Ataxia is a neurological disorder that affects balance, coordination, and speech. It is caused by damage to the cerebellum, a part of the brain that helps control movement and coordination. It can be inherited, acquired through a traumatic brain injury, caused by a stroke, or result from a degenerative disorder. Symptoms of ataxia vary depending on the cause and can include difficulty walking, lack of coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing.
Signs and Symptoms of Ataxia
The most common signs and symptoms of ataxia include:
• difficulty walking and maintaining balance
• poor coordination and fine motor skills
• slurred speech
• difficulty swallowing
• loss of muscle control
• involuntary muscle twitches
• difficulty with hand-eye coordination
• abnormal eye movements
• tremors
• trouble with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing and buttoning a shirt
• fatigue
• headaches
Causes of Ataxia
Ataxia can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including:
• Inherited conditions, such as Friedreich's ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and ataxia-telangiectasia
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cerebellar degeneration
• Alcoholism
• Toxic exposure, such as to lead or mercury
• Autoimmune disorders
• Tumors
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Medications, such as some chemotherapy drugs
Diagnosis of Ataxia
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam to diagnose ataxia. Tests may include:
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan
• Neurological tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Genetic testing
Treatment of Ataxia
Ataxia is a progressive disorder, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.