Cerebellar ataxia


Disease modifying treatment available:
Time critical diagnosis and management:
Lateralising:


Taxotomy

Aetiology

Supercategory
Ataxia
Disorder Clinical features Associated features Investigations Disease modifying treatment available Time critical
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis Dementia
Xanthomas
Coenzyme Q10 deficiency Myopathy
Nephrotic syndrome
Visual loss
Gluten ataxia
Vitamin B12 deficiency Megaloblastic anaemia
Optic neuropathy
Vitamin E deficiency Dementia
Niemann-Pick type C Hallucination
Narcolepsy
Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy Seizure
Myoclonus
Dementia
Chorea
Subclavian steal syndrome Vertigo
Ataxia telangiectasia Telangiectasia
Anti-CASPR2 encephalitis Myokymia
Seizure
Generalised pain
Insomnia
Weight loss
Hyperhidrosis
Psychosis
Amnesia
Thymoma
Anti-LGI1 encephalitis

Causative drugs








Treatment


The management of cerebellar ataxia currently is primarily supportive. In some cases a treatable underlying aetiology can be identified so consideration should be given to the possibility of these disorders in all cases despite their rarity. A review of drugs should be undertaken to identify agents that could be causing symptomatic deterioration. If ataxia improves following discontinuation of a medication a yellow card should be submitted reporting the possible adverse reaction. Individuals should be made aware alcohol may worsen their ataxia.

Aids for walking, eating, drinking and speech may be helpful.

Physiotherapy and SALT may be helpful.