What Does Ataxia Mean?
ah-TAK-see-ah
IPA: /əˈtæk.si.ə/
ah
TAK
see
ah
Ataxia is pronounced ah-TAK-see-ah
What does Ataxia mean?
Ataxia is impaired coordination of voluntary muscle movements, resulting in unsteady gait, loss of balance, and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
How do you pronounce Ataxia?
Ataxia is pronounced "ah-TAK-see-ah". Syllables: ah - tak - see - ah.
When is Ataxia used in medicine?
Acute cerebellar ataxia: stroke, hemorrhage, MS, drug toxicity (phenytoin, alcohol). Chronic ataxia: hereditary ataxias (Friedreich's), hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency.
Word Parts & Etymology
Greek prefixa-without
Greek roottaxisorder, arrangement
Common Misconceptions
Ataxia is a sign, not a diagnosis. The cause (cerebellar lesion vs sensory pathway vs vestibular) determines treatment. Romberg test helps distinguish cerebellar from sensory ataxia.
Clinical Context
Acute cerebellar ataxia: stroke, hemorrhage, MS, drug toxicity (phenytoin, alcohol). Chronic ataxia: hereditary ataxias (Friedreich's), hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency.
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