prodromal

American  

[proh-droh-muhl] / proʊˈdroʊ məl /

adjective

1. Pathology. (of a symptom or series of symptoms) preceding the more obvious, diagnosable symptoms of an illness or disease.

   Using these prodromal symptoms, trained psychologists or physicians can identify people at a higher risk of developing psychosis and begin early treatment.

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Etymology

Origin of prodromal

First recorded in 1710–20; prodrom(e) ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

For Sharon Roman, who has lived with MS for 25 years, better defining this prodromal period could have huge benefits for patients.

From Science Daily • Sep. 25, 2023

Yet today, prodromal Parkinson's patients still can't get diagnosed until developing the characteristic motor deficits of clinical Parkinson's disease.

From Salon • Aug. 13, 2023

These advances contribute to a growing appreciation of the so-called prodromal phase of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders—when preliminary signs appear, but a definitive diagnosis has not yet been made.

From Scientific American • Jan. 24, 2023

By January of 2019, when my prodromal symptoms gave way to a full-blown psychotic break, they’d all gotten the message from real-life health care professionals that confronting delusions is unproductive and erodes trust.

From Slate • May 24, 2022

In cases where there had been no prodromal symptoms pointing definitely to dementia pr�cox the outcome was almost always good.

From Benign Stupors A Study of a New Manic-Depressive Reaction Type by MacCurdy, John T. (John Thompson)

Related Words

• introductory
• previous
• prior