BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuMovement - uncoordinatedLack of coordination; Loss of coordination; Coordination impairment; Ataxia; Clumsiness; Uncoordinated movementUncoordinated movement is due to a muscle control problem that causes an inability to coordinate movements. It leads to a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fro motion of the middle of the body (trunk) and an unsteady gait (walking style). It can also affect the limbs.Unsteady gaitWalking abnormalities can be caused by many different types of problems. Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities),...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The medical name of this condition is ataxia. Considerations Smooth graceful movement requires a balance between different muscle groups. A part of the brain called the cerebellum manages this balance. If this does not happen properly, ataxia often results.Ataxia can severely affect daily living activities. Causes Diseases that damage the cerebellum, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves can interfere with normal muscle movement. The result is large, jerky, uncoordinated movements.PeripheralPeripheral means "away from the center. " It refers to areas away from the center of the body or a body part. For example, the hands are peripheral ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Brain injuries or diseases that can cause uncoordinated movements include: Brain injury or head trauma Chickenpox or certain other brain infections (encephalitis) ChickenpoxChickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...Read Article Now Book Mark Article EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Conditions that are passed through families (such as congenital cerebellar ataxia, Friedreich ataxia, ataxia - telangiectasia, or Wilson disease) Friedreich ataxiaFriedreich ataxia is a rare disease passed down through families (inherited). It affects the muscles and heart.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ataxia - telangiectasiaAtaxia-telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease. It affects the brain and other parts of the body. Ataxia refers to uncoordinated movements, such ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) StrokeA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Transient ischemic attackA transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief time. A person will have stroke-like symptoms for ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Poisoning or toxic effects caused by:Alcohol Certain medicines Heavy metals such as mercury, thallium, and lead Solvents such as toluene or carbon tetrachloride Illicit drugsOther causes include:Certain cancers, in which uncoordinated movement symptoms may appear months or years before the cancer is diagnosed (called paraneoplastic syndrome) Problems with the nerves in the legs (neuropathy) Spine injury or disease causing damage to the spinal cord (such as compression fractures of the spine) Home Care Physical therapy that includes swimming, stretching, walking, and balancing exercises can help with coordination and slow the damage. A home safety evaluation by a physical therapist may be helpful.Take measures to make it easier and safer to move around at home. For example, get rid of clutter, leave wide walkways, and remove throw rugs or other objects that might cause slipping or falling. Make sure there is adequate lighting at night.People with this condition should be encouraged to take part in normal activities. Family members need to be patient with a person who has poor coordination. Take time to show the person ways to do tasks more easily. Take advantage of the person's strengths while avoiding their weaknesses.Ask the health care provider whether walking aids, such as a cane or walker, would be helpful.People with ataxia are prone to falls. Talk with the provider about measures to prevent falls.Prevent fallsOlder adults and people with medical problems are at risk of falling or tripping. This can result in broken bones or more serious injuries. Use the ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Family support is important. It helps to openly discuss your feelings. Self-help groups are available in many communities. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:A person has unexplained problems with coordination Lack of coordination lasts longer than a few minutes What to Expect at Your Office Visit In an emergency, you will first be stabilized so that symptoms do not get worse.The provider will perform a physical exam, which may include:A detailed examination of the nervous system and muscles, paying careful attention to walking, balance, and coordination of pointing with fingers and toes. Asking you to stand up with your feet together and the eyes closed. This is called the Romberg test. If you lose your balance, this is a sign that your sense of position is reduced. In this case, the test is considered positive. Medical history questions may include:When did the symptoms begin? Does the uncoordinated movement happen all the time or does it come and go? Is it getting worse? What medicines do you take? Do you drink alcohol? Do you use recreational drugs? Have you been exposed to something that may have caused poisoning? What other symptoms do you have? For example: weakness or paralysis, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation, confusion or disorientation, seizures. WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.Read Article Now Book Mark Article NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Tests that may be ordered include:Antibody testing to check for paraneoplastic syndromes Blood tests (such as a CBC or blood differential) CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...Read Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the head CT scan of the headA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic testing MRI of the headMRI of the headA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You may need to be referred to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. If a specific problem is causing the ataxia, the problem will be treated. For example, if a medicine is causing coordination problems, the medicine may be changed or stopped. Other causes may not be treatable. The provider can tell you more.Open ReferencesReferencesJankovic J, Lang AE. Diagnosis and assessment of Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 24.Okun MS, Lang AE. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 382.AllVideoImagesTogRelated Information Peripheral(Special Topic)Walking abnormalities(Symptoms)Chickenpox(Condition)Encephalitis(Condition)Head injury - first aid(Injury)Central nervous system(Special Topic)Toxins(Special Topic)Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus) - InDepth(In-Depth)Viral encephalitis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/23/2023 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 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Movement - uncoordinatedLack of coordination; Loss of coordination; Coordination impairment; Ataxia; Clumsiness; Uncoordinated movementUncoordinated movement is due to a muscle control problem that causes an inability to coordinate movements. It leads to a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fro motion of the middle of the body (trunk) and an unsteady gait (walking style). It can also affect the limbs.Unsteady gaitWalking abnormalities can be caused by many different types of problems. Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities),...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The medical name of this condition is ataxia. Considerations Smooth graceful movement requires a balance between different muscle groups. A part of the brain called the cerebellum manages this balance. If this does not happen properly, ataxia often results.Ataxia can severely affect daily living activities. Causes Diseases that damage the cerebellum, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves can interfere with normal muscle movement. The result is large, jerky, uncoordinated movements.PeripheralPeripheral means "away from the center. " It refers to areas away from the center of the body or a body part. For example, the hands are peripheral ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Brain injuries or diseases that can cause uncoordinated movements include: Brain injury or head trauma Chickenpox or certain other brain infections (encephalitis) ChickenpoxChickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...Read Article Now Book Mark Article EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Conditions that are passed through families (such as congenital cerebellar ataxia, Friedreich ataxia, ataxia - telangiectasia, or Wilson disease) Friedreich ataxiaFriedreich ataxia is a rare disease passed down through families (inherited). It affects the muscles and heart.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ataxia - telangiectasiaAtaxia-telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease. It affects the brain and other parts of the body. Ataxia refers to uncoordinated movements, such ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) StrokeA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Transient ischemic attackA transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief time. A person will have stroke-like symptoms for ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Poisoning or toxic effects caused by:Alcohol Certain medicines Heavy metals such as mercury, thallium, and lead Solvents such as toluene or carbon tetrachloride Illicit drugsOther causes include:Certain cancers, in which uncoordinated movement symptoms may appear months or years before the cancer is diagnosed (called paraneoplastic syndrome) Problems with the nerves in the legs (neuropathy) Spine injury or disease causing damage to the spinal cord (such as compression fractures of the spine) Home Care Physical therapy that includes swimming, stretching, walking, and balancing exercises can help with coordination and slow the damage. A home safety evaluation by a physical therapist may be helpful.Take measures to make it easier and safer to move around at home. For example, get rid of clutter, leave wide walkways, and remove throw rugs or other objects that might cause slipping or falling. Make sure there is adequate lighting at night.People with this condition should be encouraged to take part in normal activities. Family members need to be patient with a person who has poor coordination. Take time to show the person ways to do tasks more easily. Take advantage of the person's strengths while avoiding their weaknesses.Ask the health care provider whether walking aids, such as a cane or walker, would be helpful.People with ataxia are prone to falls. Talk with the provider about measures to prevent falls.Prevent fallsOlder adults and people with medical problems are at risk of falling or tripping. This can result in broken bones or more serious injuries. Use the ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Family support is important. It helps to openly discuss your feelings. Self-help groups are available in many communities. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:A person has unexplained problems with coordination Lack of coordination lasts longer than a few minutes What to Expect at Your Office Visit In an emergency, you will first be stabilized so that symptoms do not get worse.The provider will perform a physical exam, which may include:A detailed examination of the nervous system and muscles, paying careful attention to walking, balance, and coordination of pointing with fingers and toes. Asking you to stand up with your feet together and the eyes closed. This is called the Romberg test. If you lose your balance, this is a sign that your sense of position is reduced. In this case, the test is considered positive. Medical history questions may include:When did the symptoms begin? Does the uncoordinated movement happen all the time or does it come and go? Is it getting worse? What medicines do you take? Do you drink alcohol? Do you use recreational drugs? Have you been exposed to something that may have caused poisoning? What other symptoms do you have? For example: weakness or paralysis, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation, confusion or disorientation, seizures. WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.Read Article Now Book Mark Article NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Tests that may be ordered include:Antibody testing to check for paraneoplastic syndromes Blood tests (such as a CBC or blood differential) CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...Read Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the head CT scan of the headA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic testing MRI of the headMRI of the headA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You may need to be referred to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. If a specific problem is causing the ataxia, the problem will be treated. For example, if a medicine is causing coordination problems, the medicine may be changed or stopped. Other causes may not be treatable. The provider can tell you more.Open ReferencesReferencesJankovic J, Lang AE. Diagnosis and assessment of Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 24.Okun MS, Lang AE. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 382.