1. Identify Common Symptoms of Ataxia
Ataxia is not necessarily a disease or a diagnosis. It is a specific set of symptoms that may caused by either a genetic factor or a medical condition such as multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, stroke or head trauma. The most common symptom of ataxia is a lack of muscle coordination, especially with hands, arms and legs, which can cause problems with balance and equilibrium. Other symptoms include slurred speech patterns, slow or lazy eye movement and difficulty in breathing. In severe cases, ataxia can restrict and inhibit both the respiratory and cardiopulmonary systems, causing cardiac arrest, suffocation and death.
2. Review Your Family History
The most common form of this neurological disorder, known as Freidreich's ataxia, is genetic in nature. Since the gene mutation that causes ataxia is recessive, symptoms may not appear until an individual reaches adulthood. Before a diagnosis for ataxia can be given by a qualified physician, a thorough review of the patient's medical history must be researched to eliminate the possibility of another medical condition.
3. Review the Patient's Medical History
Some forms of ataxia, such as sporadic ataxia, may be more difficult to diagnose since they may be symptoms of a much more serious medical condition. For instance, some symptoms of ataxia may resemble alcohol intoxication, which can be difficult to discern, since severe alcoholism may in turn cause ataxia. A thorough review of the patient's medical history must be completed before an ataxia diagnosis can be offered.
4. Perform a Series of Tests to Confirm the Diagnosis
Two medical procedures are routinely performed in order to confirm an ataxia diagnosis. A blood test may be performed to detect any gene mutations that may be causing a congenital version of this disorder. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) may also be used to discover any lesions to the cerebellum, which is one of the primary causes for cerebellar ataxia. These two tests are also used to eliminate the possibility of other similar neurological conditions.
