Ataxic Cerebral Palsy’s Effect on the Body

As the least common type of cerebral palsy comprising only 5-10% of cases, ataxic cerebral palsy causes low muscle tone, tremors, speech disorders and slow eye movements. Children with this type of cerebral palsy suffer from unsteady, clumsy movements making it difficult to walk and move with coordinated control.

Ataxic cerebral palsy develops when an infant’s cerebellum is damaged before the brain has had time to fully developed. This part of our brain compensates for our posture to keep us balanced and ensures each part of our body moves in coordination. When the cerebellum is damaged and ataxic cerebral palsy develops, a child’s sense of balance and depth are hindered.

Children suffering from this condition are likely to grow frustrated as their bodies do not respond in the same way as their peers. Everyday tasks like eating and brushing teeth take more time and children can become angry when they are unable to move as quickly as they would like. While this condition is rare, it is a serious disorder that requires continuous medical attention throughout someone’s entire lifespan. If you are concerned your child might be suffering from ataxic cerebral palsy, contact their doctor right away.