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Ataxic Abasia
Ataxic abasia is difficulty walking due to difficulty
coordinating movements of the legs. The term is a
combination of two words: ataxia and abasia. Ataxia refers
to uncoordinated walking. Abasia is an inability to walk that
is caused by poor coordination of muscles. Thus, atatic
abasia is abasia due to ataxia of the legs. Neurological
conditions that can cause this include stroke, cerebellum
damage, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and
normal pressure hydrocephalus. A stroke is a burst artery
or a blockage of an artery in the brain. The cerebellum is
an area in the back, bottom part of the brain that plays an
important role in movement and coordination.
FEATURED BOOK: Principles of Neurology
A person with ataxic abasia.
Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the body attacks its own myelin, resulting in
multiple areas of abnormal patches (also known as plaques or sclerosis) in the brain
and/or spinal cord. Myelin is a fatty substance in the brain and spinal cord that helps
transmit nerve impulses quickly. Parkinson's Disease is a type of brain disorder that
leads to serious difficulties with muscle movements. Hydrocephalus is a condition in
which there is an abnormal increase in cerebrospinal fluid inside the head. CSF is the
cushiony fluid that protects the brain and spine and helps distribute nutrients to these
structures. Ataxic abasia is also known as atactic abasia. Ataxic comes from the Greek
word, "a" meaning "without" and the Greek word, "taxis" meaning "order." Abasia comes
from the Greek word "a" meaning "without" and the Greek word "basis" meaning "step."
Put the words together and you have "without order (and) step."
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