Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Ataxia and Dysmetria?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Ataxia and Dysmetria?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Ataxia and dysmetria are both neurological conditions that affect movement and coordination. The main differences between them are as follows:

Ataxia:

  • Ataxia is an unsteady, wobbly, shaky, and swaying walk, often with feet placed extensively apart.
  • It is characterized by incoordination of balance, gait, extremity, and eye movements, and dysarthria.
  • Ataxia can occur in various neurological conditions and is usually a sign of an issue with the brain, ears, or other parts of the nervous system.
  • There are three main types of ataxia: cerebellar (brain), sensory (nerves), and vestibular (ears).

Dysmetria:

  • Dysmetria is a specific type of cerebellar ataxia.
  • It is the inability to control the distance, speed, and range of motion necessary to perform smoothly coordinated movements.
  • Dysmetria is caused by lesions in the cerebellum or damage to the nerves that carry sensory information to the cerebellum.
  • It can be seen in individuals with cerebellar damage due to brain trauma, brain tumors, metabolic diseases, and demyelinating or degenerative disorders.

In summary, ataxia is a broader term that encompasses various types of coordination issues, while dysmetria is a specific type of ataxia that involves the inability to accurately judge and control distance, speed, and range of motion during movement. Both conditions are related to neurological disorders affecting the brain, nerves, or other parts of the nervous system.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Ataxia and Dysmetria?
  • Comparative Table: Ataxia vs Dysmetria

    • Comparative Table: Ataxia vs Dysmetria

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between ataxia and dysmetria:

    Feature Ataxia Dysmetria
    Definition Ataxia refers to any type of uncoordinated movement and is a neurological condition with issues like muscle coordination or control. Dysmetria is a type of ataxia that involves making an incorrect estimation of the distance to a target, leading to inaccurate reaching and touching.
    Causes Ataxia can result from cerebellum damage, problems in the inner ear, alcohol use disorder, brain infection, brain tumors, certain metabolic conditions, cerebral palsy, paraneoplastic syndrome, and stroke. Dysmetria is caused by cerebellum damage.
    Symptoms Ataxia is characterized by clumsy voluntary movements, problems with self-positioning sense, and issues with the inner ear. Dysmetria results in clumsy voluntary movements, such as inaccurate reaching and touching.
    Diagnosis Ataxia can be diagnosed through physical examination, blood test, imaging test (MRI), lumbar puncture, and genetic testing. Dysmetria is a subtype of ataxia and can be diagnosed as part of the ataxia evaluation.
    Treatment Treatment options for ataxia may include managing underlying conditions, using adaptive devices, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Treatment for dysmetria may involve occupational or physical therapy and the use of assistive devices, such as weighted utensils.

    Please note that dysmetria is a type of cerebellar ataxia. Both conditions are neurological in nature and can be caused by cerebellum damage.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.