Ataxia
What is ataxia?
Ataxia is a loss of muscle control. People with ataxia lose muscle control in their
arms and legs. This may lead to a lack of balance, coordination, and trouble walking.
Ataxia may affect the movements of:
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Fingers
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Hands
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Arms
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Legs
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Body
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Eyes
It can also affect the muscles that are used for speech.
What causes ataxia?
Many things can cause the symptoms of ataxia, including:
In these cases, treating the condition that caused ataxia may improve it.
The word ataxia usually describes symptoms. But it also describes a group of certain
degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. These are:
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Hereditary ataxia. This type is caused by a defect in a gene that a person is born with. Hereditary
ataxia may progress over a number of years. How severe the disability is depends on
the type of ataxia, the age when the symptoms start, and other factors. Some types
of hereditary ataxia start in childhood. Others start in the adult years.
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Sporadic ataxia. This type usually starts in adulthood. It has no known family history.
With hereditary ataxia, a defective gene makes abnormal proteins. These cause nerve
cell damage and lead to ataxia. As the disease gets worse, muscles react less and
less to the commands of the brain. This causes balance and coordination to get worse
over time.
What are the symptoms of ataxia?
Symptoms and when they start may vary depending on the type of ataxia. The most common
symptoms include:
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Balance and movement problems (affected first)
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Poor movement of hands, arms, and legs
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Slurring of speech
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Wide-based gait when walking
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Trouble writing and eating
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Slow eye movements
The symptoms of ataxia may look like other conditions or medical problems. Make sure
to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is ataxia diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and your family’s medical
history. You will also have a neurological and physical exam. And you may have tests
such as:
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Lab tests. These include blood and urine tests.
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Genetic tests. Tests done to see if a person has certain gene changes (mutations) or chromosome changes
that are known to increase risk for some inherited conditions
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MRI. This is a test that uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed
images of organs and structures in the body

These tests may also be used to look for other conditions that can cause ataxia to
start suddenly. Certain conditions can cause ataxia to develop suddenly. These include:
Some conditions can cause ataxia to appear slowly. These include:
How is ataxia treated?
There is no cure for the hereditary ataxia. But treatments can help with managing
symptoms. And treating other causes of ataxia can help reduce symptoms.
If ataxia is caused by a stroke, a low vitamin level, or contact with a toxic drug
or chemical, then treatment done for those causes.
If the ataxia is caused by your immune system attacking the brain, you may have treatments
to suppress your immune system. Looking for and treating the cause of the immune defect
(such as tumor in the body) can also improve the symptoms.
The treatment for the lack of coordination or imbalance is mostly done with the use
of adaptive devices. These can help you to be as independent as possible. These devices
may include a cane, crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair. Physical therapy, speech
therapy, and medicines can help lessen symptoms. These can help with tremor, stiffness,
depression, spasticity, and sleep disorders.
Research is being done on cerebellar and spinocerebellar degeneration. This includes
work to find the causes of ataxias and ways to treat, cure, and prevent them.
What are possible complications of ataxia?
Each type of ataxia may progress differently. Falling or becoming chair- or bed-bound
may lead to injury, pressure sores, infection, and blood clots. Dementia, behavioral
problems, and depression may affect care. Other complications of ataxia may include:
In severe cases, a person may have rigidity that is not treatable, breathing trouble,
or choking which can lead to death. Some of the most difficult symptoms need to be
managed with special care. These may include a continuous positive airway pressure
device (CPAP), tracheostomy, or a feeding tube. Many things can be done to improve
the quality of life of the person with ataxia. Many things can be done to improve
the quality of life of the person with ataxia.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Contact your provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
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Balance and movement problems
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Lack of muscle control in hands, arms, or legs
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Slurring of speech
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Wide-based gait when walking
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Trouble with writing and eating
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Slow eye movements
Key points about ataxia
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People with ataxia lose muscle control in their arms and legs. This may lead to a
lack of balance, coordination, and trouble walking.
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Ataxia may affect the fingers, hands, arms, legs, body, speech, and eye movements.
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Some injuries or illnesses can cause ataxia to appear suddenly. These include head
injury, stroke, brain hemorrhage, infections, and other problems.
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Some conditions can cause ataxia to appear gradually. These include hypothyroidism,
alcohol abuse, low levels of some vitamins, and other problems.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells
you.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also
know what the side effects are.
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Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
visit.
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Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.