Muscular weakness combined with incoordination: The progressive neurological condition that Mark was was experiencing is characterized by ataxiadynamia which may be caused by damage to the cerebellum or that part of the brain which is responsible for the coordination of complex voluntary muscular movements as well as the maintenance of posture and balance.

A description of a situation in which the patient displays alternating phases of paralysis and of ataxia, as seen in patients with severe infections; such as, typhoid fever.