Loss of coordination, aka ataxia, is the inability to coordinate or control the fine balance in action between muscle groups when performing voluntary movements. This impairment can have an effect on a wide range of intended actions, for instance walking, limb use, talking, eye movement and swallowing.
Lack of coordination causes staggering, jerky or unsteady gait and swaying posture symptoms. You may experience other symptoms, such as irregular speech, swallowing and eye movements.
The region of the brain that coordinates smooth movement is referred to as the cerebellum. The loss of coordination frequently is caused by damage to either this part of the brain, the spinal cord or peripheral nerves.
Causes for the loss of coordination include injuries, diseases, drugs, toxins, toxicity and poisoning effects. Some of the health conditions that can result in a lack of coordination are:
- stroke, TIA
- neuropathy
- brain injury
- brain tumor
- head trauma
- brain damage
- brain infection
- Wilson’s disease
- cerebral abscess
- multiple sclerosis
- ataxic cerebral palsy
- chickenpox, other viral infections
- spinal damage ~ compression, injury
Lack of coordination is a potential drug side effect of barbiturates, sedatives (benzodiazepines), tricyclic antidepressants and lithium. Coordination loss is a symptom of drug and alcohol intoxication, as well as heavy metal poisoning caused by lead or mercury.