Definition of Globus hystericus

Globus hystericus: The sensation of having a lump in the throat when there is nothing there. Sometimes simply called globus.

Globus hystericus is a symptom of some physical disorders such as reflux laryngitis as well as a classic sign of hysterical neurosis, a psychosomatic disorder characterized by a change or loss of physical function (such as blurred vision or paralysis of the legs) that suggests a physical disorder but instead is an expression of a psychological conflict or need.

Globus is a Latin word meaning, not surprisingly, a globe or sphere. The adjective is globoid or spheroid.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9023
Last Editorial Review: 4/27/2011 5:27:15 PM