxation of the muscular system, which suppressed the movement of the eyeballs in the direction of the gaze.

Abduction phenomenon, also known as Cramer-Miller syndrome, is a change in the shape of the pupil as a result of convulsive abduction of the eye outward. This type of phenomenon occurs when a person tries to avert their gaze from something bright or stimulating, such as the bright light produced by a flash of lightning or a sunset.

During the abduction phenomenon, the pupil sharply constricts and almost closes, creating an effect similar to the shape of the letter "V". This occurs because the muscles that control the eye muscles increase tone, preventing pupil dilation to protect the inner surface of the eye from sudden fluctuations in light output. This phenomenon is observed not only in humans, but also in other animals, including monkeys and fish. It occurs when an abnormal flash of light, sound energy, smell, or tactile stimulation is seen that activates an area of ​​the brain associated with emotion and stress.

Diagnosing abduction phenomenon can be difficult because the phenomenon is rarely reported by people. Most patients suffering from this syndrome notice it on their own and consult a doctor if symptoms such as pain or visual disturbances are severe. Like many other syndromes, this phenomenon is associated with several causes, including mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and phobias, as well as various diseases of the nervous system. Additional tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required for diagnosis.

Treatment for abduction syndrome includes a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Medicines used to treat this disease usually include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy to manage the symptom. It is important to understand that abduction syndrome is not a disease and does not require serious intervention, but rather is a symptom of an underlying disease. Treatment is directed at the underlying disease, as much of the treatment's effect will depend on how well you treat the underlying disease.