- ATAXIA: BALANCE DISORDER
Ataxia is a disorder in voluntary movements such as walking and sitting. In the simplest terms, we call imbalance ataxia. However, there are some differences. It may develop in cases where the cerebellum and the nerve pathways connected to the cerebellum are affected, spinal cord diseases, loss of sensation in the feet, and diseases involving the nerves and the brain. Cerebellar ataxia is characterized by ataxia originating from the cerebellum, imbalance ranging from mild to severe, and a broad-based drunken-like gait. They walk by dragging their feet without lifting them off the ground as they feel like they might fall down at any moment. Imbalance becomes more evident during sudden stops and turns. The patient has difficulty standing with his feet together. These patients often experience clumsiness. Difficulty is experienced in tasks that require skill.
The most common causes of ataxia are drug poisoning, cerebellum involvement following infections such as chickenpox, and brain-cerebellum tumors. Among the causes of infection-related ataxia, acute cerebellar ataxia is the most common in children. It develops within 1-3 weeks after viral and other infections (varicella, mumps, parvovirus, Epstein-Barr virus). It is usually seen in children between the ages of 1-4. It starts suddenly. It may be mild or severe. Even if it is severe, consciousness is clear.
There may be vomiting in the beginning, there is neck stiffness and there is no fever. Ataxia in the trunk and extremities (arms and legs), dysarthria (speech disorder) and involuntary movement of the eyes (nystagmus) are observed in half of the patients. Acute cerebellar ataxia begins to resolve spontaneously within a few days, and most often recovers within 3-4 weeks. It may continue for 2-5 months, sometimes to a mild degree. In a very few cases, behavioral and speech disorders and movement disorders (coordination disorder) may remain. Imbalance may be the first sign of a brain tumor. In brain and cerebellum tumors, ataxia begins gradually and increases gradually. As a result of increased intracranial pressure, nausea, vomiting, double vision, strabismus and changes in consciousness may occur. The success of a child who is very successful at school may gradually decline. Some children may become unable to walk.
Drug poisoning is also a cause of ataxia. Green prescription base It occurs immediately in drug poisoning. There is usually someone at home who uses these medications. Sometimes, a child who misbehaves while visiting can drink without anyone noticing. The characteristic of this condition is ataxia that begins suddenly. Other symptoms related to the effects of the drug (excessive sleep, changes in consciousness, meaningless speech) may be observed. For this reason, especially green prescription and all other medicines at home should be placed out of reach of children. In case of poisoning, one should immediately go to the emergency room and perform gastric lavage.
Another cause of ataxia in our country is the disease called Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This disease, abbreviated as GBS, is a paralysis condition. GBSusually develops in the days following an upper respiratory tract infection, sometimes at the same time. The disease begins with a slight imbalance and gait disturbance and progresses from the feet up. In seriously ill patients, the whole body may be affected. Sometimes a respirator may be needed. With treatment, patients usually recover.
Some genetic diseases may cause ataxia by causing cerebellar melting. These are the most difficult patients. There is usually no cure. As the disease progresses, even walking function may be affected. In the disease called ataxia telangiectasia, the disease begins with balance disorder. As we age, the vessels in the white of the eye increase. The immune system is affected and frequent infections occur.
The cerebellum gradually dissolves. Seizures may occur in some patients. Spinocerebellar ataxia disease, called SCA, is another genetic cause of ataxia classified from 1 to 15. The fate of these patients is gradually becoming gait disorder. Progressive patients become like spastic patients. Eventually, patients die.
Ataxia in children is a very important finding. Especially a sudden onset of ataxia can be a symptom of a very serious disease. For this reason, as soon as an imbalance is noticed in a child, a child should immediately consult a neurologist.
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