The cause
of ataxia can be difficult to identify. At UT Southwestern Medical Center, we
use every tool and technique at our disposal to determine the condition’s
source so we can offer patients the best treatment.
Causes of Ataxia
The
cerebellum serves as the brain’s balance and coordination center, integrating
information from different parts of the brain and allowing the precise
execution of movement during tasks such as walking, reaching for an object,
writing, or speaking. Ataxia can result from damage to the cerebellum, with a
range of possible causes that includes:
- Hereditary genetic defects
- Neurodegenerative disorders, such as cerebral
palsy or multiple system atrophy (MSA)
- Head trauma
- Stroke
- Brain hemorrhage
- Brain tumors (cancerous or noncancerous)
- Infections caused by a virus, such as
chickenpox
- Exposure to certain drugs or toxins
(alcohol, some drugs or medications)
- Problems with the liver, kidney, or
thyroid
- Vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin E
or vitamin B12)
- Sensitivity to gluten (wheat, rye, and
barley)
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases such as multiple
sclerosis
Approximately
30 to 40 percent of cerebellar ataxias don’t have an identifiable cause, even
after extensive testing.
Diagnosing Ataxia
Diagnosis
of ataxia is based on a person's medical and family history, along with a
complete neurological examination to determine if there are signs of cerebellar
disease.
- An
evaluation for ataxia usually includes testing for:
- Jerky eye movements or eyes that overshoot
their target
- Lack of coordination of movements and difficulty
walking
- Dysmetria, an inability to correctly judge
distance
Upon
completion of the neurological exam, we might use any of the following tests to
determine the cause of ataxia:
- Brain and spinal cord MRI (with or without
contrast)
- Blood tests
- Full-body CT scan to look for cancers
elsewhere that can indirectly affect the cerebellum
- Spinal tap to look for inflammation or
infection of the cerebellum
- Nerve conduction studies and
electromyography (EMG) to look for neuropathy
- Evaluations by sleep, pulmonary, urology,
and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists
- Dopamine transporter scan, an imaging
technology that uses small amounts of a radioactive drug to help determine how
much dopamine is available in a person's brain
- Autonomic studies
- Genetic testing
After
diagnosis, we work with patients to develop a treatment plan that is individualized to their specific
needs.
