Skip to main content
Intermediate Technical IVT

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

Also known as

past-pointing movement inaccuracy

Contrasted with

motor precision accurate targeting

Don't confuse with

dystonia chorea athetosis

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON