Dictionary

dyspraxia Impaired or painful function of an organ of the body. See also developmental dyspraxia.

dyspraxia, developmental See developmental dyspraxia.

dyspraxia of speech A developmental disability characterized by difficulty with muscle control, specifically with the muscles involved in producing speech. The cause is unclear. Treatment involves intensive speech therapy that concentrates on oralmotor skills. See also apraxia of speech.

dysthymia A type of depressive disorder that involves long-term, chronic symptoms that are not disabling but that nonetheless keep a person from full function or from feeling good. Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression than major depression. However, people with dysthymia may also sometimes experience major depressive episodes, suggesting that there is a…

dystocia Difficult or abnormal labor or delivery.

dystocia, cervical Dystocia caused by mechanical obstruction at the cervix.

dystocia, fetal Dystocia caused by the fetus, due to its size (too big), shape, or position in the uterus.

dystocia, placental Dystocia characterized by trouble delivering the placenta (afterbirth).

dystonia Involuntary movements and prolonged muscle contraction that result in twisting body motions, tremors, and abnormal posture. These movements may involve the entire body or only an isolated area. Dystonia can be inherited, may occur sporadically without any genetic pattern, may be associated with medications (particularly antipsychotic drugs), or may be a symptom of certain…

dystonia, cranial A form of dystonia that affects the muscles of the head, face, and neck. Spasmodic torticollis can be classified as a type of cranial dystonia.

dystonia, dopa-responsive See dopa-responsive dystonia.

dystonia, focal A form of dystonia that affects only one muscle group. Common focal dystonias that affect the muscles of the hand and sometimes the forearm have been called typist’s cramp, pianist’s cramp, musician’s cramp, golfer’s cramp, and writer’s cramp.