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Ataxia

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Updated July 17, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:
Ataxia means loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement; in general usage, it means unsteady movements and staggering walk. Common causes of ataxia include infection, injury, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors and genetic factors.

Ataxia may also appear as a side effect of several medications that may be prescribed for bipolar disorder, including benzodiazepines, Depakote, Lithium, BuSpar, antipsychotic medications such as Seroquel, and others.
Pronunciation: uh-TAX-ee-uh
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