Patients with cerebral palsy have problems with movement that stem from damage to the brain. The brain injuries or abnormalities can occur while the baby is in the womb and up to two years after birth. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library points out that between 0.1 to 0.2 percent of children have cerebral palsy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that 5 to 10 percent of cerebral palsy patients have ataxic cerebral palsy, a subtype of the disorder.
Coordination Problems
Because ataxic cerebral palsy affects the cerebellum, the coordination region of the brain, patients can have problems with balance. For example, the University of Iowa Health Care notes that patients have poor coordination, which can occur with an awkward gait. Patients may have problems maintaining balance, which can make it difficult to walk. Some patients may fall from the coordination problems. Tremors, or uncontrolled shaking, can also contribute to the balance problems.
Problems Controlling Movements
Ataxic cerebral palsy patients can have problems controlling specific movements. For example, patients can have problems when making quick movements. The CDC explains that ataxic cerebral palsy can make it difficult for patients to perform activities such as writing, which require small hand movements. These movement problems can also impair patients' ability to reach for and pick up items.
Weakness
Patients with this type of cerebral palsy can have weakness, according to the Merck Manuals. Weak muscles can also impair patients' walking. The CDC adds that ataxic cerebral palsy can cause either an increase or decrease in muscle tone. Decreased muscle tone can result in muscle weakness as well. If the weakness occurs in the arms, it can cause problems lifting items.
Abnormal Depth Perception
The University of Iowa Health Care points out that ataxic cerebral palsy patients can have abnormal depth perception. This problem affects patients' ability to tell how close or far away an object is. For example, if a patient cannot tell that an object is close to him, he might walk into it.
