FRIEDREICH'S ATAXIA

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does Friedreich's ataxia mean? 

• FRIEDREICH'S ATAXIA (noun)
  The noun FRIEDREICH'S ATAXIA has 1 sense:

1. sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord; characterized by muscular weakness and abnormal gait; occurs in children

  Familiarity information: FRIEDREICH'S ATAXIA used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FRIEDREICH'S ATAXIA (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord; characterized by muscular weakness and abnormal gait; occurs in children

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

Friedreich's ataxia; herediatry spinal ataxia

Hypernyms ("Friedreich's ataxia" is a kind of...):

ataxia; ataxy; dyssynergia; motor ataxia (inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait)

 Context examples 

People with Friedreich's ataxia usually need a wheelchair 15 to 20 years after symptoms first appear.

(Friedreich's Ataxia, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

Degenerative nerve diseases include: • Alzheimer's disease • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis • Friedreich's ataxia • Huntington's disease • Lewy body disease • Parkinson's disease • Spinal muscular atrophy

(Degenerative Nerve Diseases, NIH)

Friedreich's ataxia is an inherited disease that damages your nervous system.

(Friedreich's Ataxia, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

Specific symptoms include: • Difficulty walking • Muscle weakness • Speech problems • Involuntary eye movements • Scoliosis (curving of the spine to one side) • Heart palpitations, from the heart disease which can happen along with Friedreich's ataxia

(Friedreich's Ataxia, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)