cerebellar dysmetria
Pronunciation: dis-MET-ree-ah
Impaired ability to control the range and direction of movement, resulting in overshooting or undershooting intended targets.
Full Definition
Cerebellar dysmetria is a motor coordination disorder characterized by inaccurate voluntary movements that either fall short of or overshoot their intended target. This condition results from dysfunction of the cerebellum, particularly the intermediate zone and dentate nucleus, which are responsible for fine motor control and movement calibration. Patients typically demonstrate finger-to-nose test abnormalities, heel-to-shin ataxia, and difficulty with precise reaching tasks. The condition is commonly observed in cerebellar stroke, multiple sclerosis, and degenerative cerebellar diseases.
In Context
- "Cerebellar dysmetria was evident during the finger-to-nose examination, with consistent overshooting." — Neurological examination notes
- "Physical therapy interventions targeted the cerebellar dysmetria to improve reaching accuracy." — Treatment plan