Poor coordination of the limbs and speech are often present. Ataxia may result from dysfunction of the cerebellum and its associated systems, lesions in the spinal cord, peripheral sensory loss, or any combination of these three conditions. Hereditary ataxia needs to be distinguished from acquired, non-genetic causes of ataxia including alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease, primary or metastatic tumors, or paraneoplastic syndromes associated with occult carcinoma of the ovary, breast, or lung. The possibility of an acquired cause of ataxia needs to be considered in each patient because a specific treatment may be available.
Sporadic ataxia refers to the instance in which only one family member has a disorder.
Sporadic cases of progressive ataxia are a relatively common occurrance. Each participating country may have a specific plan for this event. In the United States, lit candles will be used to represent hope and unity. Blue candles represent hope for ataxia families, while white symbolizes the unity of purpose shared by all people affected by ataxia. In addition, other plans would include press releases, signed proclamations, and the distribution of awareness posters.