locomotor ataxia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. While clumsiness implies minor, occasional lack of coordination, locomotor ataxia is a specific, severe, and progressive neurological disorder caused by nerve damage, leading to a characteristic staggering, unsteady gait and often a loss of sense of limb position.

Historically, the most common cause was neurosyphilis (tabes dorsalis). Today, the specific pathology (damage to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord) can be caused by other conditions like vitamin B12 deficiency (in subacute combined degeneration), multiple sclerosis, or certain hereditary disorders, though the term 'locomotor ataxia' itself is rarely used for these.

The specific term 'locomotor ataxia' is largely historical. Doctors today would diagnose the underlying cause (e.g., 'neurosyphilis with tabes dorsalis' or 'sensory ataxia due to dorsal column lesion') using more precise modern terminology, while recognizing 'locomotor ataxia' as the older name for a specific presentation.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. For its classic cause, syphilis, antibiotic treatment can halt progression if given early, but nerve damage may be permanent. For other causes, treating the underlying condition (e.g., B12 supplementation) is key. Physical therapy is important for managing gait and balance problems.

A neurological disorder characterized by impaired coordination of voluntary movements, particularly walking, due to damage to the nervous system (specifically the dorsal columns of the spinal cord).

Locomotor ataxia is usually formal, technical (medical) in register.

Locomotor ataxia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌləʊkəˈməʊtər əˈtæksiə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtər əˈtæksiə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.