Acute cerebellar ataxia.

Acute cerebellar ataxia occurring in childhood is a definite clear-cut syndrome, yet only three cases appear to have been reported in the British literature (Batten, 1907; Taylor, 1913), although more recently cases with similar features have been included in wider surveys on encephalitis by Brewis (1954) and on ataxia by Shanks (1950). Typically the clinical picture is characterized by the sudden onset of ataxia in a previously well child. The infant staggers, falls and acquires a drunken, uncertain gait; there is often a gross intention tremor, staccato speech and frequently nystagmus. There are no signs of meningeal irritation, fever is absent and the infant remains alert with no alteration of consciousness. Despite these alarming signs the prognosis is generally favourable and recovery takes place over a period of time ranging from a few days to six months. The object of this paper is to report seven further cases of acute cerebellar ataxia, to discuss those already reported and to draw attention to a syndrome which, if unrecognized, may result in disorders of a more serious nature being diagnosed.