[Cerebellar ataxic gait]

Abstract

In this review, we have mainly discussed the cerebellar ataxic gait. The cerebellum can be divided into 3 phylogenically different lobes: the archicerebellum, paleocerebellum, and neocerebellum. The main components of the cerebellar circuit are 2 types of neurons, i.e., the Purkinje cells and granule cells and 3 types of fibers, i.e., mossy fibers, climbing fibers (cerebellar afferent fibers), and parallel fibers (axons of granule cells) Theoretically, cerebellar ataxia is considered to be caused by any lesions that develop within this circuit. Before diagnosing any symptoms as ataxia, we should first exclude weakness, sensory disturbances or vestibular dysfunction to explain those symptoms. Cerebellar ataxia usually causes several neurological deficits such as antagonist hypotonia, asynergy, dysmetria, dyschronometria, and dysdiadochokinesia. Ataxic gait is one of the cardinal features of the cerebellar symptoms. The clinical features of cerebellar ataxic gait usually include a widened base, unsteadiness and irregularity of steps, and lateral veering. Locomotion in individuals with cerebellar ataxia is characterized by a significantly reduced step frequency with a prolonged stance and double limb support duration. All gait measurements are highly variable in cerebellar ataxia. The characteristic clinical features of several cerebellar diseases have been summarized in this review. Even though the rehabilitation for cerebellar ataxia is not fully supported by much enough clinical evidence, repeated motor training, bandages or light weights has sometimes beneficial effects on ataxic limbs.