Classification of acquired ataxias

The causes of acquired ataxias may be divided into:

• causes of acquired cerebellar ataxia:
  • cerebrovascular disease
  • multiple sclerosis
  • drugs:
    • anticonvulsants e.g. carbamazepine
    • acute and chronic ethanol intoxication
  • posterior fossa tumours
• cerebellar abscess e.g. after otitis media
  
  
• causes of acquired sensory ataxia:
  • peripheral neuropathy due to e.g.:
    • alcohol
    • diabetes mellitus
    • drugs e.g. isoniazid, vincristine
    • chronic renal failure
  • spinal cord disease due to:
  • cervical spondylosis
    • multiple sclerosis
    • subacute combined degeneration of the cord
    • tabes dorsalis
  • lesions of the thalamus or sensory cortex due to:
  • cerebrovascular disease
    • tumour
    • trauma