DYSMETRIA Meaning and
Definition
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Dysmetria is a neurological disorder characterized by impaired movement coordination. It is marked by the inability to accurately gauge distances, control force and range of movement, or execute smooth and coordinated motor skills. The term dysmetria is derived from the Greek words "dys," meaning difficult or impaired, and "metron," meaning measure. This condition primarily affects the voluntary muscles, particularly those involved in refining fine motor skills.
Individuals with dysmetria often exhibit a lack of precision and accuracy when attempting to perform tasks that require controlled movement, such as writing, throwing objects, or placing objects in specific positions. They may struggle to judge the appropriate force needed to complete an action, leading to overreaching or undershooting the intended target. Dysmetria can manifest in both the upper and lower limbs, affecting movements such as walking, running, and reaching.
This condition is commonly associated with cerebellar dysfunction, which is responsible for coordinating and fine-tuning motor movements. Damage or abnormalities in the cerebellum, resulting from congenital conditions, genetic disorders, or acquired brain injuries (such as stroke or trauma), can lead to dysmetria. Other potential causes include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and certain medication side effects.
Treatment for dysmetria aims to address the underlying cause, but there are also therapeutic approaches that focus on improving coordination and motor skills. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices may be employed to help individuals manage their symptoms and enhance their functional abilities.
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A form of dysergia in which the subject is unable to arrest a muscular movement at the desired point or, sometimes, to prevent an involuntary reverse movement.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DYSMETRIA
- sysmetria
- xysmetria
- cysmetria
- fysmetria
- rysmetria
- eysmetria
- dtsmetria
- dgsmetria
- dhsmetria
- dusmetria
- d7smetria
- d6smetria
- dyametria
- dyzmetria
- dyxmetria
- dydmetria
- dyemetria
- dywmetria
- dysnetria
- dysketria
Etymology of DYSMETRIA
The word "dysmetria" comes from the Greek roots "dys-" meaning "bad" or "difficult" and "metron" meaning "measure". In medical terminology, the term "dysmetria" refers to a condition characterized by the inability to accurately control the range, direction, force, and timing of muscular movements.
