A condition affecting the cerebellum can affect the patient's gait as well as other motor activities.
Clinical features of an ataxic gait:
(1) unsteady with side-to-side sway
(2) broad-based with high steppage
(3) inability to control and coordinate movements accurately (dysmetria), with difficulty walking in tandem
(4) problems with balance
The overall appearance is that of a person intoxicated with alcohol.
Other findings may be present depending on cause:
(1) gaze-evoked nystagmus
(2) intention tremor
(3) past pointing
(4) difficulty making rapid alternative movements (dysdiadochokinesis)
(5) slurred or scanning speech
(6) muscle hypotonia
Complications may include:
(1) falls
(2) impaired mobility
(3) disability
