Incoordination, or ataxia, is a lack of muscle control caused by an underlying medical problem, injury, or exposure to substances. It can be a symptom of progressive diseases and requires evaluation by a neurologist for management and treatment. Sudden onset of incoordination may indicate a neurological problem.
Incoordination is a lack of muscle control leading to jerky movements, movements that are difficult to complete, or movements that are unpredictable. People who experience incoordination can be said to be uncoordinated or clumsy. Another term used to describe this condition is ataxia. Incoordination is usually a symptom of an underlying medical problem and if it emerges suddenly, the patient may require immediate treatment.
Many people rarely think about their muscle coordination. In fact, the variety of flowing movements people are capable of is quite remarkable. Even a movement like reaching for a glass from a shelf requires the work of many muscles. The body must be able to orient itself in space, determine how far to reach, and activate muscles in opposition to each other to keep the reach smooth and even. When there are breaks in this process, people experience incoordination.
Damage to the cerebellum of the brain can cause incoordination, as well as damage to other areas of the nervous system such as the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. People may also experience temporary incoordination due to substances they have ingested or been exposed to. Alcohol, for example, disrupts the coordination of the nervous system and leads people to stumble and have difficulty performing tasks. Similarly, many neurotoxins cause incoordination as an early symptom of exposure.
Sometimes, incoordination is the result of a progressive disease such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis. It can also be caused by a birth defect. Also, it can be acquired as a result of illness or injury. For example, some viral infections can attack the nervous system and cause incoordination, and people often experience weakness and loss of coordination due to brain damage from head trauma, stroke, or tumors. When symptoms develop, it is important to conduct a detailed evaluation to learn more as it may be possible to halt or reverse the progress of the damage if it is caught early and treated aggressively.
The sudden onset of incoordination can be a sign that someone is experiencing a neurological problem. People who begin to experience gait changes, difficulty manipulating and grasping objects, and other signs of incoordination should make an appointment with a neurologist for an evaluation. Incoordination can also lead to difficulty speaking and swallowing. A doctor can determine why a patient has symptoms and provide information about management and treatment.
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