Rehabilitation in practice Cerebellar ataxia: pathophysiology and rehabilitation

Cerebellar dysfunction may result in significant functional difficulties with upper and lower limb movement, oculo-motor control, balance and walking. Such difficulties can affect employability, increase carer burden and reduce a person’s perceived quality of life. The economic burden of people with spinocerebellar ataxia is estimated to be around E18 776 per annum. This article will review the signs and symptoms and pathophysiology of cerebellar ataxia, highlighting the theoretical basis of current non-surgical and nonpharmacological rehabilitation techniques.