Movement coordination disorders or ataxia are quite common motor function impairments. Limbs may lose strength or maintain their previous level. A child's movements with such disorders become awkward, imprecise, and balance is disrupted when walking or standing. Ataxia can be static or dynamic. In the first case, balance disturbances are observed when standing, while in the second, they occur during movement. There are several types of ataxia – cerebellar, sensory, vestibular, Friedreich's hereditary, and telangiectasia. The cerebellum is the main organ that controls the smoothness, accuracy, and coordination of movements in the limbs.
Causes
There are many causes of movement coordination disorders. Cerebellar disturbances are registered in congenital defects of the cerebellum or atonic cerebral palsy, tumors of the cerebellar vermis or hemispheres, and brain injuries. Balance and coordination disturbances can be observed in hereditary degenerative diseases accompanied by lesions of the central nervous system.
Symptoms of Movement Coordination Disorders
Ataxic disturbances are accompanied by manifestations such as uneven and shaky movements. If the muscles are weakened, the patient's gait may be uneven, intermittent, and they may sway. Patients with movement coordination disorders may experience tremors – shaking of the hands or head. During movement, the tremor may increase. Movements of patients with ataxia may have a larger amplitude and be uncoordinated. This condition often also affects handwriting. Speech disorders are frequently registered in children.
Diagnosis of Movement Coordination Disorders in Israel
To diagnose movement coordination disorders in younger children, contact between the doctor and the child is necessary. First, a physical examination is conducted. Determining disturbances in children of this age group can only be done by observing their activities. By analyzing how the child reaches for toys, stands, sits, walks, and runs, conclusions can be drawn about the corresponding disturbances. Diagnosis of these disorders in Israel involves the participation of a neurologist, cardiologist, and toxicologist.
Treatment of Movement Coordination Disorders in Israel
Movement coordination disorders are considered incurable diseases. With timely and accurate diagnosis, it is possible to correct this condition. For this purpose, physiotherapeutic treatment is conducted in Israel, which is the main tool of the physician. The assistance of psychologists and psychotherapists is also important to reduce the child's anxiety level and address other psycho-emotional issues.
Prevention
Timely diagnosis of disorders and their correction will help raise a socially and physically adapted child. To develop balance and coordination of movement, therapeutic gymnastics sessions are prescribed. A set of exercises is developed to help develop skills necessary for everyday life.