Ataxia overview: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 4: Line 4:


==Overview==
==Overview==
'''Ataxia''' (from Greek ''α-'' [used as a negative prefix] + ''-τάξις'' [order], meaning "lack of order") is a [[neurology|neurological]] sign and symptom consisting of gross incoordination of [[muscle]] movements. <ref>{{Dorlands|a_69|12166205}}</ref>  Ataxia is an aspecific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of parts of the [[nervous system]] that coordinate movement, such as the [[cerebellum]].  Several possible causes exist for these patterns of neurological dysfunction.  The term "dystaxia" is rarely used as a synonym.
'''Ataxia''' (from Greek ''α-'' [used as a negative prefix] + ''-τάξις'' [order], meaning "lack of order") is a [[neurology|neurological]] sign and symptom consisting of gross incoordination of [[muscle]] movements. <ref>{{Dorlands|a_69|12166205}}</ref>  Ataxia is an aspecific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of parts of the [[nervous system]] that coordinate movement, such as the [[cerebellum]].  Several possible causes exist for these patterns of neurological dysfunction.  The term "dystaxia" is rarely used as a synonym.  


* '''Sporadic ataxias.''' Ataxias of this type usually begin in adulthood and have no known family history.
Ataxia results from the involvement of cerebellar structures, or from a combination of cerebellar and extra-cerebellar lesions, especially the brainstem. Ataxia can be:
* '''Hereditary ataxias.''' These ataxias are caused by a defect in a gene that is present from the start of a person's life and can be either dominantly inherited or recessively inherited. Recessive disorders commonly cause symptoms to begin in childhood rather than in adulthood.
 
*'''Sporadic ataxias.''' Ataxias of this type usually begin in adulthood and have no known family history.
*'''Hereditary ataxias.''' These ataxias are caused by a defect in a gene that is present from the start of a person's life and can be either dominantly inherited or recessively inherited. Recessive disorders commonly cause symptoms to begin in childhood rather than in adulthood.


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==

Revision as of 16:31, 24 August 2020

Ataxia Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Ataxia from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

X Ray

CT

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Ataxia overview On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Ataxia overview

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Ataxia overview

CDC on Ataxia overview

Ataxia overview in the news

Blogs onAtaxia overview

Directions to Hospitals Treating Ataxia

Risk calculators and risk factors for Ataxia overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Ataxia (from Greek α- [used as a negative prefix] + -τάξις [order], meaning "lack of order") is a neurological sign and symptom consisting of gross incoordination of muscle movements. [1] Ataxia is an aspecific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum. Several possible causes exist for these patterns of neurological dysfunction. The term "dystaxia" is rarely used as a synonym.

Ataxia results from the involvement of cerebellar structures, or from a combination of cerebellar and extra-cerebellar lesions, especially the brainstem. Ataxia can be:

  • Sporadic ataxias. Ataxias of this type usually begin in adulthood and have no known family history.
  • Hereditary ataxias. These ataxias are caused by a defect in a gene that is present from the start of a person's life and can be either dominantly inherited or recessively inherited. Recessive disorders commonly cause symptoms to begin in childhood rather than in adulthood.

Risk Factors

  • Viral infections, such as chickenpox , Coxsackie virus, Epstein-Barr, or HIV
  • Bacterial infections such as Lyme disease
  • Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead , mercury , thallium, alcohol , and organophosphates found in insecticides
  • Cerebellar hemorrhage, abscess, blood clot, or obstruction of an artery
  • Para-neoplastic syndromes—occurs when the immune system attacks the cerebellum in the area of a cancer
  • Certain vaccinations.

Medical Therapy

There is no specific treatment for ataxia as such, altough there may be for the underlying cause. The disability of ataxia may be reduced by physical therapy, including exercises, along with leg braces or shoe splints. If foot alignment has been affected then a cane or walker is often used in the effort to prevent falls.

References

Template:WH Template:WS