Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

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therapy is helpful for those with dysgraphia. Most suc-
cessful students with dysgraphia that does not respond
to occupational therapy or extra writing help use a
typewriter, computer, or verbal communication.
dyskinesia
The presence of involuntary move-
ments, such as the choreaform movements seen in
some cases of rheumatic fever or the characteristic
movements of tardive dyskinesia. Some forms of
dyskinesia are side effects of certain medications,
particularly L-dopa and, in the case of tardive dysk-
inesia, antipsychotic drugs.
dyslexia
A specific developmental disability that
alters the way the brain processes written material.
Because dyslexia is due to a defect in the brain’s pro-
cessing of graphic symbols, it is thought of primarily
as a learning disability. The effects of dyslexia vary
from person to person. The only common trait
among people with dyslexia is that they read at levels
significantly lower than are typical for people of their
age and intelligence. Dyslexia is different from read-
ing retardation which may, for example, reflect men-
tal retardation or cultural deprivation. Treatment of
dyslexia should be directed to the specific learning
problems of the affected individual. The usual course
is to modify teaching methods and the educational
environment to meet the specific needs of the indi-
vidual with dyslexia. The outlook varies. The progno-
sis is generally good, however, for individuals whose
dyslexia is identified early, who have supportive fam-
ilies and friends and a strong self-image, and who are
involved in appropriate remediation programs.
dyslipidemia
A disorder of lipoprotein metabo-
lism, including lipoprotein overproduction or defi-
ciency. Dyslipidemias may be manifested by
elevation of the total cholesterol, the “bad” low-
density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or the triglyc-
eride concentrations, and by a decrease in the
“good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
concentration in the blood. Dyslipidemias lead to
atherosclerosis. See also 
atherosclerosis.