How to Spot Symptoms of Ataxia

Ataxia refers to the loss of sufficient capacity to harmonize muscle movement when doing voluntary activities. The existing problem in muscular coordination is due to the damage in the cerebellum or the posterior columns of the spinal cord that controls movement and balance. It affects different motions of the body -- from those of the upper and lower extremities, to problems in eye movements, speech and the ability to swallow. The origin of ataxia may be hereditary or may exist as a symptom of an underlying health condition. An example of an inherited type of ataxia is called the Friedreich's ataxia in which both parents of the patient possess defective genes that causes their offspring to have the condition. Other types of conditions that may cause ataxia include: stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, head injury, exposure to harmful substances, and alcohol or drug abuse. Manifestations of symptoms vary according to the type of ataxia the patient has. If ataxia occurs due to an existence of another condition, it may get better and eventually ceases to occur. Some common types of ataxia symptoms are presented as follows.

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Common Symptoms of Ataxia

• 1

  Unbalanced gait pattern. This is one of the early signs of ataxia in which the patient lacks the capacity to move his legs in a coordinated manner. There is no proper control of movements so the patient usually falls as he walks. It is also typical for an ataxia patient to widen the distance of his feet beyond normal in order to compensate for his lack of balance.

• 2

  Unable to maintain proper posture -- the patient has difficulty in doing a steady upright position due to a poor balance.

• 3

  Reduced effectiveness in hand and arm control. Another early noticeable sign of ataxia where in the patient is unable to regulate his upper extremity movements. As a result, there is a certain degree of difficulty in performing tasks that require fine motor control such as eating, combing, buttoning clothes or writing.

• 4

  Difficulty in articulating words or slurred speech (dysarthria) -- the patient has a problem in giving a clear and effective utterance of words. The patients' manner of talking sounds like that of a drunk individual.

• 5

  Swallowing problems which often leads to choking or coughing when the patient is trying to ingest food or drinks

• 6

  Exhibits problems in moving the eyes. Patients' eye movements are too slow that he/she has difficulty in following objects that are moving. There is also a reduced movement of the eye as it looks from one item to another, accompanied by a blurred vision.

• 7

  Shows signs of increased fatigue. Due to an impaired balance and coordination, the patient tends to put on a lot of effort when executing simple movements such as eating or writing. Strength is drained due to intense concentration and a forceful effort in regulating certain movements.