prodromal

[proh-droh-muhl]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodromal¹

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.

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Take, for example, the prodromal stage of Parkinson's disease, which can last for decades prior to clinically-diagnosed Parkinson's.

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“It’s the strongest clinical prodromal marker we have.”

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It has now failed in both mild-to-moderate as well as prodromal patients.

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The work, reported in 2013, added support to the emerging practice of "prodromal" psychiatry, in which symptoms are identified and treated in their earliest stages, years before they blossom into disorders.

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Related Words

• introductory 
• previous 
• prior