Sensory Ataxia

Original Editor - Shreya Vaghela Top Contributors - Olajumoke Ogunleye, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton and Shreya Vaghela

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Ataxia is a general term used to describe the combined influence of cerebellar and sensory dysfunction on gait, posture, and patterns of movement.

Ataxia due to Sensory Impairment.[edit | edit source]

Sensory Ataxia (SA) is a form of ataxia caused by the impairment of the somatosensory nerves, leading to the interruption of sensory feedback signals.[1][2] It is characterized by postural instability and lack of coordination that worsen when visual input is removed. For example when the patient closes the eyes or at night when the patient cannot rely on visual verification to know where to place the feet.[3]

Causes are:

Mechanism/ Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

SA is caused by interference in the sensory transmission to the cerebellum caused by a lesion. It is the sensory damage to the posterior column due to loss of connection between the cerebellum and spinal cord and lack of proprioceptive information[4].

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

The presence of the following are associated with SA[2]:

  • Kinetic Tremors which appear only on the closure of the eyes.
  • Psuedoathetosis is the random finger movements seen on outstretched hands with eyes closed and may occur in sensory neuronopathy affecting the upper limbs.
  • Deep Sensory Loss such as - proprioception, kinesthetic awareness, vibration sense.
  • Sensory Gait/High Stepping Gait/Feet Slapping Gait - when who does not have SA walks, the sensory nerve would be stimulated when the sole touches the ground, then the relevant information is transmitted to indicate the position of the feet. Since the patients with sensory ataxia lose the input of the stimulus, to know the time and place the feet land, the patient would put his feet on the ground heavily.[6] The key to this gait is that when patients can’t see their feet (e.g., in the dark), stepping will increase obviously. This gait is sometimes referred to as a stepping gait, because patients may lift their legs to a very high position.
    • Heavy strike of the ground on walking due to lost deep sensation.
    • High-stepping gait due to associated motor weakness
    • Feet-slapping gait - to assist with sound-induced sensory feedback.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Sensory ataxia can be diagnosed clinically using a combination of strategies that may include medical history, family history, and a complete neurological evaluation. Laboratory tests may also be carried out, including:

  • Imaging studies such as CT scans and MRI. This is used to know the integrity of the cerebellum and other brain structures.
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Genetic testings

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The main focus of sensory ataxia treatment is to stop the progress of the nerve damage, alleviate symptoms, increase independence and minimize the risk of falls. If a cause is found, then treatment, where possible, will address the underlying cause. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency is treated with vitamin B12 supplementation (typically starting with injections then switching to oral); diabetic neuropathy is managed by maintaining tight sugar control[7].

Physiotherapy Management[edit | edit source]

Physiotherapy can improve gait, balance and trunk control for people with ataxia, and can reduce activity limitations and support increased participation. See ataxia link for more.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Ashizawa T, Xia G. Ataxia. Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology. 2016 Aug;22(4 Movement Disorders):1208.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Zhang Q, Zhou X, Li Y, Yang X, Abbasi QH. Clinical Recognition of Sensory Ataxia and Cerebellar Ataxia. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2021 Apr 1;15:74.
  3. Ruppert L, Kendig T. A PT intervention for a patient with sensory ataxia in the acute care oncology setting. Rehabilitation Oncology: 2012;Volume 30 - Issue 1 - p 24-25.
  4. Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2021 Aug 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562284/ [Accessed 21 April 2022]
  5. Lanska DJ. The Romberg sign and early instruments for measuring postural sway. In Seminars in neurology 2002 (Vol. 22, No. 04, pp. 409-418). Copyright© 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.:+ 1 (212) 584-4662.
  6. Missaoui B, Bendaya S, Mane M, Thoumie P. Balance and gait parameters in sensory ataxia; effects of a balance training program. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2013(56):e201.
  7. Health Jade. Sensory Ataxia. https://healthjade.net/sensory-ataxia/