Sporadic ataxia with adult onset: classification and diagnostic criteria

In most patients with adult-onset progressive ataxia, the condition manifests without an obvious familial background. The classification and correct diagnosis of such patients remain a challenge, because almost the entire spectrum of non-genetic and genetic causes of ataxia has to be considered. A wide range of potential causes of acquired ataxia exist, including chronic alcohol use, various other toxic agents, immune-mediated inflammation,...