1. Recognize the Physical Symptoms
Learn how acute cerebellar ataxia manifests itself physically so you can identify it in you or your child. Acute cerebellar ataxia is a sudden onset of uncoordinated muscle movement. It usually has the most effect on your trunk area (from your neck down to your hips) and limbs. If you develop this condition, you will be unsteady in walking, and may sway back and forth when you're sitting. Sudden "wild" eye movements, headaches, a slurring of speech or general difficulty when speaking are also main symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia. This nervous-system disorder can affect both adults and children, but occurs mostly in young children under the age of 3.
2. Retrace Exposure to Viral Illnesses
Your doctor will ask you detailed questions about your medical history and perform a physical exam in an effort to diagnose acute cerebellar ataxia. Viruses such as chicken pox, Coxsackie, Epstein-Barr (the virus that causes mono) and HIV are common triggers for ataxia, so be sure to tell your doctor if anyone in your family has recently been sick. Excessive exposure to lead and mercury may also be a contributing factor to your coordination and movement problems. In adults, acute cerebellar ataxia can be caused by multiple sclerosis, a recent stroke, alcoholism and severe migraine headaches.
3. Rely on Medical Tests
Medical testing can accurately identify acute cerebellar ataxia. A CT scan, ultrasound or MRI of your brain allows your doctor to see any abnormalities that may be affecting how your brain relays messages to your muscles. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein test checks how much protein is in cerebrospinal fluid, and can alert doctors to abnormalities. A simple urine test may also be able to help diagnose acute cerebellar ataxia.
