 Health Guide Drug Guide Acute cerebellar ataxiaDefinitionAcute cerebellar ataxia is sudden onset of uncoordinated muscle movement. Alternative NamesCerebellar ataxia; Ataxia - acute cerebellar; Cerebellitis CausesAcute cerebellar ataxia is most common in children, especially those younger than age 3. It often occurs several weeks after a viral illness. Viral infections that may cause this include chickenpox, Coxsackie disease, Epstein-Barr, and mycoplasma pneumonia. Exposure to older insecticides called organophosphates or other toxins may also cause ataxia. SymptomsAtaxia may affect movement of the middle part of the body from the neck to the hip area (the trunk) or the arms and legs (limbs). When the person is sitting, the body may move side-to-side, back-to-front, or both, and quickly move back to an upright position. When a person with ataxia of the arms reaches for an object, their hand may sway back and forth. Common symptoms of ataxia are listed below.
Exams and TestsThe doctor will ask you if you have been recently sick, and try to rule out any other causes for the problem. . A full neurological examination will be done to identify the areas of the nervous system most affected. The following tests may be done:
TreatmentAtaxia may go away without treatment after a few weeks to months. However, physical therapy may be helpful in improving coordination. Outlook (Prognosis)Full recovery usually occurs without treatment within a few months. Possible ComplicationsMovement or behavioral disorders may (rarely) persist. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if any symptoms of ataxia appear. ReferencesJohnston M. Movement disorders. In: Kliegman R, Behrman R, Jenson H, Stanton B, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 597. Timmann D, Diener H. Coordination and ataxia. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 17.
Review Date:
3/26/2009 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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