Extrapyramidal symptoms Meaning and Definition
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Pronunciation
/ˌɛkstruˌpɛrɪˈmɪdəl ˈsɪmptəmz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of movement disorder caused by antipsychotic medications, characterized by involuntary twitching, rigidity, or tremors in the face, neck, or limbs, particularly in older adults and individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Etymology
The term “extrapyramidal” refers to structures outside the pyramidal tract of the brain, which are involved in controlling voluntary movements.
Usage Notes
Extrapyramidal symptoms are often used to describe a range of movement disorders, including tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, and parkinsonism.
Cultural References
Extrapyramidal symptoms have been mentioned in various medical dramas and TV shows, such as “ER” and “House M.D.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
- Movement disorder
- Antipsychotic medication
- Parkinson’s disease
Collocations
- Extrapyramidal symptoms occur in
- Individuals with extrapyramidal symptoms
Frequency of Use
Extrapyramidal symptoms are relatively rare in modern language, but they are commonly used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Extrapiramidal
- Extradural