Ataxia

Ataxia is a nervous system condition. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes it as causing people to lose control of muscle movement and coordination, so they have trouble controlling the muscles in their arms and legs. Signs include an unsteady, wide-based walk, frequent stumbling, poor hand coordination, slurred speech, and abnormal eye movements. Most ataxias involve the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates movement.

Ataxia can be inherited, or it can be acquired. NINDS lists conditions that can cause acquired ataxia, including alcoholism, brain and spinal cord tumors, infections, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, stroke, and vitamin deficiencies, and notes that some prescription medicines and exposure to toxins can also cause acquired ataxia.

Because acquired ataxia can have an outside cause, it appears in several kinds of injury claims:

• Drug side effects, such as toxicity from anti-seizure medicines like phenytoin (Dilantin) at high blood levels.
• Toxic exposures, including heavy metals, solvents, and recreational products.
• Vitamin deficiency. Heavy nitrous oxide use can inactivate vitamin B12 and damage the spinal cord and nerves, causing a loss of balance and coordination.
• Brain injury from accidents, birth injuries, or medical errors.

A legal claim depends on linking the ataxia to a specific product or event, usually with neurologist evaluations, imaging, and lab tests such as drug or vitamin levels. See our page on nitrous oxide injury lawsuits and class action vs. mass tort. This page is general information, not medical advice.