Ataxia
- Article
- 2021-03-02
Ataxia often occurs when parts of the nervous system that control movement are damaged. People with ataxia experience a lack of muscle control in their arms and legs, which results in a lack of balance and coordination or gait disturbance. While the term ataxia is primarily used to describe this set of symptoms, it is also sometimes used to refer to a family of conditions. However, it is not a specific diagnosis.
In most conditions that result in ataxia, cells degenerate or atrophy in the part of the brain called the cerebellum. Sometimes the spine is also affected. The terms cerebellar degeneration and spinocerebellar degeneration are used to describe changes that have occurred in a person's nervous system; neither term is a specific diagnosis. Cerebellar and spinocerebellar degeneration have many different causes. The age at which the resulting ataxia starts varies depending on the underlying cause of the degeneration.
Many ataxias are hereditary and are classified according to chromosomal location and inheritance pattern: autosomal dominant, where the affected person inherits a normal gene from one parent and a defective gene from the other parent; and autosomal recessive, with both parents passing on a copy of the defective gene. The most common hereditary ataxias include Friedreich's ataxia and Machado-Joseph's disease. Sporadic ataxia can also run in families with no previous history.
Ataxia can also be acquired. Conditions that can cause acquired ataxia include stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, alcoholism, peripheral neuropathy, metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies.
Therapy
There is no cure for the hereditary ataxia. If the ataxia is caused by another condition, that underlying condition will be treated first. For example, ataxia caused by a metabolic disorder can be treated with medication and a controlled diet. Vitamin deficiency is treated with vitamin therapy. A variety of medications can be used to effectively prevent the symptoms or reduce the frequency with which they occur. Physical therapy can strengthen muscles, while special devices or devices can help with walking and other daily activities.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with ataxia and cerebellar / spinocerebellar degeneration varies depending on the underlying cause.
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