Acute Cerebellar Ataxia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not assume it is due to acute cerebellar ataxia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions, as well. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Speech disturbances with slurred speech and changes in tone, pitch, and volume
• Visual complaints
• Abnormal eye movements
• Accompanying symptoms may include:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in mental state (such as personality or behavioral changes)
  • Chaotic eye movements
  • Clumsy speech pattern

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical and family history, and perform a physical exam. He will observe your limb coordination to assess the degree and nature of the ataxia.

Further tests may include the following:

• Examination of cerebrospinal fluid
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
• Metabolic blood tests
• Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the head
• Urine analysis
• Tests to detect other possible diseases that are causing the symptoms:
  • Nerve conduction study —a test that measures the speed and degree of electrical activity in a nerve to determine if it is functioning normally
  • Electromyography (EMG)—a test measures and records the electrical activity that muscles generate at rest and in response to muscle contraction