A dyskinesia characterized by an inability to maintain the fingers, toes, tongue, or other body parts in a stable position, resulting in continuous slow, sinusoidal, and flowing involuntary movements. This condition is frequently accompanied by chorea, where it is referred to as choreoathetosis. athetosis may occur as a manifestation of basal ganglia diseases or DRUG TOXICITY. (From Adams et al., Principles of neurology, 6th ed, p76)