cerebellar ataxia Flashcards
what is ataxia?
-“without co-ordination”
what are the 3 different types of ataxia?
-vestibular
-sensory
-cerebellar
describe the symptoms seen with vestibular ataxia?
-spinning
-head movement
-normal co-ordination and sensation
-+ve Romberg
-+ vestibular tests
describe symptoms seen with cerebellar ataxia
-appears “drunk” like
-impaired co-ordination
-tremor
-wide base
-variable gait
-cerebellar signs
describe sensory ataxia
-visually dependent
-anticipatory balance strategies
-+ve Romberg
-normal limb co-ordination
-reduced sensation
what can cause sensor ataxia?
-loss of sensory input due to upper or lower motor neuron lesion
what are examples of causes of sensory ataxia?
-UMNL eg MS or SCI
-LMNL: peripheral neuropathy
what is the treatment for sensory ataxia?
-balance rehab targeting proprioceptive inputs
-ankle foot orthosis
-gait aids
-sensory input - surfaces, textures, tapping and rubbing
what are the main functions of the cerebellum?
-co-ordination
-smooth movement
-balance
-motor planning
-fine tune / adjusting movements
-muscle tone
-speech
-proprioception
-memory
what are the different groups of cerebellar lesions?
-hereditary ataxias
-acquired ataxias
-congenital cerebellar malformations
-cerebellar tumours
what are examples of acquired ataxias?
-MS
-cerebellar stroke
-vitamin B12 deficiency
-Wilson disease
-TBI
what are examples of cerebellar signs in the body structures?
-dyssynergia
-dysmetria
-tremor - intention
-hypotonia
-nystagmus
-trunk ataxia
what is dyssynergia
-decomposition of multijoint movement un-cordinated and abrupt movements deficits in timing and amplitude
what is dysmetria?
Dysmetria is the inability to control the distance, speed, and range of motion necessary to perform smoothly coordinated movements.
what is dysdiadochokinesia?
-inability to perform rapid alternating movements
what is an intention tremor?
-increase in tremor amplitude when approaching a target
what kind of changes can be seen in the muscles with cerebellar ataxia?
-hypotonia- diminished resistance to passive movement
-there is a reduced rate of force
-the ability to sustain force over time is impaired
what is nystagmus?
repetitive uncontrolled eye movements
what effect can cerebellar ataxia have on posture?
-increased postural sway
-impaired postural reactions to perturbation
-tendency to fall to side of lesion
-impaired anticipatory postural adjustments
what effect can cerebellar ataxia have on gait?
-prolonged double support phase
-shorter stride length
-wide base
-poor inter-limb coordination leads to foot placement errors
what are examples of Rx strategies to use with cerebellar ataxia?
-slow down movement
-encourage practice of smooth movements including stopping and starting
-avoid use of trial and error for motor learning
-use visual or auditory feedback
