Ataxia Flashcards
1
Q
What is ataxia?
A
The incoordination of movement, speech and posture due to either cerebellar (more common in children) or dorsal column pathway problems.
2
Q
What are the signs of cerebellar dysfunction?
A
Dysdiadochokinesis Ataxic gait Nystagmus Intention tremor Scanning dysarthria Heel - shin test positive
3
Q
What is rombergs test?
A
A patient is asked to stand and close there are eyes, a loss of balance is classed as a +ve rombergs.
This is a sign of ataxia.
4
Q
What are the causes of cerebellar ataxia?
A
- Trauma/SOL
- Wernicke’s encephalopathy (alcohol)
- Post infective (varicella)
- Genetic conditions
5
Q
What is Friedreich’s ataxia?
A
It is an autosomal recessive condition.
It presents with:
- worsening ataxia
- dysarthria
- distal wasting in the legs
- absent lower limb reflexes
- extensor plantar responses because of pyramidal involvement (+ve babinksi)
6
Q
What is ataxia telangiectasia?
A
It is an autosomal recessive condition affecting DNA repair.
Patients present with:
- mild delayed motor development
- telangiectasia in the conjunctiva, neck and shoulder from 4yo
- problems with balance apparent by school age
- as child ages a mixture of dystonic and cerebellar signs
