The simple chickenpox virus can lead to a frightening condition called acute cerebellar ataxia, especially in children under the age of 3. Weeks after recovering from a viral infection, your child may suddenly find it difficult to walk or speak. The condition usually goes away after several weeks, though in rare cases it may last longer. Physical therapy helps your child deal with the uncoordinated muscle movements in the meantime. Types of physical therapy used in cases of ataxia include extremity stabilization, balance and vestibular exercises and proprioceptive improvement.
Extremity Stabilization
The International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation, an online resource compiled by the University of Buffalo, says that extremity stabilization should be the primary focus when treating cerebellar ataxia. Activities such as Freenkel's coordination exercises and Coordination Dynamics Therapy are designed to stabilize uncoordinated movements of the arms and legs by teaching patients to move in a more controlled manner, and by helping the brain re-learn how to send coordinated signals to muscles of the arms and legs.
Balance and Vestibular Exercises
Your sense of balance is what keeps you from falling over when you stand and walk. It tells you which way is up. The network of nerves connected to the ear and the vestibular system, which is part of your inner ear, are large components affecting your sense of balance. When ataxia affects those nerves, your sense of balance is thrown off. Balance improvement activities include shifting weight from one foot to the other to change your center of gravity, or walking while turning your head from side to side.
Proprioception
Your ability to understand the orientation and position of your body is called proprioception. This is similar to balance, but it focuses on where your limbs are positioned in relation to your body. If you have a balance problem, you might fall while walking, because you don't know which way is up. If you have a proprioception problem, you might fall because you don't place your feet in the right position. Physical therapists use tactile methods such as vibration or pressure to increase patient awareness of individual muscles and body position.
Other Activities
Recreational activities are beneficial to patients with cerebellar ataxia, acting as supplements to a formalized therapy program. Practicing yoga and tai chi improve sense of balance. Horseback riding, golf and playing darts have all been found to help patients with ataxia. Any activities that encourage standing, walking or the use of the arms and hands in a precise manner are fun and motivating ways for patients to practice the techniques learned in therapy.
