7. Sensory ataxia

Question 1

What is sensory ataxia?

Answer 1

Symptom and a sign in neurology. It is a form of ataxia (% coordination) caused by loss of sensory input into the control of move. Disturbance in the sensory input to the cerebellum.

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

Peripheral neuropathy & dysfunction of dorsal column

- Infectious, auto-immune, metabolic, toxic, vascular or hereditary diseases

Question 3

Characteristics

Answer 3

Pseudoathetosis and Romberg’s sign, complain of loss of balance in the dark or eyes shut

Deep tendon reflex - absent
Joint position sense - impaired
Heel-shin ataxia - present

Question 4

Pathology

Answer 4

Damage to anywhere in the pathway from peripheral sensory nerves, dorsal root ganglia, sensory nerve roots, dorsal column, medial lemnisci of brainstem and parietal cortices