ataxy
/ə'tæksi/ Cách viết khác : (ataxia) /ə'tæksiə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A medical condition characterized by the loss of full control of bodily movements; specifically, the inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements, which results in unsteady movements and a staggering gait. It is a symptom of various neurological disorders.
Usage
The word "ataxy" is a technical term used primarily in medical contexts. It describes a specific neurological symptom, not a disease itself. It is synonymous with the more commonly used term "ataxia."
Examples
- The patient's ataxy made it difficult for him to walk in a straight line.
- The neurologist diagnosed the progressive ataxy as a sign of cerebellar degeneration.
- Symptoms of the disorder include severe ataxy and slurred speech.
Advanced Usage
- Sensory ataxy: A type of ataxia caused by a loss of proprioception (the sense of body position), often due to damage to the sensory nerves or the dorsal columns of the spinal cord.
- The patient's sensory ataxy was evident when he could not maintain balance with his eyes closed.
Variants and Related Words
- Ataxia (n): The standard and more frequently used term for the same condition.
- Cerebellar ataxia affects coordination and balance.
- Ataxic (adj): Relating to or suffering from ataxia.
- The child exhibited ataxic movements.
Synonyms
- Incoordination
- Motor incoordination
- Unsteadiness (in a medical context)
Antonyms
- Coordination
- Steadiness
- Motor control
Noun
- inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait