Evaluation of Cerebellar Ataxic Patients

The hallmarks of cerebellar ataxia are incoordination and movement variability. The cer-ebellum not only controls motor coordination but also plays a role in cognition and mood. After establishing cerebellar ataxia on examination, determining the underlying cause is necessary. The causes of cerebellar ataxia are extensive, and systematic workup in-cludes laboratory studies and imaging. In some cases, genetic testing often leads to a specific cause for cerebellar ataxia. Acquired and reversible causes should be pursued for disease-modifying treatment. Cerebellar ataxia is rapidly expanding, and new thera-pies are actively being tested, bringing hope for patients with cerebellar ataxia.

Automated summary

The hallmarks of cerebellar ataxia are incoordination and movement variability. The cerebellum not only controls motor coordination but also plays a role in cognition and mood. Determining the underlying cause of cerebellar ataxia is necessary, and the causes are extensive, requiring laboratory studies and imaging for systematic workup. Genetic testing often leads to a specific cause for cerebellar ataxia, and acquired and reversible causes should be pursued for disease-modifying treatment. Rapid expansion in the field of cerebellar ataxia is bringing hope with actively tested new therapies.