Ataxia

Ataxia is a neurological disorder that causes movement incoordination, making it difficult for the body to control balance, walking, and fine motor skills. This condition most often results from problems in the cerebellum, a part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and maintaining posture.

A thorough clinical assessment is essential for identifying the type and cause of ataxia. The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at UC Health brings together experts in neurology, genetics, and rehabilitation to provide a complete evaluation for each patient.

Ataxia often causes problems with movement and coordination, making daily activities more challenging. People may notice unsteady walking, frequent stumbling, or difficulty with tasks that require precise hand movements. Speech can become slurred, and swallowing may be harder than usual.

Muscle weakness and abnormal eye movements are also common. Some individuals experience sudden changes in posture or trouble controlling the direction and distance of their movements, a symptom called dysmetria.

Early Signs of Ataxia: What to Watch For

• Difficulty with balance and walking

• Slurred speech or trouble swallowing

• Uncoordinated hand or eye movements

• Sudden changes in gait or posture

Other Common Symptoms

• Tremors or shaking

• Trouble with fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt

• Dizziness or feeling off-balance

• Fatigue from extra effort needed to move

FAQ: How to Monitor Early Signs of Ataxia at Home

• Keep a symptom diary noting changes in balance, speech, or coordination

• Record any new or worsening symptoms to share with your care team

UC Health uses patient journey mapping to track symptoms from the first signs through diagnosis. This helps ensure early support, access to balance retraining exercises, and connection with specialists in movement disorders.

Ataxia often results from problems in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement coordination. Some types are hereditary, meaning they are passed down through families due to changes in genes. Others are acquired, developing after events like head injury, vitamin E deficiency, alcohol abuse, or a brain hemorrhage. In some cases, the cause remains unknown and is called idiopathic ataxia.

Types of Ataxia

• Hereditary: Includes Friedreich ataxia and spinocerebellar ataxia, which are linked to changes in specific genes. Genetic testing for spinocerebellar ataxia can help identify these forms.

• Acquired: Can develop from vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin E, head injuries, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions.

• Idiopathic: No clear cause is found, but symptoms still affect coordination and balance.

   

Risk Factors and Advanced Care at UC Health

Risk factors for ataxia include having a family history of the condition, certain genetic changes, low vitamin E levels, and exposure to toxins or alcohol. The Spinocerebellar Tract, a nerve pathway, can be affected in both hereditary and acquired forms. UC Health’s Neurogenetics team uses advanced genetic testing to pinpoint the exact type of ataxia and guide care.

UC Health stands out with its Friedreich Ataxia Registry, which supports research and connects patients to new therapies. Personalized protocols address vitamin deficiencies, and specialists work together to create a plan that fits each patient’s needs. This integrated approach helps patients get answers and the most effective treatments.

Diagnosing ataxia requires a careful, step-by-step approach to uncover the underlying cause of movement incoordination. At UC Health’s Movement Disorders Center, patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, neurogenetics specialists, and rehabilitation experts working together to provide answers.

What to Expect During Diagnosis

• Comprehensive neurological exam to assess balance, coordination, and reflexes

• Advanced neuroimaging, such as MRI, to visualize the cerebellum and related brain structures

• Genetic testing to identify hereditary forms like spinocerebellar ataxia

• Blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies and other treatable causes

UC Health’s motion analysis laboratories use specialized equipment to measure walking patterns and movement precision. In some cases, intraoperative neuro-monitoring is used during procedures to protect nerve function. Vestibular-ocular integration therapies may also be recommended to evaluate how the eyes and inner ear contribute to balance.

How to Prepare for Ataxia Diagnostic Tests at Home

• Bring a detailed list of symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed

• Write down any family history of neurological conditions

• Wear comfortable clothing for movement and balance assessments

• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your care team

How-to List: Differences Between MRI and Genetic Tests for Ataxia

• MRI: Shows brain structure and can reveal cerebellar degeneration or other abnormalities

• Genetic Testing: Looks for inherited gene changes that cause specific types of ataxia and helps clarify the diagnosis

Patient journey mapping at UC Health ensures that each step—from first symptoms to diagnosis—is coordinated and supportive. The Movement Disorders Center’s integrated approach means patients receive clear communication, advanced testing, and a plan built around their unique needs.