Cause 9. Chronic Hypothyroidism: An Unexpected Contributor
In the realm of endocrine disorders, chronic hypothyroidism presents an intriguing link with cerebellar ataxia. Hypothyroidism, characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones, predominantly affects the body’s metabolism. Still, its implications can extend to the nervous system, resulting in what’s termed as “myxedematous ataxia”.
In myxedematous ataxia, the buildup of mucopolysaccharides within the tissues, including the brain, can lead to cerebellar dysfunction. Mucopolysaccharides are long-chain sugar molecules that tend to attract water, leading to a buildup of fluid in tissues. This accumulation can cause swelling and compression within the cerebellum, which can subsequently disrupt cerebellar function and manifest as ataxia.
The silver lining here is that myxedematous ataxia is typically treatable. Once the underlying hypothyroidism is diagnosed, hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine can effectively restore thyroid hormone levels and reverse many of the associated symptoms, including ataxia. (9)
