What does ataxia refer to in medical terms?

Ataxia in medical terms refers to a decrease in coordination, particularly in movements affected by neurological conditions or damage. This condition often involves issues with balance and motor control, causing a person to have difficulty with tasks that require precise movement or coordination, such as walking or using fine motor skills.

For instance, individuals with ataxia may exhibit unsteady gait or may struggle to perform activities like writing or buttoning a shirt, as the signals from the brain to the muscles that contribute to precise and coordinated movement become disrupted. Conditions that can cause ataxia include stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebellar degeneration, among others.

The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of ataxia: an increase in muscle strength refers to enhanced muscle capability, a reduction in blood flow relates to vascular issues, and an involuntary muscle contraction specifically describes muscle spasms, none of which align with the definition of ataxia.