US Medical Term · symptoms
Coordination Problems
Problemas de coordinación
Also: Falta de coordinación (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Coordination Problems |
| Spanish (Español) | Problemas de coordinación |
| Chinese (中文) | 協調障礙 |
| Korean (한국어) | 협응 장애 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Rối loạn phối hợp |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Problema sa koordinasyon |
| Portuguese (Português) | Problemas de coordenação |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การประสานงานไม่ดี |
| Japanese (日本語) | 協調障害 |
What it means
Coordination problems (ataxia) refer to difficulty controlling the movements of the limbs or body, resulting in clumsiness, stumbling, or an unsteady gait. The cerebellum, which governs balance and coordination, is often affected. Causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, alcohol intoxication, certain medications, vitamin B12 deficiency, and hereditary conditions. Sudden onset of coordination problems — especially with double vision, slurred speech, or weakness — is a medical emergency: call 911, as it may indicate a cerebellar stroke. Gradual coordination problems should be evaluated promptly. Physical and occupational therapy can help manage symptoms of chronic ataxia effectively.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been stumbling and dropping things; I feel like I cannot control my hands and feet properly.
He estado tropezando y dejando caer cosas; siento que no puedo controlar mis manos y pies correctamente.
My coordination has gotten much worse — I cannot walk straight or button my shirt anymore.
Mi coordinación ha empeorado mucho; no puedo caminar recto ni abotonarme la camisa.
I suddenly became very clumsy and uncoordinated about two hours ago.
De repente me volví muy torpe y sin coordinación hace unas dos horas.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R27 Other lack of coordinationRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026