DPT 6410 Neuromuscular Practice: Adult Ataxia

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the cerebellum in motor control?

To regulate muscle tone

To initiate voluntary movement

To compare movement to intended output and make predictive modifications///Movement coordination (correct)

To control eye movement and gaze

What is a common cause of ataxia?

Damage to the cerebral cortex

Damage to the spinal cord

Damage to the cerebellum (correct)

Damage to the basal ganglia

What is dysdiadochokinesia?

Difficulty with rapid alternating movements (correct)

Tremors or involuntary movements

Impaired balance and postural control

Weakness or lack of muscle tone

What is the primary goal of treatment for cerebellar damage?

Improving postural stability and balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cerebellum in speech production?

Coordination of speech movement Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the effects of cerebellar dysfunction?

Hypotonia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a mechanism of cerebellar damage?

Infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS)?

To measure the severity of ataxia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Ataxia?

Slurred speech Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ataxia is characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance?

Episodic ataxias and Spinocerebellar ataxias Signup and view all the answers

What is a compensatory strategy used to improve functional abilities in patients with cerebellar damage?

Reducing environmental distractions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cerebellum in motor control?

Comparison of movement to intended output Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the inability to perform rapid alternating movements?

Dysdiadochokinesia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cerebellum in balance and equilibrium?

Control of postural control Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the inability to coordinate voluntary movements?

Ataxia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cerebellum in speech production?

Coordination of articulation and fluency Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of intensive long-term motor training in patients with cerebellar damage?

Enhancing postural stability and balance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a degenerative mechanism of cerebellar damage?

Multiple system atrophy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using biofeedback and/or bandwidth feedback in the treatment of cerebellar damage?

To provide feedback on movement accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of weighting on patients with cerebellar damage?

It improves balance and dec speed of movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using resisted movements in the treatment of cerebellar damage?

All the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using assistive devices with weights in patients with cerebellar damage?

They Dec movement speed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neuroanatomy of Ataxia

Ataxia is commonly caused by damage to the cerebellum

Role of Cerebellum in Motor Control

Compares movement to intended output
Predictive/anticipatory modifications in preparation for movement
Motor learning: learns, memorizes, and stores motor programs
Adaptation

Other Roles of Cerebellum

Balance and equilibrium
Control of muscle tone
Accurate direction, extent, force, and timing of movement
Movement composition
Role in speech production
Control of eye movement and gaze

Cerebellar Dysfunction

Disorganization of movement, especially rapid movements
Impaired balance
Impaired postural control
Hypotonicity
Dysmetria
Decomposition
Ataxia
Dysdiadochokinesia
Tremor
Asthenia
Dysarthria
Ocular dysmetria, nystagmus, etc.

Mechanisms of Cerebellar Damage

Acquired: stroke, tumor, structural (Chiari malformation, agenesis, hypoplasia), toxicity (alcohol, heavy metals, drugs, solvents), immune-mediated (MS, gluten ataxia), trauma, infection (cerebellitis), endocrine (hypothyroidism)
Degenerative: non-hereditary (multiple system atrophy, idiopathic late-onset cerebellar ataxia), hereditary (autosomal dominant disorders, autosomal recessive disorders, X-linked disorders)

Ataxia

Without order or incoordination
Slurred speech
Stumbling, falling, incoordination
Trouble eating and swallowing
Eye movement abnormalities
Tremors
Cardiac issues

Outcome Measures

Traditional function/activity measures (FIM)
Balance/Postural control measures
Gait measures
Ataxia specific: International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA)

Treatment

Intensive long-term motor training
Supervised as well as home exercise programs
Intensive coordination training
HEP focused on static and dynamic balance activities
Sitting and standing
Effect on walking: body weight supported treadmill training
Use of biofeedback and/or bandwidth feedback
Decreasing degrees of freedom
Activities that focus on stability, co-contraction, midrange control
Use of resisted movements
Compensatory strategies: slow down movements, reduce number of segments moving at any given time, widen BOS, minimal environmental distractions, weighting (axial v limb), assistive devices, orthotics

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Description

Test your understanding of adult ataxia in neuromuscular practice, including neuroanatomy, causes, interventions, and management strategies. Explore the role of the cerebellum in motor control, balance, and motor learning.