Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia is a syndrome resulting from dysfunction of the cerebellum or its connections, characterized by impaired coordination, gait instability, dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesia, and tremor. Etiologies are diverse, including hereditary, autoimmune, vascular, infectious, neoplastic, or toxic causes. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by neuroimaging, genetic testing, and electrophysiological studies as appropriate. Management is etiology-specific, with rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy, and occasionally surgical interventions for structural lesions. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause, with some forms progressive and others potentially reversible.