The impact of our research
The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Damage to the cerebellum can cause ataxia, which affects speech, balance and coordination.
Our researchers are using neuroimaging, fluid biomarkers and digital assessment tools to understand brain and behavioural changes in people with cerebellar diseases.
We’re aiming to understand short-term and long-term changes to the brain so we can improve treatments and patient care.
About cerebellar ataxia
Cerebellar ataxia is a lack of muscle movement control or coordination, especially of the hands or legs. It is caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls muscle movement.
Cerebellar ataxia occurs after damage to the cerebellum. While some forms of ataxia are genetically inherited, others are acquired later in life.
Cerebellar ataxia can be caused by:
- specific drugs
- genetic cerebellar disorders
- stroke
- brain tumour
- injury to the cerebellum
Symptoms vary between individuals, as does the rate at which the disease progresses. Some people’s symptoms worsen over mere months while for others the progression takes decades.
Common symptoms include:
• lack of coordination
• slurred speech
• trouble swallowing
• loss of fine motor control
• tremors
• difficulty walking or changes in gait
• heart problems.
Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common type of genetically inherited ataxia, affecting around one in 30,000 Australians. Other ataxias are even rarer.
The treatment for cerebella ataxia depends on its underlying cause. Options include medications, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology.
Physiotherapy aims to improve coordination, movement control, balance, and gait. Physiotherapists teach patients strategies for safe mobility, which might include prescribing an appropriate walking aid to reduce the risk of falls.