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Alexandru C. Barboi, MD

Arch Neurol. 2000;57:1525-1527.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

ATAXIA AS A GENERAL TERM

Ataxia [Greek. a, not, without + taxis, order] has been applied with a myriad of meanings,¹ from syndrome (hereditary ataxias, cerebellar ataxias, sensory ataxias) to disease (Friedreich ataxia) to individual physical signs (gait ataxia, speech ataxia). As a clinical sign, ataxia is often used to characterize a disorder of movement without the loss of muscular strength or sensation, frequently termed incoordination. The importance of physical coordination for motion was described in detail by Duchenne in 1858 and later was applied to the clinical study of diseases of coordination by Babinski, Holmes, and André-Thomas. The significant role of coordination for motion was also evident from neurophysiologic experiments. Sherrington² wrote in 1931, "Neurologic organization and coordination are inseparably one. . . . The nervous system always acts in the interest of coordination which is the expression of its intimate workings." The general imprecision of the use of . . . [Full Text of this Article]

ATAXIA APPLIED TO CEREBELLAR STRUCTURAL LESIONS

DECOMPOSITION OF CLINICAL ELEMENTS OF CEREBELLAR ATAXIA

Disturbances in Amplitude of Movement: Hypermetria

Disturbed Speed of Alternating Movements: Adiadochokinesia

Disturbed Continuity of Movement: Tremor

Delayed Initiation of Movement

Disturbed Association of Movements: Asynergia

From the Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.