1. Keep Current on Immunizations
There is no real way to prevent acute cerebellar ataxia, a condition marked by muscle-coordination difficulties, but keeping yourself and your loved ones current on immunizations may help reduce the risk of developing the disorder. Viral illnesses such as chicken pox, Epstein-Barr (the virus that causes mononucleosis) and Coxsackie (also known as hand, foot and mouth disease) are often triggers for acute cerebellar ataxia. Have your child immunized for chicken pox and other common childhood diseases during his well-child checkups to reduce his risk of contracting the viruses or ataxia.
If you, as an adult, are behind on your vaccinations or have never had chicken pox, ask your doctor about getting immunized as well.
2. Undergo Lead and Mercury Testing
Periodic blood tests to check your family's lead and mercury levels can also be a way to prevent acute cerebellar ataxia. Exposure to these two elements may cause you or a loved one to develop this condition. Homes that were built between 1950 and 1978 are more likely to have paint with a significant concentration of lead. Testing the paint on your walls may save your family from a host of health problems. If any of your family's blood tests come back with elevated levels of lead or mercury, discuss this with your doctor right away.
3. Manage Underlying Medical Conditions
Acute cerebellar ataxia in adults may develop as a result of suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), HIV, alcoholism, diabetes or migraines. To prevent the likelihood of an episode of muscle incoordination, take steps to get your underlying medical issues under control. Speak to your doctor about drug regimens that can keep MS symptoms at bay, or go into treatment for alcohol addiction if this applies to you. Learn to manage your diabetes through diet or medications as needed by meeting with a nutritionist, as well as your primary-care physician.
