Autonomic ataxia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by impaired muscle coordination and autonomic dysfunction. This disorder is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as: /ɔːtəˈnɒmɪk əˈtæksɪə/. The first syllable, "auto," which means self, is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by a soft "t" and a schwa sound. The second syllable, "nomic," is pronounced with a short "o" sound and a hard "k." The final syllable, "ataxia," is pronounced with a short "a" and a soft "s" sound followed by a schwa sound.
Autonomic ataxia is a medical condition characterized by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, leading to impairment in the coordination and control of involuntary bodily functions. This condition primarily affects the autonomic components of the peripheral nervous system, which are responsible for regulating functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.
Ataxia refers to a lack of coordination and unsteadiness in movement, resulting from cerebellar dysfunction. When combined with autonomic dysfunction, it manifests as autonomic ataxia. Common symptoms of this condition may include difficulties with posture and balance, tremors, muscle spasms, blurred vision, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, and abnormalities in blood pressure and heart rate.
The underlying causes of autonomic ataxia can be diverse and may include inherited genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, infections, or toxic exposure to certain substances. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
Diagnosis of autonomic ataxia is typically achieved through a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, a thorough physical examination, and various diagnostic tests including blood tests, imaging studies, and electrodiagnostic studies. Treatment approaches depend on the underlying cause and may include addressing the specific condition, managing symptoms, and providing supportive care.
Overall, autonomic ataxia is a medical condition characterized by impaired coordination of bodily functions controlled by the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a multitude of clinical symptoms.
A lack of coordination (imbalance) between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "autonomic ataxia" can be broken down as follows:
1. Autonomic:
- Derived from the Greek word "autonomos", which combines "auto" meaning self and "nomos" meaning law or regulation.
- It refers to the physiological system responsible for maintaining the body's internal processes without conscious control, such as heart rate, digestion, breathing, and temperature regulation.
2. Ataxia:
- Derived from the Greek word "ataxia", which means disorder or lack of coordination.
- It refers to a neurological condition characterized by the loss of coordination of muscle movements, usually due to dysfunction in the brain or nervous system.
Therefore, "autonomic ataxia" describes a condition where there is a lack of coordination in the body's autonomous functions or the regulation of internal processes.