title: A clinical classification of hereditary ataxias.
abstract: We present a working and flexible classification of inherited ataxic syndromes based on the use of simple tools available to every clinician: a good history (particularly pinpointing the age of onset, the rate of progression and the mode of inheritance) and a neurological examination (identifying the presence of ataxia, deep tendon reflexes in the knee, optic nerve, retinal and/or 8th nerve signs). This classification is easily coded for computer translation on any personal computer. The place occupied by a given disorder may, by contiguity, give a clue to its pathophysiology.
mesh_terms: D001259:Ataxia / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D002875:Chromosomes; D005260:Female; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D005808:Genes, Recessive; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013577:Syndrome