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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Incoordination - Ataxia

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Ataxia describes a lack of ability to move the muscles in a coordinated fashion. People with ataxia have irregular or awkward movements.

What is going on in the body?

Though most commonly used to describe the way a person walks, this condition can affect any of the muscles in the body. Problems with coordination can be due to many different types of problems, ranging from drinking alcohol to having a stroke. Ataxia may cause problems with everyday activities, such as tying a shoelace or driving a car.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many possible causes of this condition. Examples include:

damage to the brain from head injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis

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effects of a drug or toxin, such as alcohol, barbiturates, seizure medications or "sniffing glue"

poisoning

brain tumors or other cancers

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hormone abnormalities, such as hypothyroidism

inherited conditions that affect the brain, such as Friedreich's ataxia or ataxia-telangiectasia

bleeding into or around the brain from injury or trauma

nerve damage, which often affects walking and may occur with diabetes, lead poisoning, or certain cancer chemotherapy medications

old age, which also commonly affects walking. Decreased vision and strength in the elderly also affect walking.

hydrocephalus, which is increased fluid on the inside of the brain

movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease or Huntington chorea

balance problems due to irritation or damage to the middle ear, which aids in balance. Balance problems may occur with infections of the middle ear, such as Meniere's disease.

Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, a cause cannot be found.

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