Ataxia (Pediatric) Examination

The first feature to observe about ataxia is where it occurs in the child's body. It may affect only walking, or arm and eye movements may be involved. Physicians may then determine its severity in each part of the body. It is important to recognize if...

• There are variations in the severity of the symptoms during the day
• There are variations in the severity of symptoms at mealtime
• Whether particular types of foods affect the symptoms
• Symptoms become worse when the child is tired, hungry, or ill

The diagnosing physician may also be concerned about the progression of symptoms over time. Certain questions may be asked, including...

• Are the symptoms stable or have they become worse over the preceding weeks, months, or years?
• Did the symptoms begin after an illness?
• Have there been prior episodes of symptoms that have resolved?
• If the symptoms resolve and recur, how long do they last and do they become completely better?

Many types of ataxia are hereditary, so it is also important to look for subtle symptoms in family members. For example, the physician may question if there are relatives with clumsiness, frequent falling, late walking, early speech therapy, unusual eye movements, particularly poor handwriting, or other neurological problems.

	Mechanism