All About Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

The least common, but most serious form of cerebral palsy is ataxic cerebral palsy. It is neither communicable nor progressive. Ataxic cerebral palsy is typically caused by damage to the spinal cord and cerebellum, resulting in severe diminution of motor skills and a significant reduction in the ability to control bodily movement. Ataxic cerebral palsy is manifested by interruptions in the balance center of the brain.

The predominant number of cases of ataxic cerebral palsy are the result of factors that occurred during the development of the fetus or immediately after birth. Ataxic cerebral palsy can create serious problems with a patient's balance and depth perception, in addition to affecting coordination skills. Those children suffering from this form of cerebral palsy are generally unable to move either very quickly or with precision.

Some patients also suffer from tremors that occur when attempting to make any voluntary movement. This type of tremor is notable for the fact that it increases in intensity when the movement is specifically toward an object, such as reaching for an object on a shelf. This tremor can also be manifest when the patient tries to hold an object in his hand. The person suffering from ataxic cerebral palsy therefore finds it very difficult to accomplish the simplest of tasks.

The overwhelming characteristic of ataxic cerebral palsy is an absence of coordination, resulting in the patient appearing to be constantly be off-balance. In addition, these children tend to suffer a lack of muscle tone, which makes their limbs floppy and loose. Perhaps the most important differentiation between ataxic cerebral palsy and other types of cerebral palsy is that ataxic is the only form that gets worse as the patient ages.