- also known as acute cerebellitis of childhood
- most commonly affects children 2-6 years old
- about 50% have a history of recent URI or viral GI illness
- abrupt onset of ataxia which may be mild to severe, and findings usually include hypotonia, tremor, horizontal nystagmus, and dysarthria
- child often is irritable with nausa/vomiting
- sensory exam and DTR's are normal
- CT and MRI are normal
- CSF usually demonstrates an increase in WBC, with a predemonance of lymphocytes
- 90% recover without any specific therapy in 6-8 weeks (steroids are not indicated).
