The term ataxia was originally applied to a specific disturbance of motor function that results in loss of coordination and voluntary movements. Subsequently, ataxia was defined as a disturbance which, quite independent of any motor weakness, alters direction and extent of voluntary movement and impairs the sustained voluntary or reflex muscle contractions necessary for maintaining posture and equilibrium (1). This includes static or postural ataxia, which is a disorder of the maintenance and regulation of voluntary and reflex muscle contractions, and kinetic ataxia, the disturbed coordination of purposeful movements.The major types of ataxias are cerebellar, sensory, labyrinthine, and psychogenic. Until recently the treatment of ataxias has been mainly physical, e.g., the use of weight on limbs. Within the last decade, use of pharmacological agents has been attempted with varying degrees of success (Table 1). This review will evaluate various pharmacological agents that have been used in attempts to treat cerebellar ataxia.