What Is Ataxic Gait

An unsteady, staggering gait is described as an ataxic gait because walking is uncoordinated and appears to be ‘not ordered’. Many motor activities may be described as ataxic if they appear to others, or are perceived by patients, as uncoordinated.

What causes an ataxic gait?

Ataxic gait disorders occur due to dysfunction of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordination of movements. Typical causes of cerebellar ataxia include strokes in the cerebellum, alcohol intoxication or chronic alcohol abuse, and multiple system atrophy – cerebellar type (MSA-C).

How is ataxic gait treated?

There’s no treatment specifically for ataxia. In some cases, treating the underlying cause resolves the ataxia, such as stopping medications that cause it. In other cases, such as ataxia that results from chickenpox or other viral infections, it’s likely to resolve on its own.