What does the term "bilaterally" indicate in medical assessments?

The term "bilaterally" in medical assessments indicates that the condition or observation pertains to both sides of the body. This term is commonly used to evaluate various medical conditions, such as assessing muscle strength, reflexes, or the presence of symptoms, to ensure that they are consistent on both the right and left sides.

For example, if a healthcare provider notes that a patient has bilateral swelling, it means that both sides of the body are affected, which can be crucial for diagnosing certain medical conditions. Recognizing bilateral involvement is important for understanding the full scope of a patient's health status and can influence treatment approaches.