About this topic
An acute cerebellar ataxia is an illness in the brain. It is also known as ACA. The cerebellum is a part of the brain that controls body movements and balance. ACA can damage this part of the brain. When you have ACA, your body can make sudden movements that are not planned. It is like someone else is in charge of your body. You cannot keep your balance. You may have problems seeing or talking. It can affect adults, but is more common in children after a viral illness. It may be caused by injuries or diseases like: ‚
- High fevers or infections in the brain
- Head injuries
- Stroke
- Blood flow to your brain is suddenly decreased. This is a transient ischemic attack.
- Conditions like cerebral palsy
- Chickenpox
- Brain tumors
- Alcohol or drug abuse
Your doctor can order an exam to look at the spinal fluid. The doctor may order a CT scan to find out what is wrong. Treatment is based on the cause of the illness. ACA may go away after a few months. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may be taught how to walk with a walker or crutches while you have problems with balance.
- You may need aids, like a blackboard or pen and paper, to help you talk with family and friends.
- Ask your doctor about spillproof cups and easy-grip big spoons and forks. These can help make mealtime simpler and less messy if you have problems controlling your hands.
- If you had brain surgery for ACA, talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages.
- When you may take a bath or shower.
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds.
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- You doctor may send you to a physical therapist, rehab center, or a speech pathologist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Improve muscle coordination and movements
- Lessen swelling in the brain
- Thin the blood
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Control dizziness
Will physical activity be limited?
Your doctor may suggest physical therapy. A plan may start with simple exercises to help you gain strength and balance. Your activity may be limited by how well you can control some parts of your body when walking and writing. Your eyesight may affect your ability to do daily activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
A soft diet of soups and pureed vegetables may be needed if you have trouble swallowing. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-lasting speaking problems
- Long-lasting walking problems
- Trouble leading a normal life
- Low mood
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very bad dizziness
- Trouble caring for yourself
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; wound that will not heal; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge from the wound.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Join a support group. This may help you cope with your illness. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have very bad dizziness, a fever, or chills.
Where can I learn more?
National Ataxia Foundation ‚
http://www.ataxia.org/learn/ataxia-diagnosis.aspx#what-is-ataxia ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚