The epidemiology of intermittent and chronic ataxia in children in Manitoba, Canada
AimTo determine the epidemiology of chronic ataxia in children in Manitoba, Canada.
MethodA retrospective study using multiple sources and disease codes identified children (age 0–16y) with chronic ataxia (>2mo duration or recurrent episodes of ataxia) seen at Winnipeg Children's Hospital from 1991 to 2008. Patients with isolated peripheral nerve diseases, vestibular disorders, or brain tumors were excluded.
ResultsWe identified 184 patients (males=females; mean age 15y, SD 7y 8mo) with chronic ataxia. Median age at the presenting symptom onset was 1 year 3 months and at ataxia onset 3 years 1 month. Median duration of follow‐up was 6 years 5 months. During the study period, the crude incidence rate was 5.77 in 10 000; the crude prevalence rate was 6.59 in 10 000; and the cr...
