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

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

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

Following or along with precursory symptoms denoting general systemic disturbance, or independently of any prodromal indications, a hyperæsthetic condition, in localized areas or more or less general, is observed.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman

Related Words

• introductory
• previous
• prior