2. INTRODUCTION
• Ataxic Cerebral palsy is
primarily a disorder of
balance and control in
the timing of coordinated
movements along with
weakness, incoordination, a
wide-based gait, and a
noted tremor.
• Caused by damage to
cerebellum.
3. INCIDENCE
• Ataxic CP is relatively rare
form of cerebral palsy and
may be part of a
dysmorphic syndrome or
be associated with intra-
uterine infection.
• Occurs in only 10% of
all CP cases.
4. CAUSES
• Prematurity.
• Asphyxia.
• Head trauma during or after birth.
• Severe neonatal jaundice.
• Hypoglycemia.
• Intra-uterine viral infection.
• Neonatal meningitis.
• Genetic causes.
• Brain hemorrhaging from fetal
stroke.
6. DIAGNOSIS
• Ataxic CP isn't diagnosed until the child begins to show
developmental delays. (awkward movements, slow eye movements when
following objects, difficulties in grasping objects)
• Diagnosis depends on patients history and on the basis of significant delay
in gross and fine motor function, with abnormalities in tone, posture and
movement on neurological examination.
• MRI & CT scans are also done to reveal treatable conditions.
• APGAR scores are sometimes used as one factor to predict whether or not
an individual will develop CP.
• Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) is able to predict CP at 4 months
(motor delays)
• Bayley scale is able to predict CP at 1 year (developmental delays in gross &
fine motor & cognitive domains)
7. ASSESSMENT
• History
• Prenatal history.
• Perinatal history.
• Postnatal history.
• On observation :
1. Behaviour of child.
2. Communication of child.
3. Other observations like
involuntary movements,
deformities, trophic changes, gait
and postural abnormalities.
4. Higher cognitive function.
9. MANAGEMENT
• COUNSELLING OF PARENTS
• MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
1. Oral medications such as Baclofen, Diazepam, Botulinum Toxin are used
to reduce spasticity, improve muscle coordination and for muscle
relaxation.
2. Analgesic drugs to reduce intense pain or muscle spasm.
3. Anticonvulsants drug to relieve or stop seizures.
• SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
1. Orthopedic surgery to correct contractures and deformities.
2. Selective dorsal rhizotomy can help with severe muscle stiffness in the
legs to improve walking.
3. Gastrostomy to improve feedings, correct gastroesophageal reflux
disease.
10. MANAGEMENT
•PHYSICAL THERAPY can help the child's strength, flexibility, balance,
gait, mobility, postural deformities, contractures & motor
development. Orthotic devices such as braces, casting & splints are
also used to support and improve walking.
•OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY using alternative strategies and
adaptive equipment it promotes the
child's independent participation in ADLs at home, school &
community.
•SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY help improve the child's ability to
speak clearly or to communicate using sign language.
•RECREATION THERAPY can help improve child's motor skills, speech &
emotional well-being.
