Ataxia Flashcards Preview

Paediatric Neurology > Ataxia > Flashcards

Flashcards in Ataxia Deck (6)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is ataxia?

A

The incoordination of movement, speech and posture due to either cerebellar (more common in children) or dorsal column pathway problems.

2
Q

What are the signs of cerebellar dysfunction?

A
Dysdiadochokinesis
Ataxic gait
Nystagmus
Intention tremor
Scanning dysarthria
Heel - shin test positive
3
Q

What is rombergs test?

A

A patient is asked to stand and close there are eyes, a loss of balance is classed as a +ve rombergs.

This is a sign of ataxia.

4
Q

What are the causes of cerebellar ataxia?

A
  • Trauma/SOL
  • Wernicke’s encephalopathy (alcohol)
  • Post infective (varicella)
  • Genetic conditions
5
Q

What is Friedreich’s ataxia?

A

It is an autosomal recessive condition.

It presents with:

  • worsening ataxia
  • dysarthria
  • distal wasting in the legs
  • absent lower limb reflexes
  • extensor plantar responses because of pyramidal involvement (+ve babinksi)
6
Q

What is ataxia telangiectasia?

A

It is an autosomal recessive condition affecting DNA repair.

Patients present with:

  • mild delayed motor development
  • telangiectasia in the conjunctiva, neck and shoulder from 4yo
  • problems with balance apparent by school age
  • as child ages a mixture of dystonic and cerebellar signs