How Do You Spell EXTRAPYRAMIDAL?

1. Extrapyramidal is an adjective term used in the field of medicine to describe a specific group of symptoms and conditions that affect the motor control centers in the brain, particularly those responsible for movements and coordination, and are not related to the pyramidal tracts of the central nervous system. The prefix "extra-" here means outside, indicating that these symptoms occur outside the pyramidal tracts.

   Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) may arise as a result of various underlying conditions, such as medication side effects, brain injuries, infections, or neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. These symptoms typically manifest as involuntary movements, abnormal muscle tone, and impaired coordination, mainly affecting the muscles of the face, tongue, limbs, and trunk.

   Common extrapyramidal symptoms include dystonia, which involves sustained muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures or repetitive movements; akathisia, characterized by an intense feeling of restlessness and a strong urge to constantly move; parkinsonism, exhibiting characteristics similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement); and tardive dyskinesia, characterized by repetitive and uncontrollable movements, especially of the face and tongue.

   Treatment options for extrapyramidal symptoms depend on the underlying cause and severity. Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or adjust the dosage of medications causing adverse effects. Physical therapy and other rehabilitative strategies may also be utilized to improve motor control and functional abilities. Regular monitoring and close collaboration with healthcare professionals are crucial for individuals experiencing extrapyramidal symptoms to optimize their quality of life.

2. Outside of the pyramidal tracts.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for EXTRAPYRAMIDAL

The word "extrapyramidal" is derived from two parts: "extra-" and "pyramidal".

1. "Extra-" is a prefix that comes from Latin and means "outside" or "beyond".

2. "Pyramidal" comes from the Latin word "pyramis", which means a pyramid-shaped object. In this context, it refers to the shape of certain structures in the brain.

So, when combined, "extrapyramidal" describes something that is outside or beyond the pyramidal structures, particularly in the brain. In medicine, it is often used to refer to the extrapyramidal system, a complex network of neural pathways responsible for regulating movement and coordination.