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Astasis – Definition, Diagnosis, and Pathophysiology

What is astasis? What is the definition of astasis? How is an astasis usually diagnosed? What is the pathophysiology of astasis? Why it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose an astasis?

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Definition, Diagnosis, and Pathophysiology of Astasis

New York City (N.Y., United States), December 04, 2019

What is astasis?

Astasis (also known as astasia) is a lack of motor coordination marked by an inability to stand, walk, or even sit without any assistance due to disruption of muscle coordination.

What is the definition of astasis?

Astasis is a medical term, which is used to describe the inability of a person to stand due to muscle coordination problems as opposed to muscle problems.

Astasis is likely to happen because of damage to a part of the brain (frontal lobes). The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that controls important cognitive skills in humans, such as impulse control, memory, problem solving, social behavior, spontaneity, language, social and sexual behavior, initiation, judgment, etc.

How is an astasis usually diagnosed?

For diagnosing astasis, your doctor will examine you and ask in-depth questions about your health and your signs and symptoms.

Certain medical tests are necessary to eliminate neurological disease or other medical disorders as the cause of your symptoms.

How is an astasis diagnosed clinically?

The doctors use differential diagnosis as well as the elements of the therapeutic approach for diagnosing an astasis patient clinically.

Why it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose an astasis?

Astasis is seen mostly in patients with diverse thalamic lesions, predominantly affecting the posterior lateral region of the brain.

Often, abasia accompanies astasis, though not always. Symptom of abasia is a very similar to Astasis and is the inability of a person to walk.

How to establish the correct diagnosis of astasis in its initial stage?

During a physical examination, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history and observe the way you walk.

The doctor may perform certain tests to check your nerve or muscle function. This will help in establishing whether there is a structural problem causing your condition.

Your doctor may also advice you for an imaging test, such as an X-ray, to ensure for fractures or broken bones. Usually, this is done if you have recently had a fall or sustained an injury.

A more in-depth imaging test, such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), can test for torn tendons and ligaments.

What is the pathophysiology of astasis?

Astasia is the inability to maintain an upright body position without any assistance in the absence of motor weakness or sensory loss.

Learn more about the definition, clinical features, diagnosis, and pathophysiology of astasis.

The astasia abnormality may go away when the patient is treated for the underlying condition.

Astasis – Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Home Remedies, and Prevention

Astasis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Written By:
Dr. Marilyn Thompson