Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Cerebellar ataxia is a form of ataxia originating in the cerebellum. [1] Non-progressive congenital ataxia (NPCA) is a classical presentation of cerebral ataxias. Cerebellar ataxia can occur as a result of many diseases and may present with symptoms of an inability to coordinate balance, gait, extremity and eye movements. [ 2 ]
There are many types, including cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia, vestibular ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia and more general forms of hereditary ataxias.
Ataxia (from Greek α- [a negative prefix] + -τάξις [order] = "lack of order") is a neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements that can include gait abnormality, speech changes, and abnormalities in eye movements, that indicates dysfunction of parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum.
It is associated with cerebellar ataxia, [1] [2] when the cerebellum has been damaged and does not function to its fullest ability. Lesions to the cerebellum can cause dyssynergia, dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesia, dysarthria, and ataxia of stance and gait. [3] Dyschronometria can result from autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA). [4]
Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is an autosomal recessive late-onset heredodegenerative multisystem neurological disease. The symptoms include poor balance and difficulty walking. Chronic cough and difficulty swallowing may also be present.
Dysdiadochokinesia is a feature of cerebellar ataxia and may be the result of lesions to either the cerebellar hemispheres or the frontal lobe (of the cerebrum), it can also be a combination of both. [3]
The symptoms of vestibulocerebellar syndrome vary among patients but are typically a unique combination of ocular abnormalities including nystagmus, poor or absent smooth pursuit (ability of the eyes to follow a moving object), strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), diplopia (double vision), oscillopsia (the sensation that stationary objects in the visual field are oscillating) and abnormal ...
If the ataxia is due to bleeding, surgery may be needed. For a stroke, medication to thin the blood can be given. Infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. Steroids may be needed for swelling (inflammation) of the cerebellum (such as from multiple sclerosis). Cerebellar ataxia caused by a recent viral infection may not need treatment.