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Alternative names Return to top
Lack of coordination; Loss of coordination; Incoordination and irregularity of voluntary movements; Coordination impairment; Ataxia; ClumsinessDefinition Return to top
Uncoordinated movement is an abnormality of muscle control or an inability to finely coordinate movements, resulting in a jerky "to-and-fro" unsteady motion of the trunk or the limbs.Considerations Return to top
Smooth graceful movement results from a fine balance between opposing muscle groups. This balance is coordinated by a portion of the brain called the cerebellum.
Diseases that damage the cerebellum, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves (which connect from the cerebellum to the muscle groups) can interfere with the fine tuning of muscular movement and result in coarse, jerky, uncoordinated movement. This condition is called ataxia and is easily seen in the jerky "to-and-fro" motion of the trunk and unsteady gait of an affected person.
Ataxia may appear as a congenital defect, or following a simple viral infection such as chicken pox. It may also appear following encephalitis, head trauma, and diseases affecting the central nervous system or spinal cord. Appearance as a genetic disorder, or as a toxic reaction to drugs, medications, alcohol or environmental toxins is also possible.
Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
Take safety measures around the home to compensate for difficulties in mobility that are inherent with this problem. For example, avoid clutter, leave wide walkways, and avoid throw rugs or other objects that might cause slipping or falling.Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed. In emergency situations, the patient will be stabilized first.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |