Ataxias

Abstract

Gait disorders in elderly individuals are a major cause of falls and their attendant morbidities. Ataxia is one of the neurologic components of fall risk, as are inattention or confusion, visual impairment, vestibular impairment, subcortical white matter disease, parkinsonism, weakness, sensory loss, orthostasis or arrhythmia with alterations in blood pressure, pain, medication use, and environmental hazards. Ataxia in the geriatric population has many causes. Correctly identifying them can improve clinicians' ability to offer treatment and management strategies to patients and their families. The goals should be safe mobility and preserved activities of daily living.