Ataxia overview
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Ataxia overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Ataxia (from Greek α- [used as a negative prefix] + -τάξις [order], meaning "lack of order") is a neurological sign and symptom consisting of gross incoordination of muscle movements. [1] Ataxia is an aspecific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum. Several possible causes exist for these patterns of neurological dysfunction. The term "dystaxia" is rarely used as a synonym.
Ataxia results from the involvement of cerebellar structures, or from a combination of cerebellar and extra-cerebellar lesions, especially the brainstem. Ataxia can be:
- Sporadic ataxias. Ataxias of this type usually begin in adulthood and have no known family history.
- Hereditary ataxias. These ataxias are caused by a defect in a gene that is present from the start of a person's life and can be either dominantly inherited or recessively inherited. Recessive disorders commonly cause symptoms to begin in childhood rather than in adulthood.
Risk Factors
- 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 organophosphates found in insecticides
- Cerebellar hemorrhage, abscess, blood clot, or obstruction of an artery
- Para-neoplastic syndromes—occurs when the immune system attacks the cerebellum in the area of a cancer
- Certain vaccinations.
Medical Therapy
There is no specific treatment for ataxia as such, altough there may be for the underlying cause. The disability of ataxia may be reduced by physical therapy, including exercises, along with leg braces or shoe splints. If foot alignment has been affected then a cane or walker is often used in the effort to prevent falls.