Ataxia, meaning "lack of order" is the term used to describe lack of coordination of movement due to underlying neurological dysfunction in parts of the brain such as the cerebellum. The term ataxia may be used to describe a symptom or in some cases a condition, for example hereditary ataxia.
There are different types of ataxia including cerebellar, sensory and vestibular.
- Cerebellar ataxia causes disturbance in balance leading to unsteadiness, difficulties carrying out planned movements and impairments in speech.
- Sensory ataxia results in impaired proprioception (reduced sense of body position) leading to postural instability and impaired coordination.
- Vestibular ataxia occurs as a result of damage to the vestibular system which regulates balance causing vertigo, nausea and vomiting.
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