HEMIATAXIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hemiataxia is a neurological term used to describe a specific type of ataxia, which is a lack of muscle coordination that affects voluntary movements. The term "hemi" refers to half and "ataxia" refers to an inability to coordinate movements.
Hemiataxia is characterized by uncoordinated movements limited to one side of the body, usually the limbs or the trunk. It is often caused by damage or dysfunction in the cerebellum, a structure located at the back of the brain that plays a key role in coordinating movements and maintaining balance. This can result from various conditions, including stroke, brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, or degenerative disorders affecting the cerebellum.
Individuals with hemiataxia may experience difficulty with tasks that require precise movements, such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or walking in a straight line. They may exhibit a lack of coordination and balance on the affected side, leading to clumsiness or unsteadiness. Other associated symptoms can include muscle weakness, tremors, and difficulties with speech and swallowing.
Treatment for hemiataxia typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition, such as physical therapy to improve coordination, occupational therapy to enhance daily functioning, or medications to manage specific symptoms. The prognosis varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition, but with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, individuals with hemiataxia can often regain some level of motor function and improve their overall quality of life.
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Ataxia affecting one side of the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMIATAXIA
- gemiataxia
- bemiataxia
- nemiataxia
- jemiataxia
- uemiataxia
- yemiataxia
- hwmiataxia
- hsmiataxia
- hdmiataxia
- hrmiataxia
- h4miataxia
- h3miataxia
- heniataxia
- hekiataxia
- hejiataxia
- hemuataxia
- hemjataxia
- hemkataxia
- hemoataxia
- hem9ataxia
Etymology of HEMIATAXIA
The word "hemiataxia" is derived from two components: "hemi-" and "ataxia".
1. "Hemi-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "half" or "one side". It is often used to indicate a condition or structure affecting one side of the body.
2. "Ataxia" is a medical term of Greek origin that refers to a lack of coordination or loss of voluntary muscle movements. It comes from the Greek word "ataxia", meaning "irregularity" or "disorder".
Therefore, "hemiataxia" combines "hemi-" to indicate that the condition affects one side of the body, and "ataxia" to describe a lack of coordination or muscle control. It refers to the impairment of coordination on one side of the body.
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