ABSTRACT
Ataxia is the incoordination which results from sensory loss or cerebellar dysfunction. The presentation in childhood may be acute or chronic, congenital or acquired, intermittent or progressive. Clinical findings may include a wide-based gait, nystagmus, dysarthria and generalized hypotonia. There is difficulty in performing fine motor tasks (handwriting, finger-nose test) and rapidly alternating movements (dysdiadochokinesia). A thorough history and neurodevelopmental assessment will indicate a likely aetiology in many cases.
