Ataxia is symptomatic terminology that describes incoordination or loss of balance. This common neurological symptom can arise from various diseases as cerebellar, sensory or vestibular disorders. Differentiating sensory ataxia from cerebellar ataxia is still challenging in many clinical situations. Here, we describe clinical characteristics of sensory ataxia that help clinician distinguish sensory ataxia from cerebellar ataxia. We introduce specific diseases that involve peripheral nerve, dorsal root/ganglia or posterior column to cause sensory ataxia and suggest diagnostic approach in ataxic patients.

KEYWORDS : Ataxia, Sensory ataxia, Peripheral neuropathy, Dorsal root, ganglinopathy, Posterior column disease