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Affecting about 10 percent of all cerebral palsy patients, ataxic cerebral palsy is an irreversible condition marked by poor coordination, abnormally low muscle tone and general unsteadiness.

Infants or children who experience brain damage to the cerebellum (the lower, back part of the brain that includes the brain stem) will likely develop ataxic cerebral palsy.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Information

Ataxic cerebral palsy, the most rare form of cerebral palsy, represents only 5-10% of existing cases. Ataxic cerebral palsy results in low muscle tone, causing limbs to appear floppy and loose. Ataxic cerebral palsy stems from damage to the spinal cord and cerebellum and affects the entire body. Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by the effects of interruption in the brain''s center for balance; ataxic cerebral palsy disrupts balance and depth perception, resulting in poor coordination. Individuals who have ataxic cerebral palsy place their feet far apart, walk unsteadily and have difficulty moving precisely.

Ataxic cerebral palsy causes "intention tremors," which begin with voluntary motion and increase dramatically. This effect of ataxic cerebral palsy becomes more pronounced when the individual is trying to hold something small. People with ataxic cerebral palsy take longer to complete tasks due to problems coordinating their movements. Ataxic cerebral palsy especially affects the fine motor skills-writing, for instance, becomes very difficult. Individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy often have trouble reaching for objects, as a result of their affected depth perception. Ataxic cerebral palsy can also cause jerky speech patterns. Ataxic cerebral palsy is the only form of cerebral palsy that worsens as the victim grows older.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Symptoms and Causes

Although the severity of a patient's condition will determine the types and extent of his symptoms, in most cases, cerebral palsy ataxic symptoms will include some combination of:

• balancing problems
• clumsiness
• difficulties writing
• difficulty controlling range and direction of movements
• lack of coordination
• mental retardation
• poor muscle tone
• problems with depth perception
• rapid, involuntary eye movements
• seizures
• tremors
• unsteadiness when walking
• vision or hearing impairments

The causes of ataxic cerebral palsy vary from patient to patient. However, possible causes of this condition may include:

• fetal developmental complications in the uterus
• hereditary and genetic factors
• head injury to the fetus or newborn
• infections, such as meningitis, affecting a pregnant mother
• severe, untreated jaundice in infants
• seizure or thyroid disorder in a pregnant mother
• medical malpractice occurring before, during or after the birthing process.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Treatment

The precise course of treatment for ataxic cerebral palsy will depend on the severity and cause of a patient's condition. Options for ataxic cerebral palsy treatments include (but aren't limited to):

• anti-epileptic drugs, muscle relaxants and other medications
• botox injections to reduce spasticity
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• palliative care (wheelchairs and other equipment that improve patients' quality of life)
• regular range of motion exercises
• support groups and psychological care
• surgery

Because there is currently no cure for ataxic cerebral palsy, treatments will need to be long-term and, in most cases, life-long.

Medical Malpractice: Meeting with an Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Parents of children with cerebral palsy may be concerned (or may know) that medical malpractice caused or contributed to their newborn's condition. In these cases, it's essential that families meet with an ataxic cerebral palsy attorney to find out if they have a case.

During a free initial consultation, prospective plaintiffs can:

• Find out more about the process of pursuing a cerebral palsy medical malpractice settlement
• Get estimates about possible compensation packages, based on previous cases similar to their own
• Decide whether they want to file an individual or class action cerebral palsy lawsuit against negligent or malicious healthcare staff and facilities

Those who pursue their case with an experienced ataxic cerebral palsy lawyer can win compensation for their child's:

• hospital bills
• ongoing treatment costs
• future living expenses
• permanent disabilities
• pain and suffering

Has your child been born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy? If so, contact a cerebral palsy lawyer today to find out if you have a case and are entitled to lifelong compensation for your child's disabilities, suffering and medical bills.

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