truncal ataxia truncal ataxia truncal ataxia (or trunk ataxia) is a wide-based "drunken sailor" gait characterised by uncertain starts and stops, lateral deviations and unequal steps. it is an instability of the trunk and often seen during sitting. it is most visible when shifting position or walking heel-to-toe. main article: ataxia truncal ataxiaother namestrunk ataxia, ataxic gaitcaused by midline damage to the cerebellar vermisspecialtyneurologysymptoms"drunken sailor" gait characterised by uncertain starts and stops, fallingcausesspinocerebellar ataxia (lesion in flocculonodular lobe or vestibulo-cerebellum) as a result of this gait impairment, falling is a concern in patients with ataxia. truncal ataxia affects the muscles closer to the body such as the trunk, shoulder girdle and hip girdle. it is involved in gait stability. truncal ataxia is different from appendicular ataxia. appendicular ataxia affects the movements of the arms and legs. it is caused by lesions of the cerebellar hemispheres. causes truncal ataxia is caused by midline damage to the cerebellar vermis. there are at least 34 conditions that cause truncal ataxia. common alcohol intoxication cerebral infarction cerebral hemorrhage cerebellar ataxia multiple sclerosis friedreich's ataxia drugs such as benzodiazepines, lithium, phenytoin uncommon adrenoleukodystrophy ataxia oculomotor apraxia type 1 branchial myoclonus christianson syndrome dandy–walker syndrome dysequilibrium syndrome epilepsy episodic ataxia post viral cerebellar ataxia gerstmann–sträussler–scheinker syndrome machado–joseph disease microcephaly n-acetylaspartate deficiency neuhauser–eichner–opitz syndrome paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration polymicrogyria rett syndrome spinocerebellar ataxia vertebral dissection