Description Cerebellar ataxia i...
Description
Cerebellar ataxia is caused by damage or inflammation to a part of the brain called the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. Individuals with cerebellar ataxia experience difficulty walking, dizziness and clumsiness. The disease may come on suddenly (acute) or slowly (chronic). There are a variety of causes of cerebellar ataxia including autoimmune disorders, alcohol, inherited disorders, drugs, cancer and infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include difficulty walking, clumsiness, dizziness, difficulty speaking, headache and nausea.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and imaging tests will likely be performed to determine the underlying cause of ataxia.
Tests:
Vitamin B12 level, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Other Specific Tests: HIV test, Lithium level, Phenytoin level, carbamezapine level, CO level, Alcohol level, urine tox screen
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and imaging tests will likely be performed to determine the underlying cause of ataxia.
Tests:
Vitamin B12 level, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Other Specific Tests: HIV test, Lithium level, Phenytoin level, carbamezapine level, CO level, Alcohol level, urine tox screen
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of disease and severity of symptoms. Your doctors will tailor your treatment to the specific cause of your ataxia.