What does athetoid mean?
Athetoid refers to a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the hands and fingers. This condition is often associated with athetosis, a condition that affects motor control and coordination. The term athetoid is used to describe the involuntary movements that occur in individuals with athetosis. In medical contexts, athetoid is often used to describe the symptoms of athetosis, which can include difficulty with fine motor tasks and other motor impairments. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any involuntary or spastic movement. Athetoid is an important term in the field of neurology, as it helps clinicians to diagnose and treat conditions related to motor control and coordination.
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by athetosis, a neurological disorder marked by involuntary movements of the hands and fingers.
- Relating to or characterized by athetosis
"The patient's athetoid movements made it difficult for her to perform fine motor tasks."
"The patient's athetoid movements made it difficult for her to perform fine motor tasks."
"The doctor examined the patient's athetoid limbs to determine the cause of the condition."
Used to describe multiple individuals with athetosis or to refer to the involuntary movements associated with the condition.
"The doctor examined the athetoids in the hospital to determine the cause of their condition."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of athetoid
The term athetoid is derived from the Greek word 'athetos,' meaning 'without movement.' It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the involuntary movements associated with athetosis. The term has since been used more broadly to describe any involuntary or spastic movement.
Usage notes
In medical contexts, athetoid is often used to describe the involuntary movements associated with athetosis. It can also be used more broadly to describe any involuntary or spastic movement.