Investigating ataxia in childhood

Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2020 Aug;105(4):214-221. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315893. Epub 2019 Oct 23.

Abstract

Ataxia is a common presentation to an acute paediatric unit and it can often be difficult to determine the cause. It is important to distinguish between serious causes, for example, brain tumours and encephalitis, and more benign causes in order to guide investigations and treatment. In this review, we describe the different types of ataxia, the causes associated with them, the examination findings and what investigations to perform in order to make a diagnosis.

Keywords: accident and emergency; general paediatrics; neurology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ataxia / diagnosis*
  • Ataxia / physiopathology*
  • Ataxia / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pediatrics / standards*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*