Common Causes
Ataxia is the term for a group of neurological diseases (diseases related to the nervous system) that affect movement and coordination. People with ataxia often have trouble with balance, coordination, swallowing, and speech.
Related Conditions
Many motor activities may be described as ataxic if they appear to others, or are perceived by patients, as uncoordinated. Ataxia can also refer to a group of neurological disorders in which motor behavior appears uncoordinated.
What is ataxia?
What Is Uncoordinated Movement? Uncoordinated movement is also known as lack of coordination, coordination impairment, or loss of coordination. The medical term for this problem is ataxia. For most people, body movements are smooth, coordinated, and seamless.
What is ataxic motor activity?
Persons with an ataxic gait due to cerebellar dysfunction keep their legs further apart than normal, referred to clinically as a ‘broadened base’. They often stagger and resemble persons who have ingested excessive alcohol.
What is uncoordinated movement (ataxia)?
What is an ataxic gait?
What is AT in medical terms?
How often does episodic ataxia occur?
What are the symptoms of ataxia?
How many types of episodic ataxia are there?
What age does Friedreich's ataxia develop?
Why do people with ataxia have trouble swallowing?
What are the different types of ataxia?
See 4 more
About this website
Ataxia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Treatment for ataxia depends on the cause. Adaptive devices, such as walkers or canes, might help maintain independence. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and regular aerobic exercise also might help.
Ataxia Symptoms - Hopkins Medicine
Gait/posture abnormalities - Difficulty maintaining normal upright posture, balance, coordinated walking, and running. Unsteady gait, staggering, tripping, falling, unsteadiness on stairs or maintaining balance on moving platforms, such as escalators or boats.
How is ataxia passed down?
Inherited ataxia is typically passed down in two different ways: Dominant. Only one copy of the mutated gene is required to have the condition. This gene can be inherited from either parent.
What are some examples of dominant inherited ataxias?
Some examples of dominant inherited ataxias are: Spinocerebellar ataxia. There are dozens of different types spinocerebellar ataxia. Each type is classified by the specific area of the gene that’s mutated. Symptoms and the age at which the symptoms develop can vary by type of ataxia. Episodic ataxia.
What is Friedreich's ataxia?
Friedreich’s ataxia. Also known as spinocerebellar degeneration, Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common inherited ataxia. In addition to difficulties with movement and speech, muscle weakening can also occur. This type of ataxia can also affect the heart.
How many types of ataxia are there?
Episodic ataxia. This type of ataxia isn’t progressive and instead occurs in episodes. There are seven different types of episodic ataxia. The symptoms and length of the ataxia episodes can vary by type.
What is the term for muscle coordination?
What is it? Ataxia is the term that’s used to refer to issues with muscle coordination or control. People with ataxia often have trouble with things like movement, balance, and speech. There are several different types of ataxia, and each type has a different cause.
How do you know if you have ataxia?
Some of the most common symptoms of ataxia can include: problems with coordination and balance, which can include clumsiness, an unsteady gait, and frequent falling. trouble with fine motor tasks, such as writing, picking up small objects, or buttoning up clothes. slurred or unclear speech. tremors or muscle spasms.
What are some examples of acquired ataxia?
Some examples of things that can lead to acquired ataxia include: injury to the head. stroke. tumors affecting the brain and surrounding area. infections, such as meningitis, HIV, and chickenpox.
What is the term for a lack of coordination in the brain?
Cerebellum and brainstem. Persistent ataxia usually results from damage to the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum). Ataxia describes a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects. A sign of an underlying condition, ataxia can affect various movements ...
What is the term for the loss of nerve cells in the cerebellum?
Damage, degeneration or loss of nerve cells in the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum), results in ataxia. Your cerebellum comprises two portions of folded tissue situated at the base of your brain near your brainstem. This area of the brain helps with balance as well as eye movements, swallowing and speech.
What is the name of the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination?
Open pop-up dialog box. Close. Cerebellum and brainstem. Cerebellum and brainstem. Persistent ataxia usually results from damage to the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum). Ataxia describes a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects.
What is Friedreich's ataxia?
Friedreich's ataxia. This common hereditary ataxia involves damage to your cerebellum, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves carry signals from your brain and spinal cord to your muscles. In most cases, signs and symptoms appear well before age 25.
What is the most common type of ataxia?
Episodic ataxia (EA). There are eight recognized types of ataxia that are episodic rather than progressive — EA 1 through EA 7, plus late-onset episodic ataxia. EA 1 and EA 2 are the most common. EA 1 involves brief ataxic episodes that may last seconds or minutes. The episodes are triggered by stress, being startled or sudden movement, and often are associated with muscle twitching.
How long does chickenpox ataxia last?
It might appear in the healing stages of the infection and last for days or weeks. Normally, the ataxia resolves over time.
How to treat ataxia?
Adaptive devices, such as walkers or canes, might help you maintain your independence. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and regular aerobic exercise also might help .
What is an ataxic gait?
Ataxia is typically defined as the presence of abnormal, uncoordinated movements. This usage describes signs & symptoms without reference to specific diseases. An unsteady, staggering gait is described as an ataxic gait because walking is uncoordinated and appears to be ‘not ordered’. Many motor activities may be described as ataxic ...
Why is cerebral ataxia different from gait problems?
Cerebellar ataxia differs from gait problems due to abnormalities in other parts of the nervous system, such as the abnormal gait seen in Parkinson’s disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or different forms of spasticity in the legs .
What is the cause of ataxia?
Ataxia may result from abnormalities in different parts of the nervous system, including the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (roots and nerves that connect the central nervous system to muscles, skin, and the outside world).
What is the term for a group of neurological disorders in which motor behavior appears uncoordinated?
Many motor activities may be described as ataxic if they appear to others, or are perceived by patients, as uncoordinated. Ataxia can also refer to a group of neurological disorders in which motor behavior appears uncoordinated. Walking, speaking clearly, swallowing, writing, reading, and other activities that require fine motor control may be ...
What is the outer surface of the cerebellum?
The outer surface of the cerebellum is a continuous layer of nerve cells called the cerebellar cortex. The cortex is a three-layered sheet of neurons that are extensively interconnected and have a highly regular geometric organization.
What is the cerebellum?
The cerebellum is a rounded structure attached to the brainstem with a central portion (vermis) and two lateral lobes (cerebellar hemispheres). It sits beneath the back of the cerebral hemispheres (occipital cortices). The outer surface of the cerebellum is a continuous layer of nerve cells called the cerebellar cortex.
How to contact Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center?
To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center at 410-616-2816.
Why is it important to understand the nomenclature of ataxia?
It is important to understand the nomenclature because it sometimes implies a certain ataxic disorder. Ataxia may have an acute onset, especially those ataxias resulting from stroke, hemorrhage, or infection of the cerebellar and/or its afferent or efferent, which can have a rapid progression with catastrophic impact.
What causes ataxia in children?
In children, recessive causes of ataxia are more common, including Friedreich’s and a list of inborn errors of metabolism disorders, such as juvenile forms of GM2 gangliosidoses, and sulfatide lipidoses (metachromatic leukodystrophy).
What is the primary mission of an ataxia physician?
In acute settings, the main mission is to recognize life-threatening events. In nonacute settings no simple algorithm or guideline to follow exists. Being familiar with ataxia disorders will help physicians perform prompt appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.
How long does an EA1 attack last?
This type of ataxia can also be precipitated by sudden movement, excitement, or exercise. The attacks generally last from seconds to several minutes at a time and may recur many times a day.
What is required for ataxia?
A complete family and personal history, physical examination, and neuroimaging, as well as comprehensive laboratory evaluation may be required for the diagnosis of ataxic syndromes. However, in many cases, etiology of ataxia remains uncertain despite a complete workup.
What is the risk of ataxia telangiectasia?
Children with ataxia-telangiectasia are at high risk of developing cancer , particularly leukemia or lymphoma.
Why does stress cause EA2?
Stress commonly precipitate the episodes. EA2 notably is due to a genetic defect in a calcium channel (CACNA1A). Different genetic defects of this gene can cause familial hemiplegic migraine, and a CAG repeat in this gene causes SCA6, and there are overlaps in symptomatology.
What Can I Do Now?
We encourage those affected by Ataxia, family members, caregivers, and friends to get involved in the search for a cure. This can include participating in research initiatives and clinical trials that are working towards new treatments, staying connected with others that have Ataxia, and/or organizing fundraisers to support NAF’s work.
What is NAF support group?
NAF Support Groups are social gatherings that allow you to connect with others affected by Ataxia and learn more about living with the disease. Check out our event calendar for a list of upcoming meetings or find a Support Group Leader in your area to contact them directly. They’d love to hear from you!
What is the chance of inheriting autosomal dominant ataxia?
Autosomal Dominant Ataxias. Each child of a parent with an autosomal dominant Ataxia gene has a 50% chance of inheriting the Ataxia gene. Since the gene is dominant, if a gene is passed on to the child from one parent, the child will develop the disease. Men and women are affected equally.
How is ataxia diagnosed?
Diagnosis. Ataxia is diagnosed using a combination of strategies that may include medical history, family history, and a complete neurological evaluation. Various blood tests may be performed to rule out other disorders. Genetic blood tests are available for many types of hereditary Ataxia.
How long does it take for ataxia to worsen?
Ataxia symptoms vary by person and type of Ataxia. Rate of progression varies as well. Symptoms may worsen slowly, over decades – or quickly, over mere months. Common symptoms of Ataxia are:
How does ataxia affect people?
People affected by Ataxia may experience problems with using their fingers and hands, arms, legs, walking, speaking or moving their eyes. Ataxia affects people of all ages.
What is the degenerative disease of the nervous system?
Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many symptoms of Ataxia mimic those of being drunk, such as slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and incoordination. These symptoms are caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordinating movement. Ataxia treatment involves a combination ...
What is the name of the neurological disorder that causes problems with walking, balance and eye movements?
Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism describes a group of conditions that has symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease. Progressive supranuclear palsy. This is a rare neurological disorder that causes problems with walking, balance and eye movements.
What is the condition that causes a person to feel strange sensations in their legs?
This movement disorder causes unpleasant, abnormal feelings in the legs while relaxing or lying down, often relieved by movement. Tardive dyskinesia. This neurological condition is caused by long-term use of certain drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions (neuroleptic drugs).
What is the name of the neurological disorder that causes involuntary rhythmic shaking of parts of the body?
Tourette syndrome. This is a neurological condition that starts between childhood and teenage years and is associated with repetitive movements (motor tics) and vocal sounds (vocal tics). Tremor. This movement disorder causes involuntary rhythmic shaking of parts of the body, such as the hands, head or other parts of the body.
What causes jerks in muscles?
Myoclonus. This condition causes lightning-quick jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles. Parkinson's disease. This slowly progressive, neurodegenerative disorder causes tremor, stiffness (rigidity), slow decreased movement (bradykinesia) or imbalance. It may also cause other nonmovement symptoms.
What is the rare disease that causes copper to build up in the body?
Wilson's disease. This is a rare inherited disorder that causes excessive amounts of copper to build up in the body, causing neurological problems.
What causes sudden jerks in the brain?
It can also cause low blood pressure and impaired bladder function. Myoclonus. This condition causes lightning-quick jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles. Parkinson's disease.
Why does my neck turn in different ways?
Cervical dystonia. This condition causes long-lasting contractions (spasms) or intermittent contractions of the neck muscles, causing the neck to turn in different ways.
What is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
Like all other types of cerebral palsy, ataxic CP is a developmental disorder that affects motor function. Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by problems with balance and coordination. These issues are caused by damage to the developing brain’s motor control centers.
What is cerebral palsy guide?
Cerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
How to help a child with cerebral palsy?
Children with ataxic cerebral palsy often struggle with expressing thoughts or emotions through speech, as well as having trouble swallowing. Speech therapy entails the use of articulation therapy, breathing exercises and word association to help a child with ataxic CP to better communicate.
How can occupational therapy help with cerebral palsy?
Occupational therapy can help improve problems with balance or coordination in children with ataxic cerebral palsy while increasing their upper body strength. A main goal of occupational therapy is to provide a child with ataxic CP with the skills they need to perform daily tasks on their own and decrease the use of assistive devices.
What is the best treatment for ataxic cerebral palsy?
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are among some of the main treatments for ataxic cerebral palsy. These treatments can help children with ataxic CP become more independent later in life.
How does cerebral palsy affect children?
Children with ataxic cerebral palsy have a hard time controlling their movements. They are shaky and struggle with precise movements, such as writing and grasping small objects. Ataxic CP can affect the hands, arms, legs, feet, eyes and even speech.
What causes damage to the cerebellum?
Damage to the cerebellum can be caused by: The risk factors of ataxic cerebral palsy are events that increase the likelihood of a child developing the condition. Mothers who had poor maternal health are at higher risk for having children with ataxic cerebral palsy.
What are the symptoms of ataxia?
The most common symptom of ataxia is loss of balance and coordination. If the condition does progress, you may experience difficulty walking and moving your arms and legs. Eventually there can be a loss of fine motor skills, affecting activities such as writing or buttoning up your shirt.
What are some examples of inherited conditions related to ataxia?
spinal injuries. Examples of some inherited conditions related to ataxia are Friedreich’s ataxia and Wilson’s disease. Friedreich’s ataxia is a genetic disease that causes problems with energy production in the nervous system and the heart.
How to help someone with ataxia?
Symptoms of ataxia can affect a person’s independence. This can result in feelings of anxiety and depression. Talking to counselor can help. If one-on-one counseling doesn’t sound appealing, consider a support group for people with ataxia or other chronic neurological conditions. Support groups are often available online or in-person. Your doctor may have a recommendation for a support group in your area.
What muscle group controls the movement of a ball?
But each movement actually involves a number of muscle groups. They’re largely controlled by the cerebellum , an important structure in the brain.
What is the medical term for uncoordinated movement?
Uncoordinated movement is also known as lack of coordination, coordination impairment, or loss of coordination. The medical term for this problem is ataxia.
What drugs cause seizures?
seizure medications. chemotherapy drugs. lithium. cocaine and heroin. sedatives. mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. toluene and other types of solvents. Sometimes people have a condition known as sporadic ataxia. This causes an ataxia not related to a genetic disorder or a specific known cause.
What causes ataxia in the cerebellum?
There are a number of known causes for ataxia. They range from chronic conditions to sudden onset. However, most conditions will relate to damage or degeneration of the cerebellum.
What is AT in medical terms?
Knowing the type can help doctors evaluate the condition and define a treatment plan. Ataxia telangiectasia (AT): Also known as Louis-Bar Syndrome, AT is an inherited condition. It typically develops in babies or young children.
How often does episodic ataxia occur?
These episodes can happen multiple times per day, or just one or two times a year. Episodic ataxia can develop at any age.
What are the symptoms of ataxia?
A common symptom of this type of ataxia is the appearance of enlarged (dilated) blood vessels known as telangiectasias in the eyes and on the skin of the face. Children with AT have symptoms including increasing difficulty walking, coordinating movements, looking from side to side, and trouble speaking.
How many types of episodic ataxia are there?
There are seven types of episodic ataxia, all of which have unique symptoms in addition to difficulty with movement, including dizziness, headaches, blurry vision, and nausea and vomiting.
What age does Friedreich's ataxia develop?
Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common type of genetic ataxia. It typically develops between ages 5 and 15.
Why do people with ataxia have trouble swallowing?
People with ataxia often have trouble with balance, coordination, swallowing, and speech. Ataxia usually develops as a result of damage to a part of the brain that coordinates movement (cerebellum). Ataxia can develop at any age. It is typically progressive, meaning it can get worse with time.
What are the different types of ataxia?
Doctors and researchers classify ataxia into three main categories based on what they know about the cause. These categories are: 1 Acquired ataxia: Caused by external factors including trauma, vitamin deficiencies, exposure to alcohol or drugs, infections, or cancers. 2 Genetic ataxia: Occurs when a person has a damaged gene that is passed down among family members. 3 Idiopathic ataxia: Doctors cannot determine the cause of the condition.
Overview
Loss of coordination of voluntary muscle movements.
Inherited ataxia
Acquired ataxia
Idiopathic ataxia
- “Ataxia” is the medical term that’s used to refer to issues with muscle coordination or control. Pe…
There are several types of ataxia, and each type has a different cause. - Read on to learn more about the types of ataxia, the causes, common symptoms, and possible t…
Ataxia describes an impairment of muscle control or coordination.
Affected regions
- Inherited ataxias develop from mutations in specific genes that you inherit from your parents. T…
Inherited ataxia is typically passed down in two different ways: - Dominant. Only one copy of the mutated gene is required to have the condition. This gene can b…
Recessive. Two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) are required to have the condition.