(n) sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord; characterized by muscular weakness and abnormal gait; occurs in children, Syn. herediatry spinal ataxia
(n) syphilis of the spinal cord characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons and stabbing pains in the trunk and legs and unsteady gait and incontinence and impotence, Syn. locomotor ataxia
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ ‖ } n. [ NL. ataxia, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; out of order; 'a priv. + &unr_; ordered, arranged, &unr_; to put in order: cf. F. ataxie. ] 1. Disorder; irregularity. [ Obs. ] Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Med.) (a) Irregularity in disease, or in the functions. (b) The state of disorder that characterizes nervous fevers and the nervous condition. [ archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Med.) Loss of coordination in the voluntary muscles, especially the limbs; an inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; it results in unsteady movements and a staggering gait. See also locomotor ataxia, an ataxia which occurs when attempting to perform coordinated muscular movements. Syn. -- ataxy [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]