Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Dystrophinopathy

    Diseases of muscle, such as Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy, that result from deficiencies or abnormalities of dystrophin.  

  • Idiopathic torsion dystonia

    A relatively uncommon, progressive neurological syndrome beginning in childhood and marked by twisting postures of the neck, limbs, and/or pelvis. The condition is an autosomal dominant trait.  

  • Focal dystonia

    Prolonged contraction affecting a single body part or a group of muscles, e.g., in the neck or hand. The most common focal dystonias are blepharospasm, torticollis, and writer’s (“musician’s”) cramp.  

  • Dysthyroidism

    Imperfect development and function of the thyroid gland.  

  • Dystectia

    Failure of the embryonic neural tube to close during development. This is a cause of anencephaly, spina bifida, and meningocele.  

  • Dyssynergy

    Uncoordinated contractions of muscle fibers (e.g., of the myocardium or of the urinary bladder when the external urinary sphincter is closed).  

  • Dyssynchrony

    Any disorder in the normal or expected coordination of timed events.  

  • Spinal dysraphia

    A general term applied to failure of fusion of parts along the dorsal midline that may involve any of the following structures: skin, vertebrae, skull, meninges, brain, and spinal cord.  

  • Dysraphism

    In the embryo, failure of raphe formation or failure of fusion of parts that normally fuse.  

  • Dysprosody

    Lack of the normal rhythm, melody, and articulation of speech. This condition may be present in patients with parkinsonism and in other disorders.