Ataxia laboratory tests

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Laboratory Findings

Diagnostic evaluation of Ataxia include:

If case of suspected drug-induced ataxia, therapeutic drug levels should be measured. Phenobarbital, butabarbital and blood alcohol levels should be closely monitored.

Complete blood counts and differential count
Cerebrospinal fluid examination for cell count, proteins and glucose levels – if fever is present
Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 levels
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Heavy metal levels (bismuth, lead, mercury)
Toxicology screening
HIV, syphilis, Lyme and toxoplasmosis serology
Para-neoplastic panel
Genetic testing

References

Laboratory Findings