Q: I’m a breast cancer survivor (since 1990) and also have a thyroid condition. I’ve been having problems with my walking and balance for about two years, and was recently diagnosed with ataxia. Is there any cure for this? Is there any way to cope better? I’m really afraid of falling.
A: Ataxia is the medical
term for incoordination, including incoordination of gait. It usually relates to a problem in the cerebellum, the coordination center of the brain in the back of the head, just above and behind the brain stem.
You’ve likely seen a common example of cerebellar ataxia – when people overindulge in alcohol. The result is slurred speech, unsteady walking and poor eye-hand coordination. Fortunately, that wears off.
When there’s a medical reason for ataxia, a thorough neurologic exam can determine the cause and appropriate treatments. Although ataxia may occur with problems in other regions of the nervous system, the cerebellum is responsible for typical ataxia in most cases.
Conditions that can impair the cerebellum include:
A physical therapist could help you with strategies and gait aids to avoid falls. Also, it’s important to pay attention to bone integrity. If you do fall, you don’t want broken bones. A bone density study might be appropriate to assess the strength of your bones. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for calcium and vitamin D intake to help maintain strong bones.
Dr. J. Eric Ahlskog, neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
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