Acute Cerebellar Ataxia Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical and family history. A physical exam will also be done. The doctor will observe your limb coordination to assess the degree and nature of the ataxia.

Further tests may include:

• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)-removal of a small amount of fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
• MRI scan-a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head
• CT scan-a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound-a test that uses sound waves to examine the head
• Urine analysis
• Tests to detect other possible diseases that are causing the symptoms:
  • Nerve conduction study -a test that measures the speed and degree of electrical activity in a nerve to determine if it is functioning normally
  • Electromyography (EMG)-a test measures and records the electrical activity that muscles generate at rest and in response to muscle contraction