Ataxia and the cerebellum.
Ataxia, an abnormality in the fine control of movement and posture, is a common neurologic sign in the pediatric population. While ataxia may be due to lesions in a variety of locations throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems, it is most commonly due to dysfunction of the cerebellum. It is critically important for child neurologists to recognize ataxia and to master its differential diagnosis because many of the diseases that induce ataxia in children are treatable and may require urgent attention.
Child Neurology Training Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. daniel-bonthius@uiowa.edu
Daniel J
DJ
Bonthius
D001259:Ataxia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education*