vestibular ataxia

Is produced by lesions anywhere along the peripheral eighth nerve pathway from labyrinth to brain stem and in the vestibular nuclei.

In this type of ataxia it is very important to look for symptoms and signs, such as vertigo and nystagmus, because they are often found in vestibular disorders. Nystagmus is frequently present, typically unilateral, and most pronounced on gaze away from the side of vestibular involvement. Another important find is that the vestibular ataxia is gravity-dependent, which means that incoordination of limb movements cannot be demonstrated when the patient is examined lying down but becomes apparent when the patient attempts to stand or walk. In addition, patients with vestibular dysfunction depend heavily on visual proprioception, so closing the eyes accentuates the gait disorder.