How to Manage Ataxia

Ataxia can be a frightening symptom of a serious underlying disorder. Patients can hurt themselves if they don't take steps to properly manage ataxia. Essentially, ataxia is a neurological symptom that can accompany numerous diseases and disorders, and consists of difficulty with depth perception, a stilted or uneven gait, inability to stand with eyes closed or vertigo and nausea. As soon as signs of this condition present, it is important to talk to your physician immediately, then make sure you take the proper precautions.

Instructions

Be Cautious

• 1

  Abstain from operating any machinery while suffering from ataxia. Regardless of the type or cause, driving a car or working with power tools could result in a serious accident, even if you don't plan to do it for long. Instead, have someone else assist you.

• 2

  Keep rooms in your home brightly lit to help with depth perception. Semi-darkness can be dangerous for patients with ataxia because shadows become more difficult to discern, even if you think that you could navigate your house without seeing. High-wattage lamps are recommended.

• 3

  Plant your feet at least a food apart when standing still. Many patients with ataxia have difficulty standing normally and require additional balance with widely spread feet. It may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it isn't noticeable to onlookers.

• 4

  Try not to navigate stairs while symptoms of ataxia are present. Stairs present additional difficulties with depth perception and balance, and a fall could trigger additional neurological symptoms. If you have to climb or descend stairs, use the handrail and ask for assistance.

• 5

  Allow yourself to walk however you feel comfortable. Ataxia can create a lilted or halting gait that might feel uncomfortable, and might increase feelings of anxiety when in public. However, if you try to force yourself to walk "normally", you could easily fall.

• 6

  Walk with a cane, walker or crutch if it is easier. The extra support can help prevent a fall and will even out your gait without compromising your safety.

• 7

  Lie down if you begin to feel dizzy or nauseous. Vertigo is a frequent symptom of vestibular ataxia, and may result in blurred vision or vomiting. You may also experience migraine headaches, in which case lying down in a darkened room is usually the best course of action.