athetosis Definition
a condition characterized by involuntary, slow, writhing movements of the limbs, face, and tongue, typically caused by damage to the basal ganglia of the brain.
Using athetosis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "athetosis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The patient was diagnosed with athetosis after experiencing uncontrollable movements.
Example
Athetosis is a common symptom of cerebral palsy.
Example
The cause of his athetosis was determined to be a brain injury.
Phrases with athetosis
choreoathetosis
a movement disorder characterized by both chorea and athetosis
Example
The patient's choreoathetosis made it difficult for her to perform daily activities.
a movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions that cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures
Example
The patient's dystonia caused her to have difficulty walking and speaking.
basal ganglia
a group of nuclei in the brain involved in a variety of functions, including voluntary motor control, procedural learning, and emotions
Example
Damage to the basal ganglia can result in movement disorders such as athetosis.
Origins of athetosis
from Greek 'a-' (without) + 'thetos' (placed), meaning 'not placed'
Summary: athetosis in Brief
'Athetosis' [ˌæθəˈtoʊsɪs] is a medical condition characterized by involuntary, slow, writhing movements of the limbs, face, and tongue. It is typically caused by damage to the basal ganglia of the brain and is commonly associated with cerebral palsy. Other related conditions include choreoathetosis and dystonia.
