# What is ataxia? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-howa-al-ranah-ataxia Language: en Category: neurology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.070Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.070Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-howa-al-ranah-ataxia Ataxia is a medical term describing a lack of muscle coordination, which can affect the movements of the arms and legs, as well as speech and eye movements. Ataxia occurs due to a disorder in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for controlling balance, coordination, and movement [\[2\]](). Ataxia can manifest in several ways, such as an unsteady gait, difficulty controlling arm movements when trying to grasp objects, or slurred speech (dysarthria). In some cases, ataxia may affect the trunk, causing the body to sway from side to side or forward and backward while sitting [\[3\]](). ## Causes of Ataxia The causes of ataxia are numerous and vary in severity. In children, especially those under three years old, acute ataxia may appear several days or weeks after a viral infection, such as chickenpox or Epstein-Barr virus [\[3\]](). However, there are other more serious causes of ataxia, including: - **Tumors:** Tumors affecting the cerebellum, such as medulloblastoma, can cause symptoms of ataxia. Medulloblastoma is a malignant, fast-growing tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord and often appears as a solid mass in the cerebellum [\[1\]](). - **Strokes and hemorrhage:** Bleeding within the cerebellum or strokes affecting this area can lead to the sudden onset of ataxia [\[3\]](). - **Infections:** Bacterial or viral infections affecting the brain may require treatment [\[3\]](). - **Genetic and degenerative disorders:** Some types of ataxia are hereditary or caused by the degeneration of brain cells [\[2\]](). - **Toxic factors:** Certain medications, alcohol, pesticides, or illicit drugs can cause ataxia [\[3\]](). - **Multiple sclerosis:** This inflammatory disease can cause ataxia as one of its symptoms [\[3\]](). ## Symptoms of Ataxia Symptoms of ataxia depend on the underlying cause and the location of the impact on the nervous system. Common symptoms include: - Problems with walking and balance, which may lead to falls [\[1\]](). - Difficulty controlling arm movements [\[3\]](). - Slurred speech (dysarthria) [\[3\]](). - Repetitive or uncoordinated eye movements (nystagmus) [\[3\]](). If ataxia is caused by a cerebellar tumor that triggers hydrocephalus, additional symptoms may appear, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, extreme drowsiness, confusion, seizures, and even fainting [\[1\]](). ## Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis of ataxia begins with a comprehensive neurological examination and a review of the patient's medical history, including any recent illnesses [\[3\]](). The physician may order tests such as an MRI or CT scan of the brain to determine the cause [\[3\]](). In certain cases, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or blood tests may be needed to detect infections [\[3\]](). Treatment for ataxia depends largely on the cause. For example: - If ataxia is caused by hemorrhage, surgery may be necessary [\[3\]](). - In the case of an ischemic stroke, medications to thin the blood or remove clots may be administered [\[3\]](). - Infections are treated with antibiotics or antivirals [\[3\]](). - Tumors such as medulloblastoma may require surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, often followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy [\[1\]](). - Ataxia resulting from a recent viral infection may not require treatment, and the patient may recover completely within a few months [\[3\]](). For more information on cerebellar disorders in general, you can visit [Cerebellar Disorders: Understanding Their Impact on Balance, Coordination, and Movement (Arabic)](). ## When to Seek Emergency Medical Help You should contact a doctor immediately if any symptoms of ataxia appear [\[3\]](). If severe symptoms occur, such as a sudden severe headache, frequent vomiting, confusion, seizures, or fainting—especially if accompanied by balance or walking problems—this may indicate an emergency such as a brain hemorrhage or hydrocephalus caused by a tumor, and it requires urgent medical evaluation [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Cerebellar Disorders]() - [Acute cerebellar ataxia]() - [Medulloblastoma: Diagnosis and Treatment]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-howa-al-ranah-ataxia#answer