Acute Cerebellar Ataxia

Acute cerebellar ataxia, or cerebelitis, is a disorder of the nervous system. It is the sudden onset of a disturbance in coordination. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that plays an important role in balance and coordination. It does not function properly in the case of cerebellar ataxia.

Causes of acute cerebellar ataxia include:

Viral infections. like:

Chickenpox
Epstein-Barr virus
Mycoplasma pneumonia
HIV infection
Lyme disease

Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead, mercury, thallium, alcohol, and organophosphates found in insecticides
Cerebellar hemorrhage, abscess, blood clot, or obstruction of an artery
Paraneoplastic syndromes–occurs when the immune system attacks the cerebellum in the area of a cancer
Causes of recurrent or chronic acute ataxia include:
Stroke
Malformation of the cerebellum
Autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis
Migraine or vertigo
Genetic or metabolic disorders
Brain tumor
Alcoholism
Certain medications

While it can occur at any age, acute cerebellar ataxia is most common in young children. It can occur several weeks after a viral infection, such as chickenpox. Most cases go away without treatment in a matter of months. However, recurrent or chronic progressive cerebellar ataxia does occur.

These factors increase the chances of developing acute cerebellar ataxia:

Age, especially children three years of age or younger
Viral infections
Recent vaccination
Exposure to certain insecticides, drugs, or toxins
Having cancer

Symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia may include:

Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
Clumsiness with daily activities
Difficulty walking
Speech disturbances with slurred speech and changes in tone, pitch, and volume
Visual complaints
Abnormal eye movements
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Lightheadedness
Changes in mental state, such as personality or behavioral changes
Chaotic eye movements

Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and medical and family history. A physical exam will be done, and your child may need to have their bodily fluids and tissues tested. This can be done with:

Lumbar puncture
Blood tests
Urine analysis

Your doctor may also need to have pictures taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

Sometimes, depending on the symptoms and your child's medical history, they may need to have their nerve and muscle activity tested. This is typically done with:

Nerve conduction study
Electromyography (EMG)

The ataxia that occurs in children may often go away in a few months without any treatment. In cases where an underlying cause is identified, your doctor will treat the cause. In some cases, your child may have continuing and challenging symptoms. Depending on causes and symptoms your child's treatment will often include:

Corticosteroids
IV immune globulin
Plasma exchange therapy
Medications to improve muscle coordination
Occupational or physical therapy may also be needed.
Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may also help.

There is no way to prevent acute cerebellar ataxia except to vaccinate children against viral infections that increase their risk of getting this condition.

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Acute Cerebellar Ataxia

What causes it?

Who gets it?

What are the symptoms?

Testing and diagnosis

How is it treated?

Can it be prevented?

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