ataxia

Last reviewed 01/2018

Ataxia is the failure of voluntary muscular coordination despite normal muscular power.

The ataxic patient may present with troublesome clumsiness when moving around, feeding or writing.

Usually, ataxia is due to either cerebellar or sensory dysfunction.

Patients suspected of having ataxia should be referred for secondary care. Depending on the clinical situation, this referral may need to be undertaken urgently. For example, in a case with a suspected tumour, this will have to be within 2 weeks

Further information concerning diagnosis and management of ataxia is available from: