Which sign is typically associated with cerebellar disorders?

The sign typically associated with cerebellar disorders is characterized by a loss of balance and a wide base of support. Cerebellar dysfunction often leads to uncoordinated movements and postural instability, which manifests as an inability to maintain balance during standing or walking. Individuals may adopt a wider stance to compensate for their impaired balance, providing greater stability. This compensatory behavior is a clear indication of cerebellar involvement, as the cerebellum is crucial for fine-tuning motor activity, maintaining posture, and coordinating muscle movements.

The other options, while they relate to different neurological conditions or issues, do not directly imply cerebellar dysfunction. For instance, unilateral facial paralysis generally indicates a problem with cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve) and is commonly seen in conditions such as Bell's palsy or stroke. Muscle atrophy in the lower limbs typically suggests peripheral nerve injury or motor neuron disease rather than cerebellar pathology. Intense burning pain in the limbs is often associated with neuropathic pain conditions and is not characteristic of cerebellar disorders either. Thus, the sign of loss of balance and wide base of support aligns specifically with the roles and functions of the cerebellum.