Evaluation of ataxia in children using the brief ataxia rating scale (BARS)
Abstract
Ataxia in children is a common and nonspecific clinical sign that can have various origins. In cerebellar ataxia, the main characteristics involve alterations in posture, gait, eye movements, muscle tone, voluntary movements, and speech. The Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS) evaluates significant areas to detect signs of cerebellar dysfunction. It can be administered quickly and implemented from the age of four. It is a valid and reliable tool for assessing ataxia in the pediatric population. The objective of this step by step is to describe the application of the BARS.
References
Pavone P, Praticó AD, Pavone V, Lubrano R, Falsaperla R, Rizzo R, et al. Ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation. Ital J Pediatr. 2017;43(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s13052-016-0325-9
Crossref
| Google Scholar
Bürk K, Sival DA. Scales for the clinical evaluation of cerebellar disorders. Handb Clin Neurol. 2018;154:329-339. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63956-1.00020-5
Crossref
| Google Scholar
Saute JAM, Donis KC, Serrano-Munuera C, Genis D, Ramirez LT, Mazzetti P, et al. Ataxia rating scales--psychometric profiles, natural history and their application in clinical trials. Cerebellum. 2012;11(2):488–504. doi: 10.1007/s12311-011-0316-8
Crossref
| Google Scholar
Schmahmann JD, Gardner R, MacMore J, Vangel MG. Development of a brief ataxia rating scale (BARS) based on a modified form of the ICARS. Mov Disord. 2009;24(12):1820–8. doi: 10.1002/mds.22681
Crossref
| Google Scholar
Brandsma R, Spits AH, Kuiper MJ, Lunsing RJ, Burger H, Kremer HP, et al. Ataxia rating scales are age-dependent in healthy children. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2014;56(6):556–63. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12369
Crossref
| Google Scholar
Camargos S, Cardoso F, Maciel R, Huebra L, Silva TR, Campos VG, et al. Brief Ataxia Rating Scale: A Reliable Tool to Rate Ataxia in a Short Timeframe. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2016;3(6):621–3. doi: 10.1002/mdc3.12364
Crossref
| Google Scholar
Hartley H, Pizer B, Lane S, Sneade C, Pratt R, Bishop A, et al. Inter-rater reliability and validity of two ataxia rating scales in children with brain tumours. Childs Nerv Syst. 2015;31(5):693–7. doi: 10.1007/s00381-015-2650-5
Crossref
| Google Scholar










