Pseudo-ataxia due to Osteoid Osteoma

Abstract

Background: Ataxia is diagnosed by typical features on examination suggestive of a cerebellar etiology and can invoke extensive diagnostic testing. Osteoid osteomas (OOs) are benign bone tumors of the lower limbs that occasionally present with focal neurological signs. Case Report: A 3-year-old male presented with apparent progressive gait ataxia and non-specific leg pain. Initial imaging was unremarkable. However, 12 months later, a lesion was identified in the distal right femur, which was found to be an OO. The gait disorder and pain resolved after surgery. Discussion: This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing a gait disorder in young children.

Keywords

• Osteoid osteoma
• Ataxia
• Gait disturbance
• Socioeconomic status
• Caribbean
• West Indies
• Tremor
• Neurology
• Hyperkinetic movements