Abstract

Ataxia is a neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which may result from abnormalities in different parts of the nervous system including the cerebellum and its connecting pathway, proprioceptive sensory pathway, and vestibular system. In the diagnosis of disorders characterized by cerebellar ataxia, the mode of onset, rate of development, and degree of permanence of the ataxia are of particular importance. In adults, paraneoplastic and demyelinating cases account for the largest proportion of subacute onset, and hereditary forms are the usual cause of very slowly progressive and chronic ones. The last category of genetic ataxias now constitute a large and heterogeneous group for which the basis has been established in most cases. Misalignment of the visual axes-strabismus-causes the two images of a seen object to fall on noncorresponding areas of the two retinas, which usually causes diplopia, the sensation of seeing an object at two different locations in space. Accurate diagnosis of diplopia and strabismus require detailed history on the symptomatology and ocular motor examination consisting of assessment of the range of eye movements, subjective diplopia testing, and cover and alternate cover tests.

• Keywords: Ataxia; Cerebellum; Diplopia; Strabismus;