Causes

Causes of acute cerebellar ataxia include:

• Viral infections, including:
  • Chickenpox
  • Coxsackie disease
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Mycoplasma pneumonia
  • HIV infection
  • Lyme disease
  • Exposure to insecticides called organophosphates
• Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead , mercury , thallium, and alcohol
• Cerebellar hemorrhage, abscess, blood clot, or obstruction of an artery

Causes of recurrent or chronic acute ataxia include:

• Stroke
• Malformation of the cerebellum
• Multiple sclerosis
• Migraine or vertigo
• Genetic or metabolic disorders
• Brain tumor
• Alcoholism
• Seizures

Plaque Build-up From Multiple Sclerosis

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Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing acute cerebellar ataxia. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Childhood, especially three years of age or younger
• Viral infections
• Recent vaccination
• Exposure to certain insecticides, drugs, or toxins