Loss of Balance and Coordination
Loss of balance and coordination is called ataxia in medical circles. People suffering from peripheral neuropathy can also manifest a loss of balance and coordination. It can make people dizzy and make them feel like their immediate surroundings are spinning, making them more susceptible to accidental slips and falls. Such conditions also make the person feel as if they’re unsteady on their feet and the brain and legs are not connected.
Ataxia happens when there’s a disruption in the ongoing communication between the brain and the rest of the body parts involved in the movement. As a result, the nerves suffer damages that could be irreversible if left untreated. Whereas for other people, movement is seamless and smooth, people who suffer from ataxia manifest movement that appears disjointed, jerky, and unsteady. The condition can develop slowly over the years, but it can also happen suddenly. If the condition progresses, the individual may gradually lose fine motor skills, which affect daily living skills such as buttoning shirts and writing.
Health experts will seek to determine the cause of ataxia before recommending treatment options. Treatment can include physical therapy or the use of an assistive device. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are also possible options.
