Ataxia: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Ataxia is poor muscle control that causes awkward voluntary movements. This can cause difficulty with walking and balance, hand coordination, speaking and swallowing, and eye movement.

Ataxia is usually the result of damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum) or its connections. Many conditions can cause ataxia, including alcohol abuse, stroke, tumors, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, certain medications, and genetic disorders.

Treatment for ataxia depends on the cause. Adaptive devices, such as walkers or canes, can help maintain independence. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and regular aerobic exercise can also help.

Symptoms

Ataxia can develop over time or occur suddenly. Ataxia is a sign of many serious neurological disorders and can cause the following: Poor coordination Unsteady or wide gait Reduced balance Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as eating, writing, or buttoning a shirt Speech changes Involuntary eye movements that Rolling back and forth (nystagmus) Difficulty swallowing

When should you see a doctor?

If you do not have a condition that causes ataxia, such as multiple sclerosis, see your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms: Loss of balance Loss of muscle coordination in one hand, an arm or a leg Difficulty walking Difficulty speaking Difficulty swallowing

Diagnostic

There is no specific treatment for ataxia. In some cases, treating the underlying cause can help improve the ataxia. In other cases, such as ataxia resulting from chickenpox or other viral infections, it is likely to resolve on its own. Your doctor may recommend adaptive devices or therapies to help you with your ataxia. Other symptoms, such as stiffness, tremors, and dizziness, may improve with treatments.

adaptive devices

Ataxia that occurs from certain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or infantile cerebral palsy, may not be treatable. In this case, your doctor can recommend suitable devices. Here are a few: Canes or walkers for walking Modified kitchen utensils Communication devices for talking

Therapies

You may benefit from some of the following therapies: Physiotherapy can help improve your coordination and mobility. Occupational therapy to help you with everyday tasks, such as feeding yourself. Speech therapy is used to improve speech and help you swallow.

Some studies have indicated that aerobic exercise may benefit some people with idiopathic ataxic syndromes.