Ataxia

Definition

Acute cerebellar ataxia is a sudden problem with coordination and balance. It happens when the cerebellum is damaged. This is the part of the brain that controls these functions.

Cerebellum

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

In some people, the cause is not known. It others, it may be due to genetics or:

• Infections
• Problems with the immune system
• Head injury

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in young children. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Viral infections, such as chickenpox , Coxsackie virus, Epstein-Barr, or HIV
• Bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease
• Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead , mercury , thallium, alcohol , and some insecticides
• A history of chemotherapy
• Bleeding, abscess, blood clots, or blockage in the cerebellum
• Paraneoplastic syndromes—happens when the immune system attacks the cerebellum in the area of a cancer
• Certain vaccinations

Recurrent acute cerebellar ataxia may be marked by periods of inactivity and flares. Things that may raise the risk of this are:

• Stroke
• A poorly-formed cerebellum
• Problems with the immune system, such as multiple sclerosis
• Migraine
• Vertigo
• Genetic or metabolic disorders
• A brain tumor
• Alcohol use disorder
• Certain medicines

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Coordination problems when using the arms, legs, or trunk
• Problems walking
• Clumsiness
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Speech problems, such as slurred speech and changes in tone, pitch, and volume
• Problems swallowing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Eyesight problems, including eyes that do not move in the usual way
• Changes in mental state, such as personality or behavioral changes

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A neurological exam may also be done.

Blood tests may be done. The fluid around the brain and spinal cord may also be tested. This can be done with a lumbar puncture.

Images may be taken. This can be done with:

• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Ultrasound

Nerve function may be tested. This can be done with a nerve conduction study .

The electrical activity of the muscles may be tested. This can be done with an electromyography (EMG).

Treatment

Ataxia in children may go away on its own in a few months. In others, underlying causes of ataxia will need to be treated. This may include medicine to ease swelling in the brain.

Therapy may be also needed. Options are:

• Physical therapy to help with movement
• Occupational therapy to help with everyday tasks and self-care
• Speech therapy to improve swallowing and speaking

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem.

References

• Cerebellar ataxia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cerebellar-ataxia. Accessed January 22, 2021.
• Cerebellar disorders. Patient website. Available at: https://patient.info/doctor/cerebellar-disorders. Accessed January 22, 2021.
• Encephalopathy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Encephalopathy-Information-Page. Accessed January 22, 2021.
• van Gaalen J, van de Warrenburg BP. A practical approach to late-onset cerebellar ataxia: putting the disorder with lack of order into order. Pract Neurol. 2012 Feb;12(1):14-24.