discoordinated

Discoordinated is an adjective used to describe movements or actions that are poorly coordinated or unsynchronized. It can refer to a lack of smooth integration of muscles during voluntary movement, or to timing errors in cognitive or perceptual tasks. In everyday use, someone may appear discoordinated when their steps are uneven or their hands do not align with intended movements.

In medical contexts, discoordination is a sign of motor or neurological impairment, such as ataxia or cerebellar dysfunction. Causes include neurological disorders, intoxication, fatigue, certain medications, or acute injuries. Clinically, discoordination is typically assessed by observing gait and performing coordination tests, such as finger-to-nose or rapid alternating movements. It may be accompanied by tremor, dysmetria, or dysdiadochokinesia, as well as an unsteady stance.

Discoordinated movements are not a diagnosis in themselves but a symptom requiring evaluation to determine underlying causes, which may range from benign to life-threatening. Treatment and prognosis depend on the root condition, including rehabilitation for motor disorders, management of metabolic or toxic factors, or acute medical intervention for stroke or other emergencies.

Etymology and related terms: the word derives from dis- (apart, not) and coordinating, with roots in Latin. Related terms include discoordination, discoordinated movement, uncoordinated, and dyssynchrony.