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Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Review

Ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation

Authors: Piero Pavone, Andrea D. Praticò, Vito Pavone, Riccardo Lubrano, Raffaele Falsaperla, Renata Rizzo, Martino Ruggieri

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Ataxia is a sign of different disorders involving any level of the nervous system and consisting of impaired coordination of movement and balance. It is mainly caused by dysfunction of the complex circuitry connecting the basal ganglia, cerebellum and cerebral cortex.
A careful history, physical examination and some characteristic maneuvers are useful for the diagnosis of ataxia. Some of the causes of ataxia point toward a benign course, but some cases of ataxia can be severe and particularly frightening.

Methods

Here, we describe the primary clinical ways of detecting ataxia, a sign not easily recognizable in children. We also report on the main disorders that cause ataxia in children.

Results

The causal events are distinguished and reported according to the course of the disorder: acute, intermittent, chronic-non-progressive and chronic-progressive.

Conclusions

Molecular research in the field of ataxia in children is rapidly expanding; on the contrary no similar results have been attained in the field of the treatment since most of the congenital forms remain fully untreatable. Rapid recognition and clinical evaluation of ataxia in children remains of great relevance for therapeutic results and prognostic counseling.
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Metadata
Title
Ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation
Authors
Piero Pavone
Andrea D. Praticò
Vito Pavone
Riccardo Lubrano
Raffaele Falsaperla
Renata Rizzo
Martino Ruggieri
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-016-0325-9

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