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.
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In some people, the cause is not known. It others, it may be due to genetics or:
This problem is more common in young children. Other things that may raise the risk are:
Recurrent acute cerebellar ataxia may be marked by periods of inactivity and flares. Things that may raise the risk of this are:
Problems may be:
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:
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).
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:
National Ataxia Foundation
http://www.ataxia.org
National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
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.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD