Hypermetria
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Hypermetria is a neurological condition characterized by movements that lack proper measure, making certain actions difficult or impossible. It is caused by cerebellar disease and results in limbs overshooting their intended targets.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
HYPERMETRIA (mouvements demesures), a term introduced in 1911 by Babinski for the absence of measure in movements, as a result of which the execution of some of them is either altogether impossible or strongly impeded; H. manifests itself both in walking and in isolated movements of the upper and lower limbs. It is observed in cerebellar disease and depends on the absence of the regulating and directing influence which the cerebellum exerts on every voluntary movement. Clinically H. is revealed by a series of tests (see Cerebellar Dysmetria), in which it is clearly seen that the limb is directed correctly toward the goal, but usually passes beyond its limits and only after many oscillations reaches it.
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“Hypermetria.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hypermetria/