Cerebellar Ataxia

WHAT IS CEREBELLAR ATAXIA?

Cerebellar Ataxia is an umbrella term for disorders of the nervous system which cause unsteadiness and a lack of co-ordination. It comes from the word cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and co-ordination. It is a very rare condition. People with this disorder have a balance impairment in sitting, standing and walking, lack of co-ordination in their hands and slurred speech. Eyes can also be affected resulting in blurred or double vision.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CEREBELLAR ATAXIA?

Cerebellar Ataxia is a progressive condition. The speed with which the condition progresses differs between individuals, however the condition usually develops slowly. Cerebellar Ataxia can affect movement of the middle part of the body from the neck to the hip or the arms and legs. Some common symptoms of Cerebellar Ataxia include sudden uncoordinated movement, walking problems, sudden eye movements and clumsy speech patterns. Their symptoms can include headaches, dizziness and changes in mental state such as personality or behavioural changes.

WHAT CAUSES CEREBELLAR ATAXIA?

There are both genetic and non-genetic forms of Cerebellar Ataxia. It sometimes can be caused by a faulty gene that is passed down through generations of a family. If a parent has inherited Cerebellar Ataxia, it does not necessarily mean that their children will also develop the condition as sometimes it is also non-genetic. There is sometimes no explanation for non-inherited Ataxias. However, it can be brought on by serious damage to the brain which may be caused by many things, including: head injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, a brain tumour or viral infections (such as chicken pox).

HOW IS CEREBELLAR ATAXIA TREATED?

There is no cure for Cerebellar Ataxia. Some forms, for example, Cerebellar Ataxia caused by chicken pox is non-progressive and will usually clear up, without treatment within a few months. However, the progressive forms of Cerebellar Ataxia are not treatable although medication is available to help relieve tremors and muscle spasms. Other intervention such as Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT), Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT) have also been shown to help.

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