How to Treat Acute Cerebellar Ataxia

Acute cerebellar ataxia is a condition most common among children three years old and younger. Although it is hindering and definitely scary, acute cerebellar ataxia is not characterized as life threatening. In fact it usually takes care of itself within a few months. Read on to find out what to watch for and what can be done to treat symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia.

Instructions

1. Know the condition. The condition most commonly follows a viral illness such as chickenpox or Epstein Barr. Symptoms occur several weeks afterward and may remain for a few weeks or a few months.

2. Recognizing the symptoms. Symptoms are characterized by sudden uncontrolled movements of the body. The ataxia concentrates on the trunk of the body and limbs causing uncontrolled movements such as swaying of the body from side to side, front to back or a combination, then just as suddenly returning to normal. Walking problems may occur as well as eyes moving back and forth and disrupted speech patterns.

3. Diagnosing the condition. Although acute cerebellar ataxia is not life threatening, consultation with a doctor is advised immediately upon presentation of symptoms to determine its origin and rule out any, more serious, causes. The doctor’s appointment might consist of a health history and review of current sickness, as well a CSF total protein test and MRI or CT scan.

4. Treating the symptoms. Other than possibly some physical therapy to improve coordination, there is no treatment for acute cerebellar ataxia and it usually goes away by itself. Full recovery is most common although movement or behavioral disorders have been known to exist.

5. Recognizing other causative factors.

Resources

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