Ataxia

Ataxia describes poor muscle control that causes clumsy voluntary movements. It may cause difficulty with walking and balance, hand coordination, speech and swallowing, and eye movements.

Signs and symptoms

• Poor coordination
• Walking unsteadily or with the feet set wide apart
• Poor balance
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as eating, writing or buttoning a shirt
• Change in speech
• Involuntary back-and-forth eye movements (nystagmus)
• Difficulty swallowing

Diagnosis

Full blood profileLumbar PunctureGenetic testingMRI

Treatment

Physiotherapy

Speech, language and occupational therapy

Cap. Gabapentin (Gabix) 100mg at night for 4 weeks

Tab. Diazepam (Valium) 5mg OD

Tab. Tizanidine: Initial dose:

• 2 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed
• Peak effects occur in approximately 1 to 2 hours and last for 3 to 6 hours; treatment can be repeated as needed to a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours; gradually increase dose by 2 to 4 mg at intervals of 1 to 4 days until satisfactory reduction of muscle tone is achieved.
• Maximum single dose: 16 mg
• Maximum daily dose: 36 mg in 24 hours