What is ataxia?
Ataxia describes difficulty coordinating movement. It may affect walking, balance, hand movements, or speech. It can have different causes, so your medical history matters when planning rehabilitation.
Tell us where coordination makes the biggest difference in your day: changing direction, reaching for an object, eating, writing, or getting around the house.
Connect practice to everyday tasks
The evaluation helps identify which therapies and supports fit your needs. Your plan may address:
- Walking, balance, transfers, and changes in direction.
- Reaching, hand coordination, and using everyday objects.
- Adapting the way a task is set up.
- Communication concerns when speech is affected.
Work from your current abilities
We consider movement, sensation, attention, fatigue, and the supports you use. Your therapist can help you practice selected tasks and find practical ways to manage activities between visits.
Treatment goals and progress vary with the underlying condition. Your medical team continues to investigate and manage the cause of ataxia.
Make your visit useful
Bring relevant medical information, your usual walking aid, and examples of tasks you want to work on. A family member can help describe the support you use at home and take part in education.
Common questions
Can ataxia occur after a stroke?
It can occur with a cerebellar stroke and other neurological conditions. Your rehabilitation plan should reflect the cause, current abilities, and your everyday goals.
Is the goal only better walking?
No. Coordination affects many activities. Your goals may also involve hand use, self-care, communication, or adapting tasks.