See main article: Ataxia.
| Truncal ataxia | |
| Synonyms: | Trunk ataxia, Ataxic gait[1] |
| Field: | Neurology |
| Symptoms: | "drunken sailor" gait characterised by uncertain starts and stops, falling |
| Causes: | Spinocerebellar Ataxia (Lesion in Flocculonodular Lobe OR Vestibulo-cerebellum) |
Truncal ataxia (or trunk ataxia) is a wide-based "drunken sailor" gait characterised by uncertain starts and stops, lateral deviations and unequal steps. It is an instability of the trunk and often seen during sitting.[2] It is most visible when shifting position or walking heel-to-toe.[1]
As a result of this gait impairment, falling is a concern in patients with ataxia.[3]
Truncal ataxia affects the muscles closer to the body such as the trunk, shoulder girdle and hip girdle. It is involved in gait stability.[3]
Truncal ataxia is different from appendicular ataxia. Appendicular ataxia affects the movements of the arms and legs. It is caused by lesions of the cerebellar hemispheres.[3]
Truncal ataxia is caused by midline damage to the cerebellar vermis. There are at least 34 conditions that cause truncal ataxia.[2]