Acute Ataxia Causes : Drug Ingestion,Acute Cerebellar Ataxia Improvement

4th Pediatric Infectious Diseases Conference

ISSN 0973 - 0958

Pediatric Neurology in Children

Approach to Case of Ataxia

Pediatric Neurology in Children

Approach to a case of Ataxia

Second Generation Anti Seizure Drugs

Clinical Tools

Clinical Vignettes

Diseases & Conditions

Drugs Interaction Calculator

Podcasts

Patient Management Online

Diagnostic Dilemma

Question of the Day

Diagnostic Aid

VACCINE REMINDER

Get the Vaccine Schedule for your child."

Ask Queries

SPECIALIST ANSWERS

FIND DIAGNOSIS

Today's Poll

Should teicoplannin, colistin be used in case of neonatal sepsis where culture does not reveal any organism_?

No, it should be used only after drug sensitivity report

Yes, under guidance of an infectious disease expert

Vote

Results

APPROACH TO A CASE OF ATAXIA

Acute Ataxia and Cerebellar Ataxia Investigations

Related topics

Differentiation Between Cerebellar and Sensory Ataxia

Chronic Ataxia

Common Causes Of Ataxia In Different Age Groups

Dr Ira Shah
M.D, DCH(Gold Medalist), FCPS, DNB
Edited by
Dr Sarosh M Katrak MD, DM, FIAN
Consultant Neurologist

Continued...

ACUTE ATAXIA

Acute ataxia with rapid improvement:

The two commonest causes are:

Drug Ingestion
Acute post infectious cerebellitis

Drug Ingestion: Accidental drug ingestion is highest between 1 and 4 years of age. Overdose of hypnotics, tranquilizers, toxic doses of anticonvulsants especially phenytoin and carbamazepine may cause ataxia and nystagmus. If a child is on too high a dose of phenytoin, it usually takes 5-10 days for the ataxia to develop and about the same time after stopping or reducing the dose for the symptoms to disappear. Acute intoxication with glue, solvents, petrol, alcohol, antihistamines may also cause ataxia. It is diagnosed on the basis of history and urine examination for drug metabolites and blood for toxic analysis.

Acute cerebellar ataxia (Post infectious acute cerebellitis): It is usually seen in children between 2 to 7 years with a very sudden onset. It is often preceded by an exanthema (varicella), infectious mononucleosis or other viral infections (polio, mumps, coxsackie, herpes, simplex or ECHO viruses). It is thought to occur due to an autoimmune response to the viral agent. Ataxia is maximum at the onset. Symptoms are non-progressive for a couple of days or weeks and then subside. (Recovery may take 3 weeks to 5 months). Recovery is usually complete. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. Tendon reflexes are usually present (absence may suggest Miller Fisher syndrome). It's a self-limiting condition and treatment is usually not required.

Acute ataxia with prolonged or intermittent course

The commonest conditions to keep in mind are:

Myoclonic Encephalopathy (Dancing eye syndrome)
Neuroblastoma syndrome
Brain Tumors
Multiple sclerosis
Metabolic disorders

Next : Investigations in Acute Cerebellar Ataxia

Mail To Your Friend

Print This Article

Pediatric Neurology : Expert Views

Expert Views On Neurological Problems In Children

Expert Views On Hydrocephalus

Expert Views On Cerebral Palsy

Neurological Problems In Children FAQ's

How Can I Diagnose Neurofibromatosis?

About Pulsatile Fontanelle and Children With Excessive Salivation

About Cause Of Excessive Sweating and Wetness Of Palms and Soles

About Neurological Soft Signs

About Causes Of Facial Palsy In Two Months Infant

More....

TOP SEARCH TERMS

What is Spina Bifida

Cerebral Palsy

How do you get hydrocephalus

Ataxia

Epilepticus

Second Generation Anti Seizure Drugs

Diseases & Conditions

Pediatric Oncall Journal

Pediatric Conferences

Ped Tools

Adverse Drug Reactions

Head circuferences Calculator

Mid parental height Calculator

Body surface area Calculator

BMR Calculator

Temperature Calculator

Pediatric oncall book store

Partner Sites

Infection in Children

Pedcall

Medical ADRIS

Vaccine Reminder

Pediatric Oncall Journal

Educational Section

Disclaimer:

The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.

Sitemap For Doctor

Sitemap For Parent

Sitemap For Kids