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Ataxia
Bradykinesia
Choreoathetosis
Corticobasal Degeneration
Dyskinesias (Paroxysmal)
Dystonia
Essential Tremor
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Huntington's Disease
Multiple System Atrophy
Myoclonus
Parkinson's Disease
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Restless Legs Syndrome
Rett Syndrome
Spasticity
Sydenham's Chorea
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tics
Tourette's Syndrome
Tremor
Wilson Disease
 

Evaluation of Ataxia

The examination of a person with ataxia will likely include each of the following:

Thorough medical history, including questions regarding:

  • Onset of ataxia (acute vs. rapid vs. slow)
  • exposure to toxic substances, drugs, medications
  • recent viral illness
  • family history
  • autonomic symptoms, including control of blood pressure (problems with the autonomic system may suggest a diagnosis of multiple system atrophy)

Neurologic exam, for evidence of:

  • ataxic symptoms (examine all body regions)
  • additional neurologic signs, suggestive of secondary causes or specific diagnoses

Lab studies, including:

  • Imaging (for lesions, cerebellar atrophy, evidence of stroke, etc.)
  • Blood tests, especially for vitamins B12 or E deficiency, infection, metabolic syndromes, Wilson's disease
  • Urinalysis
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (for multiple sclerosis, infectious causes, neoplasm or paraneoplastic syndrome, inflammation)

Autonomic testing, when multiple system atrophy (MSA) is suspected

Genetic testing, when a family history indicates the patient likely has one of the inherited ataxias. Commercial genetic tests are available for the most common forms.