A to Z of MS

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A to Z of MS Ataxia

Ataxia is the medical term for lack of coordination.

When the body carries out a function such as walking or speaking, it involves a complicated interaction of signals from the brain and feedback from the nerves in the limb or organ involved. These outgoing and incoming messages are coordinated in the area of the brain called the cerebellum. If inflammation of the nerve fibres in the cerebellum causes an interruption in the matching of these signals, it leads to ataxia.

In MS this can manifest itself as clumsiness, unsteady gait, impaired eye and limb movements, and speech problems. In more advanced cases, the lack of coordination is seen as tremor.