Ataxia
Dr. Mit Ankur Raval
Ataxia is a clinical syndrome of impaired coordination and balance; causes can be genetic or acquired.
What patients should know.
Common symptoms
Unsteady walking. Limb incoordination. Speech disturbance. Abnormal eye movements. Sensory or pyramidal features in some syndromes.
How is it assessed?
History, neurological examination, age at onset, associated features and family history guide the differential. MRI, blood tests, electrophysiology or genetic evaluation may be appropriate in selected cases.
Treatment principles
Management is cause-specific where possible. Physiotherapy, fall prevention, speech/swallow assessment, occupational strategies and treatment of associated symptoms can remain important even while diagnosis is being established.
When is urgent?
Acute ataxia can be a medical emergency, including stroke, and should be assessed urgently.
Frequently asked questions
Is every ataxia hereditary?
When is genetic testing considered?
Can treatment help if the cause is uncertain?
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