Word parts
What it means
Poor coordination that comes most often from a problem in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that fine-tunes movement, or in the nerves that send position sense. It can affect walking (a wide, staggering gait), hand movements, speech and eye movements. Causes include stroke, alcohol, multiple sclerosisMUL-tih-pul skluh-ROH-sisA long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.scler/o hard-osis conditionFull entry , some drugs at toxic levels such as phenytoin and lithiumLITH-ee-umA mood-stabilizing drug used mainly to treat and prevent the mood episodes of bipolar disorder.Full entry , and inherited diseases.
For the nurse
Ataxia raises fall risk: keep the path clear, use a gait belt and assistive devices, and stay with the client when walking. New ataxia in a client on a drug with a narrow safe range can be a sign of toxicity.
At a glance
| Spanish | ataxia |
|---|---|
| Also written | ataxic |
Related terms
a-
A word beginning that means without, not or absence of; written an- before a vowel.
multiple sclerosis
A long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
toxicity
The harm a substance does to the body, or a state in which a drug has built up to a harmful level.
gait
The way a person walks.