Ataxic cerebral palsy

Ataxia refers to poor postural balance and difficulty coordinating movement. Therefore people with ataxic cerebral palsy may present as unsteady or may have tremors or shaky movements of the limbs.

Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common form of cerebral palsy.

Symptoms and characteristics

The most obvious characteristic of ataxic cerebral palsy is a person's difficulty coordinating movements to achieve a task, for example, experiencing difficulty controlling the arms or hands to complete a fine motor task.

The muscles of the face may also be involved which may affect a person's capacity to demonstrate appropriate facial expressions when communicating. This may also contribute to drooling. If the capacity to speak is affected, a person with ataxic cerebral palsy may have difficulty speaking or it may be difficult to interpret their speech. However the person can usually understand what is being said to them or going on around them.

People with ataxic cerebral palsy may also experience difficulties with:

• vision
• hearing
• intellectual impairment.

Epilepsy can also be associated with ataxic cerebral palsy.

Although ataxic cerebral palsy is a permanent, non progressive condition, people may experience changes in their capacity with the progression of age or if physical difficulties develop.

Workplace adjustments and solutions

The requirements for adjustments and accommodations within the workplace depend on the areas of the body affected as well as the severity of motor limitations, seizures (epilepsy), and intellectual impairment.

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• ability to see (or see clearly)
• coping with seizures or blackouts at work
• fine hand use
• mobility
• moving around the workplace
• self care
• speech clarity
• verbal articulation (speaking aloud)
• writing by hand—fine hand use

References

Better Health Channel 2007, Cerebral palsy—causes and implications, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 9 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cerebral_palsy_causes_and_implications?open>.

CP Australia 2007, CP Australia, Woodville, viewed 9 March 2007, <http://www.cpaustralia.com.au/news/index.html>.

MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 7 May 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.

Scope 2006, Information About Cerebral Palsy, Scope, Melbourne, viewed 9 March 2007, <http://www.scopevic.org.au/info_about.html>.