Acute Cerebellar Ataxia

Acute cerebellar ataxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the sudden onset of uncoordinated movements and loss of balance.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia include:

• Intention tremors: Involuntary trembling of limbs during purposeful movement
• Dysmetria: Inability to judge distances accurately, resulting in overshooting or undershooting targets
• Gait disturbance: Unsteady and stumbling walking pattern
• Slurred speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly
• Nystagmus: Rapid and involuntary eye movements

Causes

Acute cerebellar ataxia can have various causes, including:

• Viral infections: Commonly associated with recent viral infections, especially in children
• Autoimmune disorders: Inflammatory diseases that mistakenly attack the cerebellum
• Trauma: Head injury or damage to the cerebellum
• Toxic reactions: Certain medications or exposure to toxins can affect cerebellar function

Diagnosis

Diagnosing acute cerebellar ataxia involves:

• Medical history: Identifying recent infections, injuries, or exposure to toxins
• Neurological examination: Assessing motor coordination, balance, and reflexes
• Imaging tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize the brain, ruling out structural abnormalities
• Blood tests: Evaluating for infections or autoimmune markers

Treatment

As acute cerebellar ataxia is often self-limiting and resolves on its own, treatment mainly focuses on supportive care:

• Bed rest: Allowing the body to heal and reduce physical activity
• Physical therapy: Exercises and balance training to improve muscle coordination
• Treating underlying causes: Addressing infections, managing autoimmune disorders, or avoiding toxic exposures
• Symptomatic relief: Medications to alleviate specific symptoms like tremors or dizziness

Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and management of acute cerebellar ataxia.