The term ataxia refers to poor coordination of movement and is frequently used to describe a wide-based, uncoordinated, unsteady gait. Poor coordination of the limbs and speech are often present. Ataxia may result from dysfunction of the cerebellum and its associated systems, lesions in the spinal cord, peripheral sensory loss, or any combination of these three conditions.  (Note: for a more complete definition or for information about specific types of ataxia, see the National Ataxia Foundation and Links.)