Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: A Plain-Language Guide to the Least Common Form of Cerebral Palsy
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD. Last reviewed October 13, 2026. This content is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.
Quick Answer
Ataxic cerebral palsy is a movement condition causing unsteady movements and problems with coordination and balance [1]. It is the least common type of cerebral palsy [1] [3] and results from injury to the cerebellum during pregnancy, birth or shortly after [1]. It is not progressive and has no cure [1] [2], but lifelong therapy, braces, assistive devices and medication help most children gain independence.
What the research says
Ataxic cerebral palsy is rare, and it is often not linked to a birth injury. Among 679 children with ataxic cerebral palsy in 20 European registers, the type made up 3.8% of cerebral palsy cases; about 70% could walk, 79% were born at term, brain injury showed on imaging in 19%, and a genetic syndrome was described in 9% (Horber et al., Neurology, 2023) [6].
Genes can be the cause. In four children diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy, researchers found new (de novo) mutations in three genes (KCNC3, ITPR1 and SPTBN2), and concluded that children with a cerebral palsy diagnosis should be tested genetically before the cause is blamed on birth asphyxia (Parolin Schnekenberg et al., Brain, 2015) [5].
Core stability exercise added to physical therapy helped balance. In a randomized trial of 40 children (average age 6.75 years) with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy, adding 30 minutes of core stability exercise to standard physical therapy for 2 months reduced ataxia severity and improved balance and coordination more than standard therapy alone (Elshafey et al., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 2022) [7].
What Is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
Ataxic cerebral palsy is a condition that causes unsteady movements and difficulty with coordination and balance. [1] It may also affect a child's depth perception [1] [3], which is the ability to understand how big an object is and how far away it is from their body.
Cerebral palsy is a group of movement disorders caused by damage to the developing brain. [2] "Ataxic" describes the specific pattern: shaky, wobbly, poorly coordinated movement.
This condition occurs when there is a disruption in the brain pathways that control muscles and movement. For example, a child might reach for something, but their hand misses its target. This happens because the message the brain sends to the arm does not arrive where it needs to go in time.
How Rare Is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common type of cerebral palsy. [1] [3] Fewer than 1 in 10 people diagnosed with cerebral palsy have the ataxic type. [1]
What Are the Symptoms of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
The signs and symptoms of ataxic cerebral palsy may include trembling movements, missed reaches, shaky walking, and problems with speech, swallowing, and eye movement. [1]
Symptom | What It Looks Like |
Tremors or shaking | |
Difficulty with precise movements | Reaching for something but missing it [1] |
Overcorrection of movements | Over-adjusting the reach to try to get to the right spot [1] |
Difficulty with coordinated movements | Trouble with tasks like clapping or writing [1] |
Unstable walking and poor balance | |
Wide gait | |
Difficulty with speaking and swallowing | |
Slow eye movements | |
Eye movements that miss their target |
Sometimes, this condition can look like a child is clumsy or "under the influence" [1] due to the unpredictability of their movements.
Which Parts of the Body Does Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Affect?
This condition can affect one or many different parts of a child's body, including the legs, arms, hands and fingers, eyes, and throat muscles. [1]
How Does Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Affect Speech?
Ataxic cerebral palsy can affect the muscles that regulate a child's speech and ability to swallow. This can cause "scanning speech," where there are pauses between words and syllables. [1] [3] The voice may be monotone, without changes to pitch or expression. [1] [3] Loud breathing may be common as well. [1]
What Causes Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
An injury to the part of the brain called the cerebellum causes ataxic cerebral palsy. [1] [3] The cerebellum is the part of the brain that regulates movement and coordination. [1]
Brain injury can occur during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth if any of the following happen:
Cause | What Happens |
Lack of blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) [1] | Blood supply to part of the brain is blocked |
Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) [1] | A blood vessel leaks or bursts inside the brain |
Injury to the brain due to infection [1] | An infection damages brain tissue |
Injury to the brain due to trauma (traumatic brain injury) [1] | A physical injury damages the brain |
A genetic variant (mutation) may cause it too. [1] [5] Research is ongoing to learn more about this cause. [1]
Who Is at Higher Risk?
You may be more at risk of having a child with cerebral palsy if you (the birth mother) or your baby experience certain factors during or shortly after pregnancy:
Risk Factor | Why It Matters |
Infection during pregnancy | Can affect the baby or the placenta [1] |
Early birth (preterm) [1] | Raises the chance of brain injury |
Pregnancy complications | Placental abruption or uterine rupture may reduce blood flow to the fetus [1] |
Multiples in the uterus | Twins or triplets carry higher risk [1] |
Low birth weight [1] | Linked to more brain complications |
Severe untreated jaundice after birth [1] | Can damage the brain if not treated |
What Are the Complications of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
Complications of ataxic cerebral palsy may include uncoordinated movements, a high risk of falls and injuries, and developmental delays with motor function such as crawling, walking, and grabbing. [1]
While less likely, problems with cognitive development (intellectual disability) or seizures may occur. [1]
Is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy an Intellectual Disability?
Many cases of ataxic cerebral palsy don't affect a child's intelligence and don't cause intellectual disability, but some do. [1] The condition affects each child differently, and it mainly affects movement.
How Is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider usually diagnoses ataxic cerebral palsy during infancy or childhood. [1] A physical exam in the office is the first step in diagnosis. [1] The provider may ask about the child's movement and developmental milestones, along with any other symptoms parents notice. [1] They'll also review the child's muscle tone, motor skills, and coordination during the physical.
Findings on physical examination may suggest ataxic cerebral palsy. The provider may recommend imaging tests to look for areas of damage in the child's brain. [1] Other tests help rule out conditions with similar symptoms. [1]
Test | What It Checks |
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) [1] | Detailed pictures of brain tissue to find damage |
CT scan (computed tomography) [1] | X-ray images of the brain's structure |
EEG (electroencephalogram) [1] | Electrical activity in the brain; helps rule out seizures |
Blood and/or urine tests [1] | Rule out other conditions |
Speech evaluation [1] | Checks speaking and swallowing function |
Eye exam [1] | Checks eye movement and vision |
Looks for a genetic variant that may be involved |
How Is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Treated?
Treatment for ataxic cerebral palsy may include at-home coordination exercises, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, braces or assistive devices such as a wheelchair, and medications to relax muscles. [1]
Treatment | What It Does |
Exercises at home [1] | Practicing coordination in daily life |
Builds balance and movement skills | |
Helps with everyday tasks and independence | |
Improves speaking and swallowing | |
Wheelchairs and supports keep the child safe and mobile | |
Your child's care team will help manage symptoms so they can gain independence. Management of symptoms will be lifelong, as there isn't a cure for ataxic cerebral palsy. [1] [2] Talk to your child's provider about the possible side effects of treatment so you know what to look out for. [1]
What's the Outlook (Prognosis) for Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
Ataxic cerebral palsy isn't a progressive condition. [1] [2] This means it won't get worse as your child grows, but symptoms can still affect them as they get older. They'll likely need support from their care team to help manage the condition for their entire life. With treatment, many people gain independence and learn how to take care of themselves and navigate their environment safely. [1]
Ataxic cerebral palsy doesn't directly affect a person's life expectancy. A person diagnosed with this condition will have a normal to near-normal life expectancy. [1] A child may face some complications as a result of their diagnosis, but treatment is available to reduce these. [1]
When Should My Child See a Healthcare Provider?
If you notice abnormal movements (like tremors or slow eye movements) in your child, or they have trouble reaching developmental milestones for their age (like walking or talking), contact a healthcare provider. [1]
Visit the emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency services number if your child severely injures themselves after experiencing a fall. [1]
What Questions Should I Ask My Child's Healthcare Provider?
Question | Why It Helps |
Can you help me understand my child's diagnosis? [1] | Builds a clear picture of the condition |
What type of treatment is best to treat my child's symptoms? [1] | Focuses the care plan |
What are the goals of this treatment? [1] | Sets clear expectations |
Are there side effects of the treatment? [1] | Helps you know what to watch for |
Are there assistive devices that may help my child? [1] | Opens up independence options |
How often do you recommend physical or occupational therapy? [1] | Keeps therapy on schedule |
What is the bottom line on ataxic cerebral palsy?
Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common form of cerebral palsy, caused by injury to the cerebellum, the brain's movement and coordination center. It brings tremors, missed reaches, a wide unsteady walk, and sometimes scanning speech, and it can look like clumsiness to an untrained eye. The good news: it is not progressive, it doesn't directly shorten life expectancy, and most children who receive steady therapy, braces, and medication gain real independence. If your child's movements seem shaky, unsteady, or behind their milestones, a conversation with a healthcare provider is the best first step.
Take the next step: If you notice tremors, slow eye movements, or a wobbly walk in your child, or if they are behind on milestones like walking or talking, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. Write down what you've observed (when it happens, how often, what it looks like) and bring it with you. Early diagnosis opens the door to therapy, braces, and medication that help your child move safely and confidently as they grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ataxic cerebral palsy?
Ataxic cerebral palsy is a condition that causes unsteady movements and difficulty with coordination (ataxia) and balance. It may also affect depth perception. It is caused by a disruption in the brain pathways that control muscles and movement.
How rare is it?
Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common type of cerebral palsy. Fewer than 1 in 10 people diagnosed with cerebral palsy have the ataxic type.
What causes ataxic cerebral palsy?
An injury to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that regulates movement and coordination. This injury can occur during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth from lack of blood flow, bleeding, infection, or trauma. A genetic variant (mutation) may also cause it.
Is ataxic cerebral palsy the same as other types of cerebral palsy?
Ataxic cerebral palsy is a distinct subtype of cerebral palsy with its own symptom pattern: shaky, uncoordinated movement rather than the stiff muscles typical of the most common form.
What are the main symptoms?
Tremors or shaking, difficulty with precise movements, overcorrection of movements, trouble with coordinated tasks like clapping or writing, unstable walking, a wide gait, difficulty speaking and swallowing, slow eye movements, and eye movements that miss their target.
What is scanning speech?
Scanning speech is a speech pattern with pauses between words and syllables, often with a monotone voice without changes in pitch or expression. It happens because ataxic cerebral palsy affects the muscles that regulate speech.
Does ataxic cerebral palsy affect intelligence?
Many cases don't affect intelligence or cause intellectual disability, but some do. The condition mainly affects movement, and it affects each child differently.
Does ataxic cerebral palsy get worse over time?
No. It isn't a progressive condition, so it won't get worse as a child grows. However, symptoms can still affect the child as they get older, and they'll likely need support from their care team for life.
Is there a cure for ataxic cerebral palsy?
There isn't a cure, but treatment (exercises, physical, occupational and speech therapy, braces, assistive devices, and muscle-relaxing medication) helps children manage symptoms and gain independence.
How is ataxic cerebral palsy diagnosed?
Usually during infancy or childhood. A physical exam is the first step, followed by tests such as MRI, CT scan, EEG, blood and urine tests, speech evaluation, eye exam, and genetic testing to look for brain damage and rule out similar conditions.
What is the life expectancy?
Ataxic cerebral palsy doesn't directly affect life expectancy. A person with this condition will have a normal to near-normal life expectancy, though complications may occur and treatment is available for them.
When should I call 911?
Visit the emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency services number if your child severely injures themselves after experiencing a fall.
Can a genetic test confirm ataxic cerebral palsy?
A genetic variant (mutation) may cause the condition, and genetic testing is one of the tests providers may use, but research is still ongoing to learn more about this cause.
How does it affect daily life as a child grows?
Children may have a high risk of falls and injuries and delays in motor milestones. With lifelong symptom management and support from a care team, many people gain independence and learn to navigate their environment safely.
Related Reading
What Is Cerebral Palsy? (CDC): the symptom types of cerebral palsy, and how it is caused.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy (Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation): how the ataxic type differs from other forms of cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy (MedlinePlus): an overview of cerebral palsy, including therapy that helps children build movement skills.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy. Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed February 3, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/ataxic-cerebral-palsy
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Cerebral Palsy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last reviewed June 12, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/cerebral-palsy/about/
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy (Ataxia). Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://cparf.org/what-is-cerebral-palsy/types-of-cerebral-palsy/ataxic-cerebral-palsy-ataxia/
Dan B. How useful is the diagnosis of ataxic cerebral palsy? Dev Med Child Neurol. 2020;62(3):264. PMID 32010973. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14453
Parolin Schnekenberg R, Perkins EM, Miller JW, et al. De novo point mutations in patients diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy. Brain. 2015;138(Pt 7):1817-1832. PMID 25981959. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awv117
Horber V, Andersen GL, Arnaud C, et al. Prevalence, Clinical Features, Neuroimaging, and Genetic Findings in Children With Ataxic Cerebral Palsy in Europe. Neurology. 2023;101(24):e2509-e2521. PMID 37857495. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207851
Elshafey MA, Abdrabo MS, Elnaggar RK. Effects of a core stability exercise program on balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2022;22(2):172-178. PMID 35642697. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35642697/
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
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