Ataxia

If you have ataxia, your doctor will look for a treatable cause. Besides conducting a physical exam and a neurological exam, including checking your vision, balance, coordination and reflexes, your doctor might request tests, including:

Blood tests. These might help identify treatable causes of ataxia.

Imaging studies. An MRI of the brain might help determine possible causes. An MRI can sometimes show shrinkage of the cerebellum and other brain structures in people with ataxia. It may also show other treatable findings, such as a blood clot or benign tumor.

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). In some cases of ataxia, this may be a helpful test. A needle is inserted into the lower back (lumbar region) between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) to remove a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid, which surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord, is sent to a laboratory for testing.

Genetic testing. Your doctor might recommend genetic testing to determine whether a gene mutation causes one of the hereditary ataxic conditions. Gene tests are available for many but not all of the hereditary ataxias.

Ataxia caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy might not be treatable. In that case, your doctor may be able to recommend adaptive devices. They include:

Hiking sticks or walkers for walking

Modified utensils for eating

Communication aids for speaking

Therapies

You might benefit from certain therapies, including:

Physical therapy to help your coordination and enhance your mobility

Occupational therapy to help you with daily living tasks, such as feeding yourself

Speech therapy to improve speech and aid swallowing