Ataxia

Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common form of cerebral palsy. People with ataxic cerebral palsy usually have a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception. They often have low muscle tone (hypotonic), a “staggering”, wide based walk and unsteady hands.  Speech is often monotonal and facial expressions are reduced.

Ataxia only accounts for 5 - 10% of people with cerebral palsy.

Ataxia results from damage to the cerebellum, the brain's major centre for balance and co-ordination, which is located at the back of the head just above where the neck meets the skull. 

Babies with Ataxic cerebral palsy are ususally floppy when they are carried and take a long time to sit up and stand.  Their hand skills are uncoordinated, as are their leg movements when they first start to play.

People with Ataxic cerebral palsy tend to be physically unadventurous initially because of poor balance but they usually find ways to function well.