Friedrich's ataxia
Ataxia isa term for a group ofdisorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech.
Anypart of the body can be affected, but people with ataxia oftenhave difficulties with:
The exact symptoms and their severity vary depending on the type of ataxia a person has.
There are many different types of ataxia, which canbe divided into three broad categories:
Ataxiausually results from damage to a part of the brain called the cerebellum, but it can also be caused by damage to other parts ofthe nervous system.
This damage can be part of an underlyingcondition such asMS, or can be caused bya headinjury , lack of oxygen to the brain,or long-term, excessive alcohol consumption.
Hereditary ataxia is caused by a faulty gene passed on by family members, who may or may not be affected.
Some types may remain relatively stable or even improve with time, but most will get progressively worse over many years.
Life expectancy is generally shorter than normal for people with hereditary ataxia, although some people can live well into their 50s, 60s or beyond. In more severe cases, the condition can be fatal in childhood or early adulthood.
For acquired ataxia, the outlook depends on the underlying cause. Some cases may improveor stay the same, whileother casesmayget gradually worse over time and reduce life expectancy.
If you have ataxia, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).
This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.
Ataxia is the term for a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech. Find out about the main types, what causes them, and how they're treated.
Read about some of the main types of ataxia, including when they develop and what the outlook is.
Read about the main causes of ataxia, including how some types are passed on to a child by their parents.
Read about the tests and examinations you may need for your doctor to diagnose ataxia and determine which form of the condition you have.
Read about the treatments, support and care available for people with different types of ataxia.