View source for Sensory ataxia

'''Sensory ataxia''' is both a [[symptom]] and a [[Medical sign|sign]] in neurology. It is a form of [[ataxia]] (loss of [[coordination (physiology)|coordination]]) caused not by [[cerebellum|cerebellar]] dysfunction but by loss of sensory input into the control of movement.

Sensory ataxia is distinguished from [[ataxia|cerebellar ataxia]] by the presence of near-normal coordination when the movement in question is visually observed by the patient, but marked worsening of coordination when the eyes are closed.

Sensory ataxia also lacks the associated features of cerebellar ataxia such as pendular tendon [[reflexes]], scanning [[dysarthria]], [[pathologic nystagmus|nystagmus]] and broken pursuit eye movements.

Patients with sensory ataxia often demonstrate [[pseudoathetosis]] and [[Romberg's sign]]. They usually complain of loss of balance in the dark, typically when closing their eyes in the shower or removing clothing over the head.

==Causes==
Sensory ataxia is present in sensory [[neuropathy|peripheral neuropathies]] and conditions causing dysfunction of the [[dorsal columns]] of the [[spinal cord]] such as [[tabes dorsalis]].

The cause can also be genetic.<ref>{{cite pmid|18347805}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite journal |author=Bastian AJ |title=Mechanisms of ataxia |journal=Physical therapy |volume=77 |issue=6 |pages=672–5 |year=1997 |pmid=9184691 |doi=}}

{{Nervous and musculoskeletal system symptoms and signs}}
{{Lesions of spinal cord and brain}}
[[Category:Medical signs]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:2Fix]]