tabesdorsalis

tabes dor·sa·lis (dôr-sāʹlĭs, -sălʹĭs) n.

A late form of syphilis resulting in a hardening of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and marked by shooting pains, emaciation, loss of muscular coordination, and disturbances of sensation and digestion. Also called locomotor ataxia.

  [New Latin tābēs dorsālis: Latin tābēs, tabes + Late Latin dorsālis, dorsal.]

* * *