Ataxia (from
Greek α- [a negative prefix] +
-τάξις [order] = "lack of order") is a
neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary
coordination of muscle movements that includes
gait abnormality. Ataxia is a non-specific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of the parts of the
nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the
cerebellum. Ataxia can be limited to one side of the body, which is referred to as
hemiataxia] Several possible causes exist for these patterns of neurological dysfunction. Dystaxia is a mild degree of ataxia.
Friedrich's ataxia has gait abnormality as the most commonly presented symptom.