Ataxia

Question 1

Ataxia

Answer 1

Lack of muscular control or coordination of voluntary movements

Question 2

What are the 3 types

Answer 2

Cerebral, sensory and vestibular

Question 3

Sensory ataxia

Answer 3

Loss of sensory input due to disruption of proprioception input at peripheral and central

Question 4

Howto differentiate between cerebella or sensory ataxia?

Answer 4

Look for other symptoms

Eyes open and eyes closed balance differences (sensory is eyes closed)

Gait; cerebella has ataxic gait, sensory with high stepping gait

Question 5

Interventions- restorative

Answer 5

Postural stability
Balance
Control and accuracy of mvmts
VOR training
Add wrist or ankle weights to slow movement to work on accuracy
Viscous loading (moving in a swimming pool)- increases intensity
Normalize gait

Question 6

Restorative treatment progressions

Answer 6

Contrain the timing
Increase or alter accuracy demands, speed, direction or force
Use novel tasks
Change components of task
Change the setting
Reduce or change somatosensory or visual feedback
Increase balance requirements/ reduce support
Etc.

Question 7

Compensatory interventions

Answer 7

Decomposition of mvmt (multi-joint mvmt to single joint mvmt)
Reduce degrees of freedom
Use assistive devices and technology
Use verbal and visual cues to assist with walking speed and stride length