Özet:

 Ataxia refers to incoordination in voluntary movements and abnormal postural control.  There are many different statements concerning the definition, scope and terminology of ataxia.  Different clinical findings, exposure to different neurological structures and several causes play a role in the formation of each ataxia type. In most cases, there is no cure for ataxia and a supportive treatment is necessary to control the symptoms. Ataxia usually results from a damage to the cerebellum and its connections such as the vestibular, proprioceptive and visual systems. Clinically, ataxias can be subdivided into cerebellar, vestibular, sensory, frontal, optic, visual, mixed ataxia and ataxic-hemiparesis. Etiologically, ataxias may be divided into hereditary ataxias, sporadic degenerative ataxias and acquired ataxias. Genetic forms of ataxia must be distinguished from the acquired ataxias including chronic alcohol use, cerebrovascular disorders, various toxic agents, immune-mediated inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic central nervous system infections. After the treatment of identified acquired causes, since ataxia is usually resistant to medical treatments, the management is supportive but may involve physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

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