ARTEMIS - The ARTEMIS Cohort

This multinational European observational clinical study focuses on non-progressive congenital ataxia (NPCA), a very rare early-onset neurological condition also within the cerebral palsy (CP) concept as ataxic CP. The study aims to improve the diagnosis and care of affected children through a comprehensive approach that integrates detailed clinical assessments, brain imaging analyses, and advanced genetic testing. By identifying developmental trajectories, specific impairment profiles, brain MRI patterns, and genetic variants, the researchers aim to elucidate underlying mechanisms, origins and clinical heterogeneity of NPCA. The study also assesses the broader impact of the condition on the quality of life of affected children and the associated burden on their families. Preliminary data found a high prevalence of cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments, and a frequent lack of identifiable brain lesions on MRI, raising the hypothesis of a strong genetic contribution.

Inclusion Criteria: • male or female children * confirmed diagnosis of NPCA/Ataxic CP (SCPE definition) * aged ≥ 5 years and ≤ 8 years at time of data collection * written informed consent of at least one parent or legal representative in accordance to country regulations, and verbal assent of the child when possible Exclusion Criteria: Children with all other diagnoses of movement disorders or other CP subtypes \-