Ataxia

Acute

What is Ataxia?

Ataxia usually results from damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum) or its connections. Many conditions can cause ataxia, including alcohol misuse, stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, certain medications and genetic disorders.

There are a number of Symptoms of Ataxia, which may include
  • Poor coordination.
  • Walking unsteadily or with the feet set wide apart.
  • Poor balance.
  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as eating, writing, or buttoning a shirt.
  • Change in speech.
  • Involuntary back-and-forth eye movements (nystagmus).
  • Difficulty swallowing.
There are a number of Complications of Ataxia, which may include
  • Dizziness.
  • Spasticity.
  • Rigidity.
  • Tremor.
  • Pain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Low blood pressure with sitting or standing.
  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction.

Many conditions can cause ataxia, including alcohol misuse, stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, certain medications and genetic disorders.

Taking care of your physical health can sometimes prevent — or at least delay — developing conditions that could cause such problems. Toxic exposure to chemicals, metals or substances (such as mercury, lead, etc.). Avoiding toxic substances is one way to avoid developing ataxia.

brain tumours and other types of cancer. certain toxic chemicals, such as mercury and some solvents – these can trigger ataxia if a person is exposed to enough of them. medications such as benzodiazepines can occasionally trigger ataxia as a side effect.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?
  • Physical therapy to help your coordination and enhance your mobility.
  • Occupational therapy to help you with daily living tasks, such as feeding yourself.
  • Speech therapy to improve speech and aid swallowing.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

If you have ataxia, physiotherapy can help you maintain the use of your arms and legs, and prevent your muscles weakening or getting stuck in one position (contractures). A physiotherapist will be able to teach you a number of physical exercises you can do every day to help strengthen and stretch your muscles.

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