prosopagnosia
Pronunciation: pros-oh-pag-NOH-see-ah
Inability to recognize familiar faces despite normal vision and cognitive function.
Full Definition
Prosopagnosia, commonly known as face blindness, is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize familiar faces, including those of family members, friends, or even one's own reflection. This disorder can be congenital (developmental prosopagnosia) or acquired through brain injury, typically involving the fusiform face area in the temporal lobe. Patients maintain normal visual acuity and can recognize objects, but face recognition is specifically impaired. They often rely on non-facial cues such as voice, gait, or distinctive features like glasses or hairstyles for person identification. In clinical documentation, prosopagnosia should be distinguished from general visual agnosia or memory disorders.
Usage
Usage note: May use 'face blindness' for patient education materials. Specify congenital versus acquired when known.
In Context
- "The patient's prosopagnosia prevented recognition of his wife until she spoke, despite 40 years of marriage." — Clinical case study
- "Compensatory strategies for prosopagnosia included focusing on distinctive vocal characteristics and clothing choices." — Rehabilitation recommendations